4 August 2006

Dear Dr. Elias:

In the meeting of 27 July, the Commission reviewed and approved the revised draft master plan for the U.S. National Arboretum for revisions to include the proposed classical Chinese garden, accessibility-related modifications to the Asian Collection path system, and the linkage of the Arboretum to the Anacostia Riverfront Walk.

We look forward to the review of the final master plan and of the individual projects as they are developed, beginning with a concept review at an early stage of the design phase. As always, the staff is available to assist you.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Dr. Thomas S. Elias, Director
U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-1958

cc: Lisa Bynum, USDA
Faye Harwell, Rhodeside & Harwell Inc.