Bill > HR986

This bill amends the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act to expand and modify the park's boundaries and operations in Vermont. The bill redefines the park's boundaries to include a historic zone featuring the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, surrounding buildings, and part of Mt. Tom, as well as a protection zone that encompasses the Billings Farm and Museum and the King Farm. The Secretary of the Interior is granted expanded authority to acquire land within the park through donation, purchase from willing sellers, federal agency transfers, or exchange. Specifically for the King Farm, the bill allows the land to be used for agricultural and forestry purposes, conservation efforts that preserve the historic character of a working farm, and educational activities related to agriculture, natural history, and conservation. Additionally, the bill establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute within the park, which will focus on promoting stewardship practices, facilitating innovation and research, and enhancing leadership and community engagement in conservation and resource management. The bill updates the park's boundary and scenic zone maps to reflect these changes, with the new map dated August 2023.