WASHINGTON (AP) — The Secretary of the Interior has issued an order requiring preservation efforts for the National Mall aimed at protecting recent improvements.

Ken Salazar issued a secretarial order on Thursday, and it includes protecting major rehabilitation of the Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets.

That project included a new drainage and irrigation system, underground cisterns to capture and allow reuse of rainwater and an engineered soil system to help resist compaction. The National Park Service will also replace turf on the Mall between 7th and 14th Streets.

The order also requires that organizers of events on the Mall provide proof of sufficient funds to rehabilitate or replace damaged turf.

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