George Herbert Walker Bush

“ The Service holds in trust for the American people such riches as the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon, the sublime cliffs and forests of Yosemite, the hallowed ground of Gettysburg, the rugged beauty of Acadia, and the towering majesty of our Statue of Liberty. It is estimated that more than 250 million people from throughout the United States and around the world will visit these and other national parks this year. ”

“ The National Park Service is responsible for managing the lands in its care "in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." It is a noble and important task because our national parks are more than scenic preserves. ”

“ The founding of our magnificent Yellowstone National Park in 1872 not only marked an important milestone in the history of American conservationism but also inspired a worldwide movement to set aside certain lands for the preservation of their unique scenic value and natural resources. Today more than 100 countries boast some 1,200 national parks or equivalent preserves. ”