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Americans long have recognized that history endows certain places with special meaning. Our national parks shelter some of our most rich natural and cultural resources, sites that help shape us as a people and define us as a nation. These special places provide a home for wildlife, a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, a place to reflect upon our greatest battles and a venue for historic moments. Our national park system is the key to protecting our nation's heritage. The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-06 was a monumental event that shaped the boundaries, character and future of the United States . The courageous explorers traveled up the Missouri River , across the Great Plains , over the Rocky Mountains , down the Columbia River to the shores of the Pacific and back again. Although a great deal has changed during the past 200 years, many of the sweeping landscapes and powerful waters so eloquently described by the Corps of Discovery have been permanently protected for future generations. In November, President Bush created the nation's newest national historical park, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Washington and Oregon , and enthusiastically solidified his commitment to preserving the natural, cultural and historic resources associated with the fabled journey. The creation of the new park exemplifies the true power of partnerships embraced by the Corps of Discovery, a spirit that still thrives today. Last month, a broad-based coalition, including The Conservation Fund, Congress, the National Park Service and the Weyerhaeuser Co., announced the permanent protection of 921 acres of spruce and hemlock forests for inclusion in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park . Designated as one of the nation's top conservation priorities, the property safeguards important wildlife habitat and protects land critical to the construction of the Fort to Sea Trail, which is a 5.5-mile hiking path that will connect the Fort Clatsop National Memorial visitor center to the Sunset Beach State Park and the shores of the Pacific Ocean. An estimated 1 million visitors will flock to the site by the bicentennial commemoration in November. The new Lewis and Clark NHP will include three Oregon state parks, two Washington state parks and Fort Clatsop , which has been a National Park Service responsibility for more than 50 years. In partnership with elected officials, countless volunteers who have donated their time and energies, private sector leaders and non-profit groups such as The Conservation Fund, we have worked to balance economic and environmental objectives to preserve our nation's heritage. As one of our premiere land conservation partners, the Fund has protected 250,000 acres for U.S. parks and more than 14,000 acres of lands along the famous Lewis and Clark route. This represents one of the best examples of how the visiting public reaps real benefits when we work collaboratively to create a seamless network of parks. Nearly 200 years ago, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stood on the rocky cliffs of the Washington coast and saw the promise of a nation built on exploration, discovery and partnership. This new national historical park will protect the lands that once captured America 's imagination and instill the spirit of discovery and a sense of awe in future explorers.
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