Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# HR 986: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Expansion **What the bill does:** This legislation would expand the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vermont, by adding the King Farm to the park's boundaries. It would also give the National Park Service (NPS) more flexibility in acquiring land for the park—allowing them to purchase or trade for property in addition to their current ability to accept donated land. Any land acquired must include access routes connecting it to the existing park. **Key details:** The bill specifies that the King Farm land can be used for agriculture, forestry, conservation, and educational purposes.
The legislation also formally establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute, a training program currently operated at the park. This bill affects the park itself and Vermont property owners in the expansion area. The changes are meant to help the NPS better manage and develop the historical park's resources. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Becca Balint (D-VT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025This bill expands the boundaries of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vermont, allows the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire land within the boundaries through a variety of means, and provides statutory authority for the National Park Service Stewardship Institute, which is a program of the park.Specifically, the bill expands the boundary of the park to include the King Farm. The bill also allows the NPS to acquire lands within the park by purchasing, transferring, or exchanging land in addition to the current authorization to acquire land by donation.The acquired King Farm land must include rights of access between the acquired land and the park. The acquired King Farm land may be used for certain agricultural, forestry, conservation, and educational purposes.The bill also outlines the purposes of the National Park Service Stewardship Institute.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.