Remarks Millennium Grove Launch and Media Luncheon Release No. 0083.00 Remarks by Deputy Secretary Rich Rominger Millennium Grove Launch and Media Luncheon The Decatur House, Lafayette Square Washington, D.C. March 15, 2000 "Thank you very much. On behalf of the White House Millennium Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, my thanks to President Jim Hagedorn and Scotts North America, and to President Jeff Meyer and American Forests for putting together this wonderful occasion. Exciting as today's events are, they're just a backdrop for what's really going on here. This is an important example of corporate America working together and working with government to step out and take the lead for a 21st century America that's healthier and livelier because it's greener. "You have our thanks for that. I'm delighted that Congressman David Hobson of Ohio is here. I want to recognize James Whitmore for his tremendous support for this work and for putting the final polish on this important partnership by narrating "Silent Witnesses: America's Historic Trees," funded by the Scotts Company. "We have a lot to celebrate today, and partnership is first on the list. Next is the living legacy of Millennium Green that you are all contributing to in distinct and personal ways. When First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton launched Millennium Green last fall, the message wasn't about the past or the future as we turned the millennium. It was about the connections between the two, honoring the past as we imagine the future. "There's a simple word for that stewardship. That concept's been central to USDA's mission since we were founded by Abraham Lincoln in 1862. To record our proud Civil War-era heritage, the Department only has documents. But the "Gettysburg Address Honey Locust" and the "Copse of Trees," all in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, still stand as living, silent witnesses to Lincoln's time. "USDA's history, in fact, closely parallels that of American Forests. Like American Forests, established in 1875, we have roots deep in the 19th and 20th centuries. Within this decade, we'll put down roots into the 21st and make that part of our history, too. "We're honored to launch this new chapter in partnership with American Forests on a project that recognizes America's changing landscape and our need to change with it. "Last fall, Secretary Dan Glickman asked all the Governors to establish Millennium Groves in their capital cities that reflect the unique history and character of the state. But he also asked us, as a nation, to see beyond the obvious -- the ornamental benefits of a flourishing green infrastructure to the environmental and economic rewards down the line. He asked us to reclaim quiet treasures that urban and community forestry provides cleaner water and air, natural cooling, healthier and more abundant fish stocks, slowed stormwater runoff and resulting flood prevention ... a boost to tourism, outdoor activity, real estate values nicer neighborhoods, and a drop in crime and social decay. "He also asked and continues to ask Congressional leaders to fund permanently the Urban and Community Forestry Program through the Conservation and Reinvestment Act legislation being considered in the House and Senate. We need a reliable funding base to work with communities and cities that are ready and eager to re-green their urban infrastructure. "If the Secretary was the inspiration for Millennium Groves, you and folks like you are the perspiration. Already, there are commitments for 37 groves across the country. And today we're unveiling the design for the first Millennium Grove of Washington, D.C., located at Fort Stanton Park near the historic home of Frederick Douglass. I want to recognize Mayor Williams' commitment, and the design work of Jeff Lee -- long-time D.C. resident who worked cooperatively with the city to draw up the plans. I hope you'll all join in the planting of the capital city's Millennium Grove next fall the garden gate will be open. "Clearly, the idea of historic groves and trees is catching on. People like the symbolism. They appreciate the connection to the land, the idea of passing on to the next generation a deep understanding of nature. Whether they're from the inner city, the suburbs, or rural America, all youngsters are entitled to get to know nature for themselves. This nation has enough wonder to go around, and it's our job to preserve and share it. "More than anything else, Millennium Groves are about cementing this bond with the next generation. And it's clear that the children from Fayette Middle School in Georgia have taken this to heart. Inspired by the USDA Millennium Groves, they are the impetus behind the first international Millennium Grove -- to help replant Versailles, France, following last winter's devastating ice storm. We're very grateful to sponsors -- the Scotts Company and Air France, in cooperation with American Forests for taking the lead, for their dynamic partnership with the next generation on this historic project, and for the message they're spreading by example that preserving and protecting our resources is everyone's business. "Thank you."