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1976/08/30 - Cabinet
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1976/08/30 - Cabinet
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James M. Cannon Files (Ford Administration)
James Cannon's Meetings Files
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The original documents are located in Box 61, folder "1976/08/30 - Cabinet" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 61 of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
* Polis
CABINET MEETING
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"Plans for the Fall"
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MEETING WITH VICE PRESIDENT
Friday, July 9, 1976
10:30 a.m.
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Mr. President, the origin of this Parks Proposal may be
interesting to Members of the Cabinet.
In the first week of July the President and Vice President
were discussing several initiatives that might be taken
2
in relation to the Bicentennial
During the Fourth of July the President has seen several
3
of the national parks and got a fresh sense of how impor-
tant this remarkable heritage is to the American people.
As a result of those conversations, the President directed
the Domestic Council staff to work with OMB and Interior
4
to find out where it was practical to double the national
park and recreation system in the wildlife refuges and what
work
it costs.
We went to work on that in mid-July, presented the facts to
the President and in late July he decided that he would
5
propose the doubling of the national park and recreational
system and announce
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Park, which is the prototype of national parks in this
country and throughout the world, and where the President
had once served as a park ranger.
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That is the background to the decision. Mr. President,
you might want to ask Secretary Kleppe to outline exactly
what your proposal does.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
TALKING POINTS FOR CABINET MEETING
After a week in Kansas City and a few days at Vail,
I thought it important that we get together for a
progress report on a number of matters before us.
Later in the week we will have another meeting, and
I have asked Jim Baker, Bob Teeter, and others to
review with you at that time where we are with the
campaign.
1. Foreign Affairs--Secretary Kissinger.
Henry, why don't you lead off with a report on
foreign affairs and the recent developments in
North Korea.
2. The Economy Alan Greenspan.
Alan, will you bring us up to date on the economy.
3. National Parks Proposal - Jim Cannon.
Jim, would you describe the National Parks
proposal that we announced yesterday at Yellowstone.
[Jim Cannon will lead off and then call on Tom Kleppe. ]
4. Congressional Report Jack Marsh.
Jack, what do you see as the key issues facing us
on the Hill in the next few weeks?
[You may wish to go around the table calling on each
Cabinet member for any general comments.]
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL
AUGUST 28, 1976
1:00 P.M. (M.D.T.) AUGUST 29, 1976
Office of the White House Press Secretary
(Vail, Colorado)
THE WHITE HOUSE
FACT SHEET
BICENTENNIALLAND HERITAGE PROGRAM
The President is proposing to estáblish a 10-year program to double America's
heritage of national parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges, urban parks,
and historic sites. This new commitment will be á Bicentennial gift that the
American people will-give to this and future genefations of Americans.
BACKGROUND
Because of the vision of ourgforefathers, today' 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. The Wildlife Refuge System's 378 units comprise 32. 2 million
acres. 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 im the short term.
The proposed initial commitment of $1. 5 billion over 10 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.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
An appropriation request will be submitted to establish a $1. 5 billion, 10-
year program to:
provide $141 million to be used to acquire new parks, wildlife refuges,
and recreation areas and historic sites through the Land and Water
Conservation,
provide $700 million to develop new and existing parklands and refuges
into recreation and conservation resources ready to serve the public.
provide $459 million for upgrading and increased staffing of current
system of national parks and wildlife refuges.
provide $200 million of additional funds to the Community Development
Bloc Grand Fund to be available to upgrade existing parks, particularly
in urban areas,
A.
PROGRAMS INCLUDED AND FUNDING
1. Acquisition of new parks, wildlife refuges) recreation areas, and
historic sites. ($141 million immediate appropriation from the Land and Water
Conservation Fund to remain available for 10 years.) Additions to the National
Park System--$110 million for parks, national rivers, recreation areas, and
historic sites. Additions to the National Wildlife Refuge System--$31 million
for the preservation of natural areas and habitat for wildlife, including en-
dangered species.
(MORE)
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
- 2 -
The National Park Service currently purchases approximately 60,000 acres
annually, utilizing approximately $77 million from the Land and Water Conser-
vation 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. Such purchases would
be made in future years to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The Fish and Wildlife Service currently acquires approximately 85,000 acres
annually, utilizing funds available from the Migratory Birds Conservation Account
($19.5 million in 1976) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund ($9. 4 million
in 1976). The President's Bicentennial Land Heritage Program will initially
more than double the nation's total acreage of parks, recreation areas, and
wildlife refuges. Over the 10-year period, it will continue to add acreage by
building upon a. growing Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Bicentennial
Land Heritage Program will over these 10 years be annually coordinated with
the increases in the Fund so as to best supplement, support and develop acreage
added by expansions in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
2. Development of these new and existing parklands and refuges into
recreation and conservation resources ready to serve the public. ($700 million
immediate appropriation to remain available for 10 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, roads and trails, resource management tools,
and such additional improvements as may be necessary for effective park and
refuge management.
National park units - $500 million
National wildlife refuges - $200 million
3. Upgrading and increased staffing of current systems and national parks
and wildiife refuges, ($459 million, of which $259 million immediate appro-
priation to remain available for ten years for upgrading, and $200 million over
ten years to be appropriated approximately $20 million annually for increased
staffing.)
Upgrading--$259 million for rehabilitation of deteriorated facilities, with $194. 3
million for national parks and $64. 7 million for wildlife refuges, with emphasis
to be given to those areas where public use opportunities are greatest.
Increased staffing--$200 million and approximately 1, 500 permanent positions,
with 1,000 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
resources and meet the increasing public demand. ($20 million annually for ten
years--$13 million for the National Park Service and $7 million for the Fish and
Wildlife Service.)
4. Increased funding of cities and states to be available for parks and
recreation areas.
The Community Development Bloc Grant Program at the Department of Housing
and Urban Development makes available funds--on both a formula and discre-
tionary basis to communities and states for community development purposes,
including the development of parks and recreation areas. $200 million will be
added to the FY 1977ilevel of $3. 2 billion. Recipients will be urged to give high
priority to upgrading existing parks, particularly in urban areas.
B. SPENDING REQUIREMENTS
While most of the program (all but $180 million) would be appropriated in
FY 1977, spending in terms of outlays-in FY 1977-would be about $185 million.
#
#
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 29, 1976
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
(Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming)
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMAPKS OF THE PRESIDENT
AT
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
OLD FAITHFUL LODGE
1:12 P.M. MDT
Tom Kleppe, Senator Hansen, representatives of
the Department of Interior, Reverend Clergy, ladies and
gentlemen:
Labor day, next weekend, marks the end of a
glorious summer. It means one more carefree holiday before
we all go back to school, back to work, back to the duties
we must do to build a better life for ourselves, our children
and our country.
For many, many families it means one last chance
to get out of town, out into the sun, under the stars,
close to nature's beauties and nature's creatures. For
me, this is a moment that I have been looking forward to
for a long, long time -- to return to Yellowstone where I
spent one of the greatest summers of my life.
Being a seasonal Park Ranger -- we used to call
them 90-day wonders, maybe they still do (Laughter) --
was one of the most challenging experiences, one of the
greatest jobs I ever had following my graduation from the
University of Michigan.
Now it seems more like fun than hard work, though
we had plenty of both.
I have been telling my family about that summer
ever since. Maybe I overdid those bedtime stories about my
fire-fighting exploits and my heroic bouts with the
bears. (Laughter)
At least that is what Mike, Jack, Steve and
Susan keep on telling me. (Laughter)
MORE
Page 2
So, this time, I brought some of the family
along. Jack, as you know, and has been mentioned, is
no stranger to Yellowstone. Two years ago this month,
he was working as a ranger at a tower station -- actually
he was out fishing -- when he got a sudden summons to
come to Washington to see his old man get a new job.
So, today, it is a sentimental return to the scene
of wonderful memories for two of the Fords and a new experience
for Susan, who hopes to get some good Yellowstone photographs
like she did last summer at Yosemite.
Family vacations -- especially among the majestic
mountains of the West -- are a tradition of our family. My
parents always took my brothers and myself to lakes and
woods in my State of Michigan before I was big enough to
go myself as a Boy Scout. There is something wonderful about
the wide open spaces that is almost a necessity for Americans.
Being alone with nature strengthens our love for one another
and for our country.
For those who live close to the land, this is
nothing new. But as more and more Americans live in
cities, the lure of the mountains, the beaches, the lakes
and the rivers, becomes more and more compelling. So,
I have a serious, as well as a sentimental, reason for
this visit today.
Our Bicentennial Fourth of July turned out to
be a very profound experience for millions and millions
of Americans. Amid the fireworks and parades, the Tall
Ships and the trips to historic shrines in our joyous
celebration of two hundred years of our Nation under God,
we found new meaning for the words of freedom, equality
and unity.
I always knew the Park Service was efficient and
effective (Laughter), and they really proved it just a moment
ago. (Laughter)
If I might say, with our Bicentennial Celebration,
which was very meaningful, on the Fourth of July, we did
find new meaning for the words freedom, equality and unity.
Somehow, despite our difficulties and our differences --
perhaps because of them -- Americans recaptured the essential
spirit and greatness that makes us a very special kind
of people. We realized again what a wonderful thing it is
just to be an American.
As I thought about the changes that have taken
place in this great country -- not only in the last two
years, but during the last two centuries -- I also thought
about those things that must never change. Those unchanging
things really make us Americans.
MORE
Page 3
They are the things we must pass on to future
generations. Some are intangible, invisible -- our deep
religious and moral convictions, our bonds of family and
community, our political values embodied in the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution.
But we have other common treasures that are
material and visible, that can be damaged and destroyed
by man. We must be equally committed to conserve and to
cherish our incomparable natural heritage -- our wildlife,
our air, our waters and our land, itself.
More than a century ago, we began to save our
natural heritage for the enjoyment of future Americans, with the
national park system, of which Yellowstone is the oldest and
the largest. This year alone, we expect 260 million
Americans to visit and enjoy our 287 national parks
that spread from the Virgin Islands to Maine to Alaska
and to Hawaii.
MORE
Page 4
I am sure there are times when some of you thought
that all 260 million were camping on your camp site.
(Laughter)
We have had a wonderful Bicentennial. We
celebrated what our patriotic founders and our immigrant
ancestors handed down to us. We renewed our VOWS to their
vision of free Government and equality. But, I found
myself saying we ought to do more. Can't we do something
special, as our Bicentennial birthday presents to future
generations, a gift that will be gratefully remembered 100
years from now. We can.
I, therefore, decided upon a ten-year national
commitment to double America's heritage of national parks,
recreation areas, wildlife sanctuaries, urban parks and
historic sites.
I will send to the Congress Tuesday a Bicentennial
Land Heritage Act, which calls for a pledge of $1 billion
500 million during the next ten years. It will more than
double our present acreage of land for national parks,
recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries; development of
these new lands to make them accessible and enjoyable;
improving facilities and increasing dedicated personnel
at existing national parks; making available $200 million
for urban parks, bringing the benefits of nature to those
who live in our cities; and accelerating the development
of parklands and sanctuaries now delayed for lack of man-
power and of money.
This national commitment means we may have to
tighten our belts elsewhere a bit, but it is the soundest
investment in the future of America that I can envision.
We must act now to prevent the loss of treasures that can
never be replaced for ourselves, our children and for future
generations of Americans.
This is a big job, one that requires Government
action at all levels. But, like most of the big jobs
Americans undertake, it cannot be left to Government alone.
In the past, the cause of land conservation has been
advanced by many concerned citizens, companies and private
organizations.
The Rockefeller family, represented here today
by Mary and Laurence Rockefeller, is an outstanding example
of this dedication. I thank them and all such far-sighted
Americans for their generous contributions to our national
park system and the preservation of our priceless natural
heritage.
MORE
Page 5
I call upon all Americans -- our Bicentennial
generation which has enjoyed the blessings of liberty and
the pursuit of happiness, ours for 200 years -- to
join in a great new undertaking, to improve the quality
of our lives and of our land.
I recall that snowy day in 1961 when President
Kennedy was inaugurated. I can still see that great
American poet, Robert Frost, standing on the steps of the
United States Capitol, reciting these moving lines:
"The land was ours before we were the land's.
She was our land more than 100 years before we were her
people.'
I remember as a ranger the first time I stood
alone on Inspiration Point over at Canyon Station looking
out over this beautiful land. I thought to myself of
how lucky I was that my parent's and grandparent's gener-
ation had the vision and the determination to save it for
us.
Now it is our turn to make our own gift out-
right to those who will come after us 15 years, 40 years,
100 years from now. I want to be as faithful to my grand-
children's generation as Old Faithful has been to ours.
What better way can we add a new dimension to our third
century of freedom?
Thank you very much.
END
(AT 11:26 A.M. MDT)