Today, the House of Representatives passed S. 47 – the Natural Resources Management Act, which includes legislation championed by Kuster that will protect natural resources and promote tourism in New Hampshire. The bill includes legislation introduced by the New Hampshire delegation to redesignate the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site as a “National Historical Park,” which would change the name of the site to more accurately illustrate the size and complexity of the location. The legislation includes the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Act to designate portions of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire as scenic rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The package also contains a long-term priority for Kuster, permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF program helps fund the conservation of national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and state and local parks, among many other sites. The legislation will now head to the President’s desk for his signature.

“The legislation we passed today is a sweeping measure that will benefit our environment and economy in New Hampshire,” said Kuster. “In the Granite State, our identity is closely tied to the natural beauty of our landscape, and I’m proud to fight to protect the resources that make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live and visit.”

Redesignation of the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site as a “National Historical Park”

“Saint-Gaudens is a treasure in our state and serves as an important tourist attraction for thousands of annual visitors to the Upper Valley,” said Kuster. “Tourism is central to the local economy in the region and this redesignation will better reflect the expansive nature of the site. Identifying Saint-Gaudens as a National Historical Park will more accurately capture all the activities and cultural exhibitions that are offered and encourage more people to come and visit. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.”

Thayer Tolles, president of the Saint-Gaudens Memorial, a partner organization to the park on programming and outreach, commented, “This re-designation is both fitting and significant for a historic property with a broad mission to enhance enjoyment of the arts and the natural surroundings for its visitors.”  

Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Act

“Safeguarding our state’s beautiful natural resources and habitats is crucial to ensuring future generations can enjoy the New Hampshire that we know and love,” said Kuster. “I’m thrilled that we’ve come together to pass legislation to designate the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation will play an important role in protecting the river system for years to come.”

Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorization

“Tourism is one of the largest drivers of our economy in New Hampshire and the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided nearly $40 million in funding to the Granite State to preserve thousands of acres of public land since its inception,” said Kuster. “Enhancing and expanding outdoor recreational opportunities will foster economic activity throughout our state, preserve public land for future generations, and help ensure New Hampshire is the place to go to enjoy the beauty of the Northeast.”

###