Bill Clinton: “of 1996 November 12, 1996 Today I have signed into law H.R. 4236, the ``Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of…”

“of 1996 November 12, 1996 Today I have signed into law H.R. 4236, the ``Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996,'' a comprehensive bill addressing the management of the Nation's invaluable national parks, forests, and other natural resources. I am pleased the Congress passed this legislation with bipartisan support in both Houses and has removed numerous provisions to which my Administration strongly objected. The Act will create or improve almost 120 national parks, trails, rivers, or historical sites in 41 of our States. As President Teddy Roosevelt said: ``[t]he nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, not impaired, in value.'' This Act will help ensure that we follow that advice and protect for the next generation some of our most valuable natural and historical resources. One of the most important provisions that my Administration supported would improve the management of the Presidio in San Francisco. This military post, dating from 1776, includes both beautiful open spaces appropriate for National Park Service management and hundreds of unused buildings requiring a more innovative approach. This Act establishes a government corporation, known as the Presidio Trust, to refurbish and lease these buildings quickly and efficiently, but in a manner consistent with overall park management requirements.…”