Permanently protecting these lands will help to ensure the survival of the bison and other herds that roam the wilds of Yellowstone, and by removing a threat to the underground springs that feed Yellowstone's geysers we'll ensure that Old Faithful remains faithful for years to come. A hundred years from now, families still will be able to experience the magnificent glory of Yellowstone. We're also protecting several other natural and historic sites across our country, from ancient ruins in Bandelier National Monument to the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., to California's spectacular Big Sur coast. We can all be proud of these latest additions or our nation's endowment. Yet, with more Americans visiting our national parks and forests than ever before, we must do more.
Every child deserves a chance to hike in an old-growth forest or wade in a clear, cool stream.
In too many places, vital pieces of this heritage are disappearing. Once lost, they can't be replaced. That is why I proposed an historic Lands Legacy Initiative to open the new century with an unprecedented commitment to preserving our most precious lands for all time. Second, I asked for permanent funding of at least a billion dollars a year to continue these efforts through the coming century. But these priorities are at risk because Congress has approved only a fraction of my request.