    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 24, 2006]
    [Pages 1554-1555]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on the Future of America's National Parks
    August 24, 2006

    Memorandum for the Secretary of the Interior

    Subject: The Future of America's National Parks

        In honoring its 90th anniversary, I have called on the National Park
    Service, and every American, to continue the cooperation necessary for
    our vibrant national parks to endure for the next 100 years and beyond.
        Over the past 5 years, the National Park Service has built a strong
    foundation for the future, with 6,000 park improvements completed or
    underway. We should further enhance our national parks during the decade
    leading up to the 2016 centennial celebration.

    [[Page 1555]]

        Therefore, I direct you to establish specific performance goals for
    our national parks that, when achieved, will help prepare them for
    another century of conservation, preservation, and enjoyment. These
    goals should integrate the assessments of the past 5 years used in
    monitoring natural resources and improving the condition of park
    facilities. You are to identify signature projects and programs that are
    consistent with these goals and that continue the National Park Service
    legacy of leveraging philanthropic, partnership, and government
    investments for the benefit of national parks and their visitors.
        You are directed to consult with the Director of the Office of
    Management and Budget and the Chairman of the Council on Environmental
    Quality as appropriate in implementing this memorandum. I encourage you
    to invite and receive suggestions from those who desire to preserve the
    scenic, cultural, historical, geological, and recreational values of our
    national parks.
        You are to report the results of the implementation of this
    memorandum to me by May 31, 2007.

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on August 25. An original was not available for verification of the
    content of this memorandum.