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16988252
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Parks and Recreation (2)
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16988252
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Parks and Recreation (2)
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James M. Cannon Files (Ford Administration)
James Cannon's Issues Files
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American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
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1976-10-31
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1976
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1976-07-01
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1976
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The original documents are located in Box 26, folder "Parks and Recreation (2)" of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 26 of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library LAng 1976] PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS ON PARKS PROPOSALS I had the opportunity during the Bicentennial to visit several national parks and related areas. I have seen the public enthusiasm for the national parks and looked at the attendance records (up about 20%). It seems to me that this generation of Americans have the benefits of the foresight of those who established Yosemite and other national parks a hundred years ago. It seems to me appropriate that this generation should offer as a Bicentennial birthday present to the next generation of Americans and generations to come a great expansion of our national park system so that our children and grandchildren have the benefits of this great American heritage. The expenditure of $150 million a year over the next 10 years means that we will have to tighten our belts elsewhere SO that we can preserve for future Americans our national parks, our forests, mountains, lakes, woodlands and other natural resources. [Aug 1976] The President said he was going from the Convention to Vail. From Vail he would slip away for one day to Yellowstone to make his National Parks announcement. He said he hasn't been back to Yellowstone since he worked there in the summer of 1936. The President indicated he thought this would be a good kickoff for his campaign. [Aug. 1976] The President said he was going from the Convention to Vail. From Vail he would slip away for one day to Yellowstone to make his National Parks announcement. He said he hasn't been back to Yellowstone since he worked there in the summer of 1936. The President indicated he thought this would be a good kickoff for his campaign. FORD is LIBRARY 9ERALD Extract Park Proposal Mtq Rk Cabmet after [Aing. 1976] the Country, D.C. QAU, Jan nons to 2066 not L out ach G r mnter I wife tam That with hugu ago m mid - - tuly - FORD i LVBRARY Preasured made our mi late they to lable pale. Nutrout Duh 5 without July 8 In the The Residention posuble that mught be talu in Water to Br Tenterned D bun Are naturial now up furth mm what duar determine to Anemi He & rp what new To In mz an buden the upsurds revenue was pule for the The FORD i LIBRARY GERALD and & amon it mi your alule is Mototyn of datent pole The will That The Barley Tv P am Details , Khope GERALD R. GERALD R. FORD FROM OMB [Aug. 1976] Issue: What special provision for city parks should be included in the President's parks initiative? Alternatives: A. Propose new legislation authorizing a $200 M one-time categorical grant to cities for rehabilitation of run- down park facilities. B. Announce issuance of a letter directing Cabinet Secretaries to urge cities to give special priority to parks rehabilitation in using available block grant funds, providing Federal technical assistance, and calling for reporting of funds spent for parks and accomplishments therewith. (See attachment) C. Propose no specific Federal initiative for city parks. Discussion: Background factors bearing on this question are: - Many believe city parks have been underfunded in recent years as cities have placed priority elsewhere in using available funds in tight years. - There are over 30,000 municipal and county parks in the U.S., with peak summer employment of about 90,000 people. - A Presidential proposal to provide new money for city parks, even on a one time basis, would be very popular with mayors, city recreation departments, and park users. - The expanded Land and Water Conservation Fund will increase matching grants to States for park acquisition and develop- ment from $180 M per year to an eventual $540 M per year, most of which will be spent in and near cities. - Block grants and special appropriationsnow provide billons that can be used by States and cities to rehabilitate or maintain existing parks. In addition to General Revenue Sharing, examples are: FORD i LIBRARI GERALD 2 $ Billion FY 1976 FY 1977 -- Community Development Block Grants 2.8 3.2 ------------------------- Comprehensive Employment and Training Assistance (CETA) programs Summer Youth Employment (To be programs 0.6 requested in March, 1977) Title I Employment Program 1.6 1.6 -- Local Public Works Act (recently enacted over Presidential veto) 00 Title I (Public works projects) -- 2.0 Title II counter-cyclical assistance to cities - 1.25 Total 5.0 8.05 - Proposals still under consideration by the Congress which could be used are: - the Young Adults Conservation Act (H.R. 10138) which has passed the House and is reported out in the Senate despite Administration opposition. --- increase in CETA Title I in the pending Labor-HEW appropriation of $300 M, also opposed by the Admin- istration. - Of the current programs, the CETA Summer Youth Employment Program and Title I of CETA could most readily be used to finance a Presidential initiative. The summer program provides part-time jobs at the minimum wage during the summer months for disadvantaged youths. Funds are avail- able for minimal supplies purchases. In 1976, 950,000 jobs are funded. The type of work done is at local dis- cretion, but traditionally includes a large component of clean-up/fix-up work. In Title I, sponsors normally devote about 60% of their effort to youth "work experience" activity which is similar to the summer program. Title I serves about 1 M youth per year. i FORD GERALD LIBRARY 3 - Of the new programs, the Local Public Works Employment Act could be a significant resource for this type of activity. Comparison of Alternatives Alternative A, a new, one time categorical grant of $200 M. Pros - Unique initiative identified with President. - $200 M in additional funds would be a popular commit- ment for special initiative. Cons - Adds $200 M to the total Federal budget in an area already amply funded. - Adds one more source of Federal funds which could be used for this purpose without a defensible pro- grammatic rationale for the need to do SO. - Represents a reversal of a Presidential policy of opposing new categorial grants in favor of expanding block grants. - Runs high risk of becoming a continuing categorical grant program. - Could be easily amended by Congress to provide Fed- eral grants for general operation and maintenance of local parks with huge Federal budget impacts (over 30,000 such parks employ about 90,000 people. $200 M provides only an average of $6,600 per park.) Alternative B: Presidential directive to Cabinet officers to help localities use existing block grant programs as funding source. Pros - No new legislation required - No addition to budget totals required. - Administrative machinery in place. - Avoids inviting a permanent categorical program FORD & GERALD LIBRARY 4 Cons - Is not as direct as an earmarked appropriation request; might be seen as a somewhat weaker commitment. - Redirected funds would not be as popular with recipients as added funds. - If not handled well by agencies, could be seen as Federal infringement on local prerogatives within the block grant programs. - Could invite other interests to seek comparable Presidential support for the use of such funds, leading to widespread earmarking, defeating the purpose of block grants. Alternative C; Provide no special new initiatives for city parks. Pros - Avoids problems created by (1) adding to Federal budget (2) creating new categorical grant or (3) attempting to direct use of block grant funds. - Would probably not be missed by potential bene- ficiaries. - Omission easily defensible, if challenged, given the pending Land and Water Conservation Fund increase and lavish funding of the CETA and jobs programs. Cons - Passes up an opportunity to make a popular proposal in an area in which it would be welcomed. - May generate challenge that problems of poor and of cities in the recreation area overlooked in favor of adding good things for the affluent, the suburban, and the rural areas. FORD is GERALD LIBRARY DRAFT MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE SECRETARY OF INTERIOR SECRETARY OF LABOR Subject: Use of funds for rehabilitation of city parks. Rehabilitation of urban parks for the benefit of millions of urban residents can be significantly furthered by use of Federal grant programs administered by your Departments. Specifically, several billion dollars in grant funds avail- able under Community Development Block Grants, Compre- hensive Employment and Training Act and Local Public Works Act programs are eligible to be used for urban park improvements. Because of the importance of providing rewarding outdoor recreation opportunity for millions of city residents, I hereby direct that you: - take immediate steps to urge recipients of funds under the above cited programs to set aside specific amounts for rehabilitation of parks and recreation areas, - provide technical advice and assistance in the preparation and implementation of urban park rehabilitation plans, LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD 2 - Report to me annually, beginning January 1977, on the amount of funds utilized for park rehabilita- tion and the major accomplishments resulting from this effort. I hope that through your efforts at least $200 million can be applied to this worthwhile task in the first year and that significant progress is made toward improving the quality of the outdoor recreation experience in urban areas. GERALD R. FORD Staffed out Hemphreys THE WHITE HOUSE Interior WASHINGTON August 3, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: JIM CANNON THRU: MAX FRIEDERSDORF m.b. FROM: CHARLES LEPPERT, JR. Cof. SUBJECT: Rep. Delbert Latta (R. - Ohio) Rep. Latta has forwarded the attached file on Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. Please note that Latta is interested in seeing to it that the National Park Service follows through on its recommendations. I suggest that a representative of the National Park Service visit Rep. Latta to review the recommendations and the time schedule for implementation. cc: Jim Mitchell John Kyl FORD i LIBRARY 03RALD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 5, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: JIM CANNON FROM: GEORGE W. HUMPHREYS SUBJECT: NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM At your direction, I visited five National Park areas in the Western States - Grand Teton and Yellowstone in Wyoming, Yosemite and Death Valley in California, and Grand Canyon in Arizona. My visits were for a day to a day and a half in each park, with an overnight in all but Death Valley. Although I met with the Park Superintendent in each site for a discussion of his problems, I spent most of my time talking with the campers, hikers, and one-day visitors. I used the concessioner's facilities without reference to my White House position and, in general, was able to view the facilities from a normal visitor's point. Five specific impressions should be noted, with the understanding that no attempt is being made to offer any hard evidence or to allege as fact any perception I may have. -- The presence of the concessioner in a park is far more evident than the presence of a Smoky - the Ranger in campaign hat. Concessioners operate the hotel, the dining room, the overnight tents, the bar, the snack shack, the horse rental, etc. Many people know the park as "a Fred Harvey Park" or a "Curry Company Park". In numbers, a concessioner will have 500-700 employees working and living in the park while Park Service personnel would be 100-150. The concessioner's people are all in the densely trafficked areas, of course, while the Ranger is out in a trail shack or on a maintenance job far removed from visitors. -2- -- Although the hikers, backpackers and cyclists think the parks are far too accessible - "We should rip out the roads and let nature lovers walk in here" "Too many people and cars in here; the park belongs to the bears" - the majority of the people want and enjoy the modern day conveniences. They drive into the park and pay $27 for a Holiday Inn type unit or $50 to $60 for a magnificent old hotel built in 1900 that is situated near the most spectacular view. Although they can, and do, pay $1.75 to $3.00 for a lunch counter meal, they can enjoy an adequate steak, trout, chicken kiev type meal for $7.50 to $9.50 plus wine and drinks. Many, many visitors come into the parks in the self-contained motor homes and pay $4.00 for electrical and water hook-ups, with a concessioner operated store nearby for eggs, bread, milk and bologna. The vast majority of the visitors completely enjoy the parks, visit more than one park on their vacations, and are not completely aware that the Park is a Federal facility. They don't think much about it at all, except that they like it. -- Upon first driving through and hiking in the parks, they appear well-kept, beautiful, and slightly crowded. However, many areas are not open to visitors because the roads and trails can't be kept up for lack of funds, maintenance is more cosmetic than substantial, and visitor services are limited (one biologist taking 75-80 people on a nature trail). Roads are being patched up instead of repaired, thus each year all the money is going for a patch that wears out before the next year's heavy traffic begins - a tremendous mistake from a capital investment standpoint. Sewage treat- ment, water supply, and waste disposal systems all need upgrading, but such problems are not visible to the public. -- The parks that I visited are beautiful - impressive beyond belief, except for Death Valley. The scars from the open mining operations there are ghastly. -3- -- The National Park Ranger is the complete professional - knowledgeable, courteous, dedicated, and happy with his position. There is a pride and esprit evident in the Park Service that is greater than any other I've seen among career men. Although the staffing in many cases is woefully short, the professionals are continuing to apply themselves to cover the major gaps through initiative, long hours and dedication. Park Service people like the visitors and genuinely try to help. To summarize, the American people enjoy their parks, the presence (and investment) of the concessioners will be a source of potential problems, and the Park Service needs, and deserves, help. CC: Quern Humphreys THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 9, 1976 ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM FOR: JIM CANNON JIM LYNN FROM: JIM CONNOR JE SUBJECT: U.S. Parks The attached article from the WASHINGTON POST of August 9, 1976 was returned in the President's outbox with the following notation: "Status of our project? 11 Please follow-up with appropriate action. cc: Dick Cheney Attachment Article entitled: "Beautiful U.S. Parks in Trouble" Beautiful U.S. Parks in Trouble By Philip A. McCombs Washington Post Staff Writer Shenandoah National Park-Lord, it is so beautiful here! It is so blue and blue and blue-the sky. We are SO lucky to have these green enormous hazy mountains that stretch out end- lessly into the heart of America. to have this rich dark earth, these trees stirring in the crisp morning breeze, with only the buzz of insects and some early morning chirping birds to break the stillness The national parks carry this sort of emotional charge for so many peo- ple. Robert R. Jacobsen, the intense and soft-spoken National Park Service ranger who is Shenandoah's adminis- trator, gets a little glistening in his eyes when he talks about the parks. "You know, I grew up in Wyoming in the Depression year and often the only vacation we could take would be sagebrushing. We'd get tents and go out camping-so I grew up tenting as a child in Grand Teton and Yellow- stone. That's when I decided to be a ranger. "My folks moved around a lot, too, and I never had a town I could go back to and call home-only the parks. 1 took my family back to Teton and Yellowstone just this January, and, you know, for me it was it was an emotional experience. I was going home. I knew the roads-we don't change the roads in the National Park System. I knew the turns in the roads, and the hills. I knew where things were. "Americans are very transient. peri- patetic-they're wanderers and this has been of great concern to sociolo- gists. I really believe that the Park Service is providing roots for this /country. People can take their chil- dren and their grandchildren back to the parks, and I think that people find reassurance in this at a time when cit- ies are changing, neighborhoods are changing: By Linda Wheeler-The Washington Post This is a story about what bad Shenandoah Mountains loom through the morning haze. See PARKS, A14, Col. 1 R1 THE WASHINGTON POST Monday, August 9. 1976 FORD & LIBRARY GERALD Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to these materials. THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION WASHINGTON Last Day: August 16 August 10, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: SUBJECT: JIM CANNON Jun S. 1526 - Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota Attached for your consideration is S. 1526, sponsored by Senator Humphrey. The enrolled bill would increase the existing appropriation authorization for land acquisition in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota from $4,500,000 to $9,000,000. The enrolled bill is substantively identical to legislation submitted by the Department of Agriculture. Additional information is provided in OMB's enrolled bill report at Tab A. OMB, Max Friedersdorf, Counsel's Office (Lazarus) and I recommend approval of the enrolled bill. RECOMMENDATION That you sign S. 1526 at Tab B. FORD EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET WASHINGTON. D.C. 20503 AUG 6 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 1526 - Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota Sponsor - Sen. Humphrey (D) Minnesota Last Day for Action August 16, 1976 - Monday Purpose Increases the existing appropriation authorization for land acquisition in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area from $4,500,000 to $9,000,000. Agency Recommendations Office of Management and Budget Approval Department of Agriculture Approval Discussion The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System located within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The area comprises over one million acres of forest land which contains numerous lakes and rivers that offer a wide range of opportunities for canoe travel and wilderness experiences. Under existing law, the Secretary of Agriculture has acquired some 60,000 acres of private land within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to protect it from undesirable use and development. Although some 21,500 acres remain to be acquired if the area is to be fully protected, Agriculture has nearly reached the $4,500,000 appropriation authorization ceiling that applies to such land GERALD FORD LIBRARY 2 acquisition, and in fact, payment has not been made for lands taken through condemnation because of insufficient funds. Accordingly, Agriculture submitted legislation to the 94th Congress to provide an additional $4,500,000 appropriation authorization for completing necessary land acquisition within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The Agriculture proposal also provided for payment of the outstand- ing condemnation award. Consistent with Agriculture's proposal, S. 1526 would increase the existing appropriation authorization for land acquisition within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area from $4,500,000 to $9,000,000. The enrolled bill would authorize use of monies from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and it would also provide for payment of condemnation awards. Finally, it would require the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress (1977-1980) concerning the land acquisition program, with the final report indicating whether or not additional funds are needed. In its enrolled bill letter, Agriculture notes that S. 1526 is substantively identical to its proposal and states that: "S. 1526 would make it possible for this Department to continue to provide for the acquisition of lands vulnerable to forms of use and development that could impair the unique qualities and natural features of the wilderness canoe country. The bill would also enable the Department to pay all of the money awarded by a Federal court to the owner of certain property acquired under the Act through condemnation proceedings." FORD OTH . James M. Frey for Legislative Reference Enclosure THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 10, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: JIM CANNON FROM: JACK MARSH SUBJECT: Canoe June Area, Minn. S. 1526 -- Boundary Waters If the President approves funding for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, I think consideration should be given to highlighting it because of special interest in sports and parks. Jack, We are asking Margita White to see if we can get special coverage on this. JMC GERALD . R. 3 THE WHITE HOUSE REQUESTED WASHINGTON August 12, 1976 PHONE MESSAGE FOR: JIM CANNON FROM: GEORGE HUMPHREYS by C.V. SUBJECT: National Park and Recreation Areas In 1975 there were 230 million visitations to the National Park and Recreation Areas (288 units). Projections for 1976 would indicate a visitation rate of 260 million. This compares to a 1965 rate of 113 million. Projections for future visitations vary tremendously because of the unknown number of potential areas that may be included in the system, but it can be assumed that the visitation rate could double over the next ten years. 1965 113 million 1975 230 million 1976 260 million 1986 Double 1976 figure? 520 million? FORD is LIBRARY GERALD CC: Humphreys CC: Art Quern THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 12, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR: JIM CANNON FROM: JIM CONNOR JEE The attached article from the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR dated August 12 was returned in the President's outbox with the request that it be forwarded to you for your information. cc: Dick Cheney Attachment: Article entitled: Crowding threatens Forest Preserves HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. Genald R. PUBLIC DOCUMENT Ford Ja M.C. FREE MICHIGAN. THE PRESIDENT Thursday, August 12, 1976 THE CHRISTIAN SCENCE-MONITOR Crowding threatens forest preserves By Clayton Jones Staff correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia A wave of campers and hikers has found a last frontier in U.S. wilderness preserves and threatens to turn it into a crowded, trailer- clogged, "facility"-laden jungle. The same troubles of overcrowding that hit the 30 million acres of the U.S. Park Service a En route to White Mountain National Forest, Gorham, New Hampshire By Barth J. Falkenberg, staff photographer decade ago are cropping up on the 186 million acres of the U.S. Forest Service's wild timber Wilderness areas threatened: hikers and campers discover uncluttered primitive forests and grazing lands. "People are banging on the trees to get into Few natural wonders such as Old Faithful half holds 6,434 campground and picnic areas, and more and more asked to take out the trash the forest," says Ranger Whit Lerer of the Mo- can be found in national forests - 155 of them 174 ski areas, 878 boating sites, 368 resorts, 550 they take in. nongahela Forest in West Virginia's high tim- in 43 states. Still, the attractions of solitude on organized camps, and 323 swimming sites The 12.3 million acres now designated by ber and grazing territory. Forest Service land brought a 7 percent in- the largest single supply of outdoor recreation. Congress as wilderness areas will increase to "Once we designate a forest a wilderness crease in visitors last year and more are ex- "Every bit will be covered by land-use 15.2 million by 1980 and perhaps double by 1985 area, it becomes a major attraction," he said. pected in 1976. Four wilderness areas now plans," says Mr. Smith. Hiking trails will be in- especially near urban areas. This protects "We thought backpacking was a fad but it have limits on use. creased from 97,000 to 120,000 miles to meet fragile, untouched land from roads and heavy hasn't leveled off it keeps increasing." For the first time, a master plan for the fu- the new demand. camping. Many campsites have had to be closed, hik- ture use of all the Forest Service's holdings Congress hiked the Forest Service recrea- Timber cutting would increase only 4 to 11 ing permits issued, no-littering signs put up, was finished this spring, after Congress asked tion budget 15 percent from $51.5 million this percent by 1980 as the lumber production bur- camping seasons shortened, and for the first for one in 1974. year to $59.1 million in 1977. The Park Service den is shifted from public lands to private and time, criminal activity rose right along with "But we are still agonizing over the balance received only an 11 percent increase. state forests, timber imports, and substitutes. the mounting popularity and expense of Amer- of recreation and industry on forest land," The new plan shifts the agency's priorities: A backlog of 2 million acres on Forest Service ica's "hidden" parks. says Zane G. Smith, Forest Service director of Wilderness recreation areas will be dis- land needs replanting. Timber companies sus- But unlike the National Park System, the recreation. persed rather than concentrated. Campers will tained a setback last August when a historic U.S. Forest Service under the Department of Half of the 186 million acres are "com- be given guidelines on taking care of the for- court ruling limited timber sales in the Mo- Agriculture poses few restrictions on visitors. mercially attractive timberland," but the other est, diverted to areas that meet their needs, nongahela National Forest. No entrance fees are required, campsites can usually be chosen anywhere, open fires are generally permitted, as is chopping firewood, visitors' guide to there with and dogs are allowed on trails. Conveniences such as ejectricity, flush toilets, paved paths, and treated water are hard to find. CHICAGO The Forest Service is more concerned with providing such "primitive" outdoor ex- periences than with packing campers trailer to trailer near_scenic and historic spots, as the Chicago's Department of Interior has had to do in most of its 37 national parks from Shenandoah to Yellowstone. ExecutiveHouse Delta is an line run by professionals. 71 EAST WACKER DRIVE (312) 346-7100 know eaking um d immediately how far from here to Adjacent to Seventeenth Church of Christ, anes Scientist, Chicago. 71 CLUB RESTAURANT THE OVAL ROOM RESTAURANT and MAP MEASURER MAP MEASURER MAP MEASURER MAP MEASURER / SUSO Montrase FIRST STOP FOR AIRPORT LIMOUSINES INDOOR PARKING. ROBERT R. CARRE, Vice President / General Manager - 7.79 campers compass on point MAP MEASURER A to station.attendanys.incase point off today destination.hikers. henniker's JUST 695 or surly Like Gene Harvey, line mechanic. Gene holds two FAA licenses. He has 17 years with Delta under his tool belt, in mechanic school, in the shop, on the flight line. He's learned how to Elegant Dining Regency Room fix everything from engines to instruments to and New Parisian Room ailerons to brakes. International Dinners That Delta jet belongs to Gene while it's at Desserts Flambeau the gate. And he won't turn it over to the pilot Caesar Salads until he's sure it's in perfect shape for the My live - (in Mail (or # name BA the at Florida, YES minimum to: Minimum of is Box (1-800) 7584, of of 3 three to 432-5024) In S.FREE San 779 (3) three Bush me how Map is St., (3) far Measurers, CA Box it 94120 7584, (800)327-8912 charge San Francisco, my just $19.95) CA two-week reach 94120 passengers' flight. When it comes to people, Gene Harvey couldn't care more. And that goes for all 28,000 Delta professionals. &DELTA Grassfield's 1 In Delta is ready when you are. International Restaurant State Zip 6666 N. Ridge Chicago BR 4-6666 D266-1 MS0812 INFORMATION THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 13, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: THE PRESIDENT FROM: JIM CANNON SUBJECT: STATUS OF NATIONAL PARK PROPOSAL about You asked the status of the National Park Proposal. At our direction, Interior has already prepared the draft legislation, along with the press release and fact sheets to accompany the legislation. Suggested speech material has been sent to Bob Hartmann, and his people are working on this material now. After initially opposing the proposal on budgetary grounds, OMB has been extremely cooperative and is currently reviewing the draft legislation in conjunction with the Domestic Council staff people. This review should be finished by August 19. You may want to look through the two attachments. -- A summary of the main points of the proposal (TAB A) -- A draft speech that has been given to Bob Hartmann to put into final (TAB B) GERALD ABVURIZ A. FORD A DOUBLE THE NATION'S PARKLANDS AND RECREATION AREAS PROPOSAL: Establish a ten-year program to double America's heritage of national parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, urban parks, and historic sites, excepting Alaska. OBJECTIVE: To double the nation's parklands, wildlife refuges and recreation areas. This new commitment will be a bicentennial gift that the American people will give to this and future generations of Americans. BACKGROUND: Today's citizens have inherited vast and irreplaceable gifts of parks, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries and recreation areas. The National Park Service's 287 units comprise 31.0 million acres of which 7.5 million acres are in Alaska. The Wildlife Refuge System's 378 units comprise 32.2 million acres of which 22.3 million acres are in Alaska. Yet with our nation's growth, these resources are often overcrowded and overused. At the same time many areas which would make superb parks, sanctuaries, or recreation areas are being lost forever because land values often make other uses more attractive in the short term. The proposed initial commitment of $1.5 billion over ten years would be a sound investment in America's priceless natural resources and avoid loss forever of an American heritage that cannot be replaced. It would mark again this nation's commitment to preserve the best of our vast and beautiful continent. It would expand permanently the natural treasures future generations of Americans will inherit before these resources are priced out of the public domain. This program does not include Alaska inasmuch as the Administration has already proposed to the Congress a major conservation initiative to protect in perpetuity 83 million acres of the public domain in that State. The President reiterates the need for Congress to act quickly on the Alaska proposals before the temporary protection afforded by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act expires in December 1978. DESCRIPTION: Legislation will be submitted to establish a $1.5 billion, ten-year program to: -- provide $500 million to be used to acquire new parks, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas and historic sites. provide $300 million to develop these new acquisitions into recreation and conservation resources ready to serve the public. provide $200 million for one-shot grants to cities to upgrade present park areas in disrepair. 2 -- provide $100 million for upgrading and increased staffing of current system of national parks and wildlife refuges. -- provide $400 million to develop parklands and refuges which are currently owned by the Federal government but are without the facilities needed to make them usable. DOUBLE THE NATION'S PARKLANDS AND RECREATION AREAS DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS: 1. Acquisition of new parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and historic sites. ($500 million immediate appropriation to remain avail- able for ten years over and above other funds such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund). Additions to the National Park System, $200 million for parks, national rivers, recreation areas, and historic sites. Additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System, $200 million for the preservation of natural areas and habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Additions to the Wild and Scenic River System and the National Trails System, $100 million. This includes a commitment to expedite the current and future studies on trails and rivers. The National Park Service currently purchases approximately 60,000 acres annually utilizing approximately $77 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. At this time, 559,608 additional acres and $449,631,713 are required to acquire lands in Congressionally authorized park and recreation areas and historic sites of the National Park System. In addition, there are thousands of acres of spectacular areas that are suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. The Fish and Wildlife Service currently acquires approximately 85,000 acres annually utilizing funds available from the Migratory Bird Conservation Account ($19.5 million in '76) and the Land and 2 Water Conservation Fund ($9.4 million in '76). At this time, approxi- mately 5-million additional acres estimated at $2.5 billion are necessary for the preservation of natural areas and habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. 2. Development of these new acquisitions into recreation and conser- vation resources ready to serve the public. ($300 million immediate appropriation to remain available for ten years over and above existing development programs and funding for units already in the National Park and Wildlife Refuge Systems). Such funds are generally to be used to implement park and refuge master plans, which include visitor facilities, road and trails, resource management tools, and such additional improvements as may be necessary for effective park and refuge management. 3. One-time grants to cities to upgrade present park areas in disrepair. ($200 million for fiscal year 1977). To be administered by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and apportioned among the major cities (utilizing the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas) on the basis of population and need with no city entitled to more than 3 percent. The President will ask the Congress for the necessary legislative authority to implement this new program well before the 1977 summer season. 4. Upgrading and increased staffing of current systems of national parks and wildlife refuges. ($100 million for fiscal year 1977 and each year thereafter). 3 Upgrading -- $80 million for rehabilitation of deteriorated facilities with $60 million for national parks and $20 million for wildlife refuges with preference to be given to those areas having significant public visitation. Increased staffing -- $20 million and approximately 1500 permanent positions with 1000 for national parks and 500 for wildlife refuges to bring the present field employment up to a level that will insure the protection of the natural resource and meet the increasing public demand. 5. Development of parklands and refuges currently in the Federal systems but without the necessary facilities for proper resource management or public use. ($400 million immediate appropriation to remain available until expended). National park units -- recently authorized areas at which little or no development has been provided -- $300 million. National wildlife refuges -- $100 million. The fiscal year '76 appropriation amounts to $11.4 million for development of National Park units and $500,000 for Wildlife Refuges. Park Proposal Misc. Interior B THE WHITE HOUSE DRAFT WASHINGTON July 19, 1976 ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE On the fourth of July, 1976, Americans everywhere experienced what it means to join in celebrating their country and its ideals. The surge of emotion, the infectious good will that characterized that day have made us all realize that we are more united than we thought, more at ease with one another than we remem- bered. It was a day filled with memories for a people again discovering the hopes and promises of the future. The fourth of July has also convinced me of something I have long thought to be true - that as a nation we are ready to embark upon a major project that will mark the Bicentennial year in a more permanent way than parades, reinactments, fireworks, and flotillas. And I know of no more appropriate project of this kind than to assure that our natural heritage will be preserved and enhanced during America's third century. I am, therefore, asking this generation of Americans, the generation that is privileged to celebrate our 200th 2 birthday, to join in a commitment to the land, a commit- ment to the future, a commitment to our children, a commitment to ourselves. I ask that Americans in 1976 endorse and enact a 10 year program to double the nation's heritage of parks and recreation areas. I am submitting to Congress the Bicentennial Land Heritage Act which will provide a total of $1.5 billion over a ten- year period to: --- double our heritage of land for parks, recreation areas and wildlife refuges. --- begin development of these lands to make them accessible, useable, and enjoyable. -- upgrade current facilities and increase staff at existing parks. -- provide a new $200 million program for urban parks. -- accelerate the development of parklands and refuges which have had to be delayed for lack of manpower and funding. Americans have always evinced a profound love for their land. They have also displayed a great capacity for adventure. In examining our past during this Bicentennial year, we cannot help being struck by the hardiness of our ancestors. For them, the ability to live in rugged, undeveloped countryside was a necessity and encounters 3 with wild creatures were commonplace. This history has left an indelible mark on our national character. A good measure of the vitality of this aspect of our character is visitation to the National Parks, which is again up -- as high as 20 percent in some parks -- this year, to a projected total of 260 million visitors during 1976. This influx of visitors, however, can also pose problems for the National Park Service, whose mandate is to provide for the enjoyment of the parks "in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations". I have concluded that if visitors are to be properly accommodated, both the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the national wildlife refuges, must have substantial increases in manpower and funding. In addition, the National Wildlife Refuge System should be expanded to include several million additional acres of vital wildlife habitat before these lands are converted to other uses. As America has developed into the world's leading industrial nation, her people have migrated to cities. Today we are an urban nation. Unfortunately, however, many of our city residents have been deprived of that vital force in our national character to which I have referred -- the zest for recreation in natural settings. A major cause of this deprivation has been the inability of our cities to maintain the parks which they have created and to serve the visitors who use them. I believe there is a need for a widespread infusion of Federal funds to help our cities rehabilitate and improve their parks and other outdoor recreation facilities. The Bicentennial Land Heritage Act is an opportunity for us today to address these issues on behalf of future Americans. I believe that enactment of this proposal, together with enactment of my proposal to establish new parks, refuges, and wild and scenic rivers in Alaska, would constitute a superb environmental bequest from Bicentennial America to our successors. It is my fervent hope that upon our nation's 300th birthday, on July 4, 2076, Americans will remember us both by our spirited celebration of the Bicentennial and by the size of the land heritage which we preserved unimpaired and devoted to the enjoyment of future generations. B THE WHITE HOUSE DRAFT WASHINGTON July 19, 1976 ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE On the fourth of July, 1976, Americans everywhere experienced what it means to join in celebrating their country and its ideals. The surge of emotion, the infectious good will that characterized that day have made us all realize that we are more united than we thought, more at ease with one another than we remem- bered. It was a day filled with memories for a people again discovering the hopes and promises of the future. The fourth of July has also convinced me of something I have long thought to be true - that as a nation we are ready to embark upon a major project that will mark the Bicentennial year in a more permanent way than parades, reinactments, fireworks, and flotillas. And I know of no more appropriate project of this kind than to assure that our natural heritage will be preserved and enhanced during America's third century. I am, therefore, asking this generation of Americans, the generation that is privileged to celebrate our 200th birthday, to join in a commitment to the land, a commit- ment to the future, a commitment to our children, a commitment to ourselves. I ask that Americans in 1976 endorse and enact a 10 year program to double the nation's heritage of parks and recreation areas. I am submitting to Congress the Bicentennial Land Heritage Act which will provide a total of $1.5 billion over a ten- year period to: --- double our heritage of land for parks, recreation areas and wildlife refuges. --- begin development of these lands to make them accessible, useable, and enjoyable. -- upgrade current facilities and increase staff at existing parks. -- provide a new $200 million program for urban parks. --- accelerate the development of parklands and refuges which have had to be delayed for lack of manpower and funding. Americans have always evinced a profound love for their land. They have also displayed a great capacity for adventure. In examining our past during this Bicentennial year, we cannot help being struck by the hardiness of our ancestors. For them, the ability to live in rugged, undeveloped countryside was a necessity and encounters 3 with wild creatures were commonplace. This history has left an indelible mark on our national character. A good measure of the vitality of this aspect of our character is visitation to the National Parks, which is again up -- as high as 20 percent in some parks -- this year, to a projected total of 260 million visitors during 1976. This influx of visitors, however, can also pose problems for the National Park Service, whose mandate is to provide for the enjoyment of the parks "in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations". I have concluded that if visitors are to be properly accommodated, both the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the national wildlife refuges, must have substantial increases in manpower and funding. In addition, the National Wildlife Refuge System should be expanded to include several million additional acres of vital wildlife habitat before these lands are converted to other uses. As America has developed into the world's leading industrial nation, her people have migrated to cities. Today we are an urban nation. Unfortunately, however, many of our city residents have been deprived of that vital force in our national character to which I have referred -- the zest for recreation in natural settings. A major cause of this deprivation has been the inability of our cities to maintain the parks which they have created and to serve the visitors who use them. I believe there is a need for a widespread infusion of Federal funds to help our cities rehabilitate and improve their parks and other outdoor recreation facilities. The Bicentennial Land Heritage Act is an opportunity for us today to address these issues on behalf of future Americans. I believe that enactment of this proposal, together with enactment of my proposal to establish new parks, refuges, and wild and scenic rivers in Alaska, would constitute a superb environmental bequest from Bicentennial America to our successors. It is my fervent hope that upon our nation's 300th birthday, on July 4, 2076, Americans will remember us both by our spirited celebration of the Bicentennial and by the size of the land heritage which we preserved unimpaired and devoted to the enjoyment of future generations. file Interior THE WHITE HOUSE INFORMATION WASHINGTON August 13, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: SUBJECT: JIM Park CANNON Proposal Jun You asked about the status of the National Park Proposal: Bob Hartmann has the speech material. A summary of the main points of the proposal is ready (Tab A). Legislation has been prepared and is now under- going a final review by the Domestic Council and OMB staff. OMB, after initially opposing the proposal on budgetary grounds, is now fully cooperating. In sum, we will be ready to go as soon as Bob Hartmann has the opportunity to finish the speech. DOUBLE THE NATION'S PARKLANDS AND RECREATION AREAS PROPOSAL: Establish a ten-year program to double America's heritage of national parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, urban parks, and historic sites, excepting Alaska. OBJECTIVE: To double the nation's parklands, wildlife refuges and recreation areas. This new commitment will be a bicentennial gift that the American people will give to this and future generations of Americans. BACKGROUND: Today's citizens have inherited vast and irreplaceable gifts of parks, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries and recreation areas. The National Park Service's 287 units comprise 31.0 million acres of which 7.5 million acres are in Alaska. The Wildlife Refuge System's 378 units comprise 32.2 million acres of which 22.3 million acres are in Alaska. Yet with our nation's growth, these resources are often overcrowded and overused. At the same time many areas which would make superb parks, sanctuaries, or recreation areas are being lost forever because land values often make other uses more attractive in the short term. The proposed initial commitment of $1.5 billion over ten years would be a sound investment in America's priceless natural resources and avoid loss forever of an American heritage that cannot be replaced. It would mark again this nation's commitment to preserve the best of our vast and beautiful continent. It would expand permanently the natural treasures future generations of Americans will inherit before these resources are priced out of the public domain. This program does not include Alaska inasmuch as the Administration has already proposed to the Congress a major conservation initiative to protect in perpetuity 83 million acres of the public domain in that State. The President reiterates the need for Congress to act quickly on the Alaska proposals before the temporary protection afforded by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act expires in December 1978. DESCRIPTION: Legislation will be submitted to establish a $1.5 billion, ten-year program to: provide $500 million to be used to acquire new parks, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas and historic sites. provide $300 million to develop these new acquisitions into recreation and conservation resources ready to serve the public. provide $200 million for one-shot grants to cities to upgrade present park areas in disrepair. 2 -- provide $100 million for upgrading and increased staffing of current system of national parks and wildlife refuges. -- provide $400 million to develop parklands and refuges which are currently owned by the Federal government but are without the facilities needed to make them usable. DOUBLE THE NATION'S PARKLANDS AND RECREATION AREAS DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS: 1. Acquisition of new parks, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and historic sites. ($500 million immediate appropriation to remain avail- able for ten years over and above other funds such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund). Additions to the National Park System, $200 million for parks, national rivers, recreation areas, and historic sites. Additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System, $200 million for the preservation of natural areas and habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Additions to the Wild and Scenic River System and the National Trails System, $100 million. This includes a commitment to expedite the current and future studies on trails and rivers. The National Park Service currently purchases approximately 60,000 acres annually utilizing approximately $77 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. At this time, 559,608 additional acres and $449,631,713 are required to acquire lands in Congressionally authorized park and recreation areas and historic sites of the National Park System. In addition, there are thousands of acres of spectacular areas that are suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. The Fish and Wildlife Service currently acquires approximately 85,000 acres annually utilizing funds available from the Migratory Bird Conservation Account ($19.5 million in '76) and the Land and 2 Water Conservation Fund ($9.4 million in '76). At this time, approxi- mately 5-million additional acres estimated at $2.5 billion are necessary for the preservation of natural areas and habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. 2. Development of these new acquisitions into recreation and conser- vation resources ready to serve the public. ($300 million immediate appropriation to remain available for ten years over and above existing development programs and funding for units already in the National Park and Wildlife Refuge Systems). Such funds are generally to be used to implement park and refuge master plans, which include visitor facilities, road and trails, resource management tools, and such additional improvements as may be necessary for effective park and refuge management. 3. One-time grants to cities to upgrade present park areas in disrepair. ($200 million for fiscal year 1977). To be administered by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and apportioned among the major cities (utilizing the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas) on the basis of population and need with no city entitled to more than 3 percent. The President will ask the Congress for the necessary legislative authority to implement this new program well before the 1977 summer season. 4. Upgrading and increased staffing of current systems of national parks and wildlife refuges. ($100 million for fiscal year 1977 and each year thereafter). 3 Upgrading -- $80 million for rehabilitation of deteriorated facilities with $60 million for national parks and $20 million for wildlife refuges with preference to be given to those areas having significant public visitation. Increased staffing -- $20 million and approximately 1500 permanent positions with 1000 for national parks and 500 for wildlife refuges to bring the present field employment up to a level that will insure the protection of the natural resource and meet the increasing public demand. 5. Development of parklands and refuges currently in the Federal systems but without the necessary facilities for proper resource management or public use. ($400 million immediate appropriation to remain available until expended). National park units -- recently authorized areas at which little or no development has been provided -- $300 million. National wildlife refuges -- $100 million. The fiscal year '76 appropriation amounts to $11.4 million for development of National Park units and $500,000 for Wildlife Refuges. Jim CANNON THE WHITE HOUSE tarks WASHINGTON August 26, 1976 MEMORANDUM TO: JIM CAVANAUGH FROM: GEORGE W HUMPHREYS SUBJECT: The President's Bicentennial Land Heritage Program Attached are the latest draft documents to support the President's proposed remarks on Sunday. OMB, although reluctant to approve the concept on budgetary grounds, has reviewed the proposal thoroughly. One point of contention remains--how to fund the $200,000,000 urban park rehabilitation portion. We think it should be new money requiring authorizing legislation. OMB's current thinking is that we should redirect funds under existing authorities in other agencies and programs. OMB is planning to send to you their arguments on this point, along with some alternative funding Lands for the President's consideration. Bob Hartmannhas been working on a draft speech using a fact sheet that reflects different numbers than are now proposed. I suggest you give him a copy of Tab A for his corrections. The President should be aware of two major points: -- The acquisition program is based entirely on the assumption that he will approve the new land and water conservation fund legislation expected to pass Congress within 10-14 days. This would increase the LWCF from the current $300 million per year to the $900 million per year in three years. The Administration has opposed this Legislation. -2- -- The doubling of the acreage is based to a large degree upon the inclusion of Alaskan lands. We will be adding 300,000 acres within the contiguous 48 to an existing base 3.4 million acres under this program. The additional state-side acreage for the next 10 years will come from the expanded Land and Water Conservation Fund, thus the combined effect of the President's approach and the LWCF acquisitions will more than double the total U.S. acreage. now (Jown 33.4 usable 30 up usable 33.4. is 2T 10% N#28 R FORD-PARKS VAIL. COLO. (AP) -- PRESIDEET FORD WILL UNVE L A NEW NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION PROPOSAL WHEE HE SPEAKS AGAINST A BACKDROP OF OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SUNDAY. THE LEGISLATION, WHICH WILL BE SUBMITTED TO CONGRESS, WOULD PROVIDE FUNDS TO ACQUIRE MORE PARK LANDS, IMPROVE THOSE ALREADY OWNED BY THE GOVERNMEET AND ADD MORE PARK PERSONNEL. THE COST WILL BE ABOUT $1.5 BILLION. THE BILL. ACCORDING TO ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS, WILL TIE FEDERAL PROGRAMS MORE CLOSELY TOGE HER WITH CITY AND STATE PROGRAMS. AFTER THE 1 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) ADD SS, THE PRESIDEET WILL FLY BY HELICOPTER TO THE PARK'S CANYON RANGER ST TTN, WHERE HE SERVED AS A FOREST BANGER 40 YEARS AGO. SEVERAL OF THE RANGERS WHO WORKED WITH HIM WILL GRE T HIM THERE FOR A REUNION. FORD THEE WILL FLY TO RAPID CITY, S.D., FOR AN AIR FORCE ONE REFUELING STOP ON THE WAY BACK TO WASHINGTON AT THE EED OF A NINE-DAY WORKING VACATION AT VAIL. THE PRESIDENT'S 4:30 P.M. ARRIVAL AT ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE IN RAPID CITY WILL BE OPEE TO THE PUBLIC. 08-27-76 10:55EDT FORD is LIBRARY GERALD