Vermont's Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park Grows: New Bill Expands Land, Boosts Conservation & Education

The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is getting bigger and better, thanks to the "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025." This bill isn't just about adding land; it's about investing in conservation, education, and Vermont's unique heritage.

Expanding the Green Space

The core of the bill expands the park's boundary, incorporating areas like the King Farm. The updated boundary is detailed on a map titled "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Proposed Boundary Revision, numbered 456190,048, and dated August 2023" (SEC. 2). This means more land is protected, preserving both the historical significance of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and Mt. Tom, and the working landscape of the Billings Farm and Museum. The King Farm will be divided, with areas added to both the historic and protection zones. The map showing the expansion is available at the National Park Service offices.

From Farm to Classroom: King Farm's New Role

The acquisition of the King Farm land is a big deal (SEC. 3). The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or even transfer from other Federal agencies. Once acquired, the King Farm won't just be preserved; it will be a living classroom. Imagine a working farm where traditional Vermont agricultural and forestry practices continue, but with a focus on conservation that maintains the farm’s historical character. It's also going to be a hub for educational programs focused on agriculture, forestry, conservation, and natural history. Think school groups learning about sustainable farming, or workshops on preserving Vermont's forests.

Boosting Stewardship: The New Institute

Beyond the land itself, the bill establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute (SEC. 5). This isn't just another bureaucratic office; it's a program designed to elevate conservation practices across the National Park Service. The Institute, located within the park, will host workshops, programs, and research initiatives. The goal is to make the Park Service even better at managing and protecting our natural and cultural resources, fostering innovation, better leadership, stronger partnerships, and improved community engagement. Redesignates sections 6 through 10 as sections 7 through 11 in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act.

Updated Scenic Zone

The bill also updates the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Scenic Zone, replacing an old map from 1991 (SEC. 4). This means the visual and environmental protections around the park are being modernized to reflect the expanded boundaries. The new map is the same one referenced for the boundary expansion: "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Proposed Boundary Revision, numbered 456190,048, and dated August 2023."

Real-World Impact

This bill is good for Vermont. More land is conserved, a working farm becomes an educational resource, and the National Park Service gets a boost in its stewardship efforts. For locals, it could mean more tourism and economic activity. For everyone, it means preserving a piece of American history and investing in a more sustainable future. It also provides access to and from the park and the King Farm land.

One Potential Watchout

While the bill emphasizes acquiring land from "willing sellers," it's crucial to ensure this provision is strictly followed (SEC. 3). This will prevent any potential overreach in land acquisition and guarantee fair treatment for landowners.