[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6869-H6872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4944) to designate the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle 
Grove Plantation National Historical Park as a unit of the National 
Park System, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4944

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Cedar Creek and Belle Grove 
     National Historical Park Act''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cedar Creek and 
     Belle Grove National Historical Park in order to--
       (1) help preserve, protect, and interpret a nationally 
     significant Civil War landscape and antebellum plantation for 
     the education, inspiration, and benefit of present and future 
     generations;
       (2) tell the rich story of Shenandoah Valley history from 
     early settlement through the Civil War and beyond, and the 
     Battle of Cedar Creek and its significance in the conduct of 
     the war in the Shenandoah Valley;
       (3) preserve the significant historic, natural, cultural, 
     military, and scenic resources found in the Cedar Creek 
     Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation areas through 
     partnerships with local landowners and the community; and
       (4) serve as a focal point to recognize and interpret 
     important events and geographic locations within the 
     Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District 
     representing key Civil War battles in the Shenandoah Valley, 
     including those battlefields associated with the Thomas J. 
     (Stonewall) Jackson campaign of 1862 and the decisive 
     campaigns of 1864.

     SEC. 3. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Battle of Cedar Creek, also known as the battle of 
     Belle Grove, was a major event of the Civil War and the 
     history of this country. It represented the end of the Civil 
     War's Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864 and contributed to 
     the reelection of President Abraham Lincoln and the eventual 
     outcome of the war.
       (2) 2,500 acres of the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle 
     Grove Plantation were designated a national historic landmark 
     in 1969 because of their ability to illustrate and interpret 
     important eras and events in the history of the United 
     States. The Cedar Creek Battlefield, Belle Grove Manor House, 
     the Heater House, and Harmony Hall (a National Historic 
     Landmark) are also listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register.
       (3) The Secretary of the Interior has approved the 
     Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District 
     Management Plan and the National Park Service Special 
     Resource Study, both of which recognized Cedar Creek 
     Battlefield as the most significant Civil War resource within 
     the historic district. The management plan, which was 
     developed with extensive public participation over a 3-year 
     period and is administered by the Shenandoah Valley 
     Battlefields Foundation, recommends that Cedar Creek 
     Battlefield be established as a new unit of the National Park 
     System.
       (4) The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, organized in 
     1988 to preserve and interpret the Cedar Creek Battlefield 
     and the 1864 Valley Campaign, has acquired 308 acres of land 
     within the boundaries of the National Historic Landmark. The 
     foundation annually hosts a major reenactment and living 
     history event on the Cedar Creek Battlefield.
       (5) Belle Grove Plantation is a Historic Site of the 
     National Trust for Historic Preservation that occupies 383 
     acres within the National Historic Landmark. The Belle Grove 
     Manor House was built by Isaac Hite, a Revolutionary War 
     patriot married to the sister of President James Madison, who 
     was a frequent visitor at Belle Grove. President Thomas 
     Jefferson assisted with the design of the house. During the 
     Civil War Belle Grove was at the center of the decisive 
     battle of Cedar Creek. Belle Grove is managed locally by 
     Belle Grove, Incorporated, and has been open to the public 
     since 1967. The house has remained virtually unchanged since 
     it was built in 1797, offering visitors an experience of the 
     life and times of the people who lived there in the 18th and 
     19th centuries.
       (6) The panoramic views of the mountains, natural areas, 
     and waterways provide visitors with an inspiring setting of 
     great natural beauty. The historic, natural, cultural, 
     military, and scenic resources found in the Cedar Creek 
     Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation areas are nationally 
     and regionally significant.
       (7) The existing, independent, not-for-profit organizations 
     dedicated to the protection and interpretation of the 
     resources described above provide the foundation for public-
     private partnerships to further the success of protecting, 
     preserving, and interpreting these resources.
       (8) None of these resources, sites, or stories of the 
     Shenandoah Valley are protected by or interpreted within the 
     National Park System.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:

[[Page H6870]]

       (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Cedar 
     Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Advisory 
     Commission established by section 9.
       (2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled 
     ``Boundary Map Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National 
     Historical Park'', numbered CEBE-80,001, and dated September 
     2002.
       (3) Park.--The term ``Park'' means the Cedar Creek and 
     Belle Grove National Historical Park established under 
     section 5 and depicted on the Map.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL 
                   HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established the Cedar Creek 
     and Belle Grove National Historical Park, consisting of 
     approximately 3,000 acres, as generally depicted on the Map.
       (b) Availability of Map.--The Map shall be on file and 
     available for public inspection in the offices of the 
     National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

     SEC. 6. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.

       (a) Real Property.--The Secretary may acquire land or 
     interests in land within the boundaries of the Park, from 
     willing sellers only, by donation, purchase with donated or 
     appropriated funds, or exchange.
       (b) Boundary Revision.--After acquiring land for the Park, 
     the Secretary shall--
       (1) revise the boundary of the Park to include newly 
     acquired land within the boundary; and
       (2) administer newly acquired land subject to applicable 
     laws (including regulations).
       (c) Personal Property.--The Secretary may acquire personal 
     property associated with, and appropriate for, interpretation 
     of the Park.
       (d) Conservation Easements and Covenants.--The Secretary is 
     authorized to acquire conservation easements and enter into 
     covenants regarding lands in or adjacent to the Park from 
     willing sellers only. Such conservation easements and 
     covenants shall have the effect of protecting the scenic, 
     natural, and historic resources on adjacent lands and 
     preserving the natural or historic setting of the Park when 
     viewed from within or outside the Park.
       (e) Support Facilities.--The National Park Service is 
     authorized to acquire from willing sellers, land outside the 
     Park boundary but in close proximity to the Park, for the 
     development of visitor, administrative, museum, curatorial, 
     and maintenance facilities.

     SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION.

       The Secretary shall administer the Park in accordance with 
     this Act and the provisions of law generally applicable to 
     units of the National Park System, including--
       (1) the Act entitled ``An Act to establish a National Park 
     Service, and for other purposes'', approved August 25, 1916 
     (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
       (2) the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the 
     preservation of historic American sites, buildings, objects, 
     and antiquities of national significance, and for other 
     purposes'', approved August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).

     SEC. 8. MANAGEMENT OF PARK.

       (a) Management Plan.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Commission, shall prepare a management plan for the Park. 
     In particular, the management plan shall contain provisions 
     to address the needs of owners of non-Federal land, including 
     independent nonprofit organizations within the boundaries of 
     the Park.
       (b) Submission of Plan to Congress.--Not later than 3 years 
     after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall submit the management plan for the Park to the 
     Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

     SEC. 9. CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 
                   ADVISORY COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established the Cedar Creek 
     and Belle Grove National Historical Park Advisory Commission.
       (b) Duties.--The Commission shall--
       (1) advise the Secretary in the preparation and 
     implementation of a general management plan described in 
     section 8; and
       (2) advise the Secretary with respect to the identification 
     of sites of significance outside the Park boundary deemed 
     necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Act.
       (c) Membership.--
       (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 15 
     members appointed by the Secretary so as to include the 
     following:
       (A) 1 representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
       (B) 1 representative each from the local governments of 
     Strasburg, Middletown, Frederick County, Shenandoah County, 
     and Warren County.
       (C) 2 representatives of private landowners within the 
     Park.
       (D) 1 representative from a citizen interest group.
       (E) 1 representative from the Cedar Creek Battlefield 
     Foundation.
       (F) 1 representative from Belle Grove, Incorporated.
       (G) 1 representative from the National Trust for Historic 
     Preservation.
       (H) 1 representative from the Shenandoah Valley 
     Battlefields Foundation.
       (I) 1 ex-officio representative from the National Park 
     Service.
       (J) 1 ex-officio representative from the United States 
     Forest Service.
       (2) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall 
     be elected by the members to serve a term of one year 
     renewable for one additional year.
       (3) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled 
     in the same manner in which the original appointment was 
     made.
       (4) Terms of service.--
       (A) In general.--Each member shall be appointed for a term 
     of 3 years and may be reappointed for not more than 2 
     successive terms.
       (B) Initial members.--Of the members first appointed under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall appoint--
       (i) 4 members for a term of 1 year;
       (ii) 5 members for a term of 2 years; and
       (iii) 6 members for a term of 3 years.
       (5) Extended service.--A member may serve after the 
     expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken 
     office.
       (6) Majority rule.--The Commission shall act and advise by 
     affirmative vote of a majority of its members.
       (7) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at least quarterly 
     at the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members 
     of the Commission.
       (8) Quorum.--8 members shall constitute a quorum.
       (d) Compensation.--Members shall serve without pay. Members 
     who are full-time officers or employees of the United States, 
     the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any political subdivision 
     thereof shall receive no additional pay on account of their 
     service on the Commission.
       (e) Travel Expenses.--While away from their homes or 
     regular places of business in the performance of service for 
     the Commission, members shall be allowed travel expenses, 
     including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner 
     as persons employed intermittently in the Government service 
     are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (f) Hearings; Public Involvement.--The Commission may, for 
     purposes of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit 
     and act at such times and places, take such public testimony, 
     and receive such evidence, as the Commission considers 
     appropriate. The Commission may not issue subpoenas or 
     exercise any subpoena authority.

     SEC. 10. CONSERVATION OF CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL 
                   HISTORICAL PARK.

       (a) Encouragement of Conservation.--The Secretary and the 
     Commission shall encourage conservation of the historic and 
     natural resources within and in proximity of the Park by 
     landowners, local governments, organizations, and businesses.
       (b) Provision of Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may 
     provide technical assistance to local governments, in 
     cooperative efforts which complement the values of the Park.
       (c) Cooperation by Federal Agencies.--Any Federal entity 
     conducting or supporting activities directly affecting the 
     Park shall consult, cooperate, and, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, coordinate its activities with the Secretary in 
     a manner that--
       (1) is consistent with the purposes of this Act and the 
     standards and criteria established pursuant to the general 
     management plan developed pursuant to section 8;
       (2) is not likely to have an adverse effect on the 
     resources of the Park; and
       (3) is likely to provide for full public participation in 
     order to consider the views of all interested parties.

     SEC. 11. ENDOWMENT.

       (a) In General.--In accordance with the provisions of 
     subsection (b), the Secretary is authorized to receive and 
     expend funds from an endowment to be established with the 
     National Park Foundation, or its successors and assigns.
       (b) Conditions.--Funds from the endowment referred to in 
     subsection (a) shall be expended exclusively as the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, may designate 
     for the interpretation, preservation, and maintenance of the 
     Park resources and public access areas. No expenditure shall 
     be made pursuant to this section unless the Secretary 
     determines that such expenditure is consistent with the 
     purposes of this Act.

     SEC. 12. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--In order to further the purposes of this 
     Act, the Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative 
     agreements with interested public and private entities and 
     individuals (including the National Trust for Historic 
     Preservation, Belle Grove, Inc., the Cedar Creek Battlefield 
     Foundation, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, 
     and the Counties of Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren), 
     through technical and financial assistance, including 
     encouraging the conservation of historic and natural 
     resources of the Park.
       (b) Technical and Financial Assistance.--The Secretary may 
     provide to any person, organization, or governmental entity 
     technical and financial assistance for the purposes of this 
     Act, including the following:
       (1) Preserving historic structures within the Park.
       (2) Maintaining the natural or cultural landscape of the 
     Park.
       (3) Local preservation planning, interpretation, and 
     management of public visitation for the Park.
       (4) Furthering the goals of the Shenandoah Valley 
     Battlefields Foundation related to the Park.

[[Page H6871]]

     SEC. 13. ROLES OF KEY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--In recognition that central portions of 
     the Park are presently owned and operated for the benefit of 
     the public by key partner organizations, the Secretary shall 
     acknowledge and support the continued participation of these 
     partner organizations in the management of the Park.
       (b) Park Partners.--Roles of the current key partners 
     include the following:
       (1) Cedar creek battlefield foundation.--The Cedar Creek 
     Battlefield Foundation may--
       (A) continue to own, operate, and manage the lands acquired 
     by the Foundation within the Park;
       (B) continue to conduct reenactments and other events 
     within the Park; and
       (C) transfer ownership interest in portions of their land 
     to the National Park Service by donation, sale, or other 
     means that meet the legal requirements of National Park 
     Service land acquisitions.
       (2) National trust for historic preservation and belle 
     grove incorporated.--The National Trust for Historic 
     Preservation and Belle Grove Incorporated may continue to 
     own, operate, and manage Belle Grove Plantation and its 
     structures and grounds within the Park boundary. Belle Grove 
     Incorporated may continue to own the house and grounds known 
     as Bowman's Fort or Harmony Hall for the purpose of permanent 
     preservation, with a long-term goal of opening the property 
     to the public.
       (3) Shenandoah county.--Shenandoah County may continue to 
     own, operate, and manage the Keister park site within the 
     Park for the benefit of the public.
       (4) Park community partners.--The Secretary shall cooperate 
     with the Park's adjacent historic towns of Strasburg and 
     Middletown, Virginia, as well as Frederick, Shenandoah, and 
     Warren counties in furthering the purposes of the Park.
       (5) Shenandoah valley battlefields foundation.--The 
     Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation may continue to 
     administer and manage the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields 
     National Historic District in partnership with the National 
     Park Service and in accordance with the Management Plan for 
     the District in which the Park is located.

     SEC. 14. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
     necessary to carry out this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Hansen) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. 
Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen).
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), the author of the bill.
  (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4944, a bill to 
create the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. I want 
to personally thank my good friend, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. 
Hansen), for moving this bill so much. I really want to thank him.
  I also want to acknowledge our former colleague, French Slaughter, 
who has passed away, for creating this idea. I want to acknowledge the 
gentleman in the chair, Mr. Goodlatte, who has been such a help.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4944, a bill to create the 
``Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park.''
  I want to thank Chairman Hansen and the Resources Committee staff for 
their valuable assistance in moving this bill.
  I also want to recognize the efforts of one of our former colleagues: 
the late D. French Slaughter who served in the House from 1985 until 
1991. He help lay the ground work for the creation of this park.
  This legislation is the result of the tireless work of a number of 
people and organizations, including the National Park Service, local 
elected officials and landowners in the Shenandoah Valley, and 
prominent historians and preservationists.
  An outgrowth of the efforts of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields 
National Historic District Commission established by Congress in 1996, 
the park will help preserve and interpret the rich history of the 
Shenandoah Valley.
  In addition to preserving the site of the Civil War Battle of Cedar 
Creek--it was the last battle of the 1864 Civil War Valley campaign, 
marking the end of Confederate power in the Valley and its timing just 
three weeks before the 1864 presidential election also unquestionably 
influenced the magnitude of President Lincoln's reelection--the park 
will help tell the story of Native American burial grounds in the 
region, the influence of German settlers who migrated to the area along 
the Great Wagon Road and the creation of massive wheat plantations that 
foreshadowed the Valley's future as the ``Breadbasket of the 
Confederacy.''
  Historic Belle Grove Plantation also will be within the park's 
boundaries. It was built by Major Isaac Hite, who served in the 
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and married Nelly Conway 
Madison, the sister of President James Madison.
  Belle Grove is one of the many outstanding mansions of the Shenandoah 
Valley and like other period houses built in that region, the design 
shows Thomas Jefferson's influence from the Tidewater and Piedmont 
areas, and also Classical Revival elements, an architectural innovation 
of the day.
  The park also will help protect the historic scenic landscape of the 
region which features panoramic views of the Blue Ridge mountains, 
natural areas and waterways in the northern Shenandoah Valley.
  The proposed park boundary includes approximately 3,000 acres at the 
intersection of Frederick, Shenandoah and Warren counties and is based 
on the 1969 boundary established for the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove 
National Historic Landmark.
  What makes this park even more special is that it will serve as a 
model for future national parks because:
  It is based on partnerships and local community involvement;
  Private organizations, families, and individuals will continue to 
live and work within its boundaries;
  Landowners hold their right to sell their land whenever and to 
whomever they choose;
  No land will be condemned or taken by eminent domain;
  The Park Service will only purchase land from willing sellers; and
  Finally, land use and zoning decisions within the park's boundaries 
will continue to be administered by local authorities at the county or 
municipal levels.
   This park will go a long way toward preserving an important part of 
our Nation's rich heritage and history.
  It also has the full support of the local community.
  I urge support for H.R. 4944.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker the purpose of H.R. 4944 has been 
explained by the majority and our colleague on the other side. This 
legislation is a result of a National Park Service study that worked 
with the local community on developing joint efforts to protect these 
Civil War resources. We have no objection to its passage.
  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Utah for yielding. I would also like to thank Congressman Wolf for his 
vision and leadership in bringing this legislation to the floor. I am 
pleased to share a bordering district with Mr. Wolf and share part of 
the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove properties.
  I have the distinct honor of representing a significant part of the 
Shenandoah Valley. The Valley is one of the most diverse and beautiful 
regions in the country, and is noted for its role in Civil War 
history--even being referred to by historians as the ``breadbasket of 
the confederacy'' for supplying food to soldiers. While my district is 
dotted with national parks, I would like to see added a new national 
park--the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation National 
Historical Park to ensure the preservation of the history surrounding 
this site.
  This park will also serve as a new model for future development of 
national parks because it is a collaboration of efforts between public 
and private entities. What is also unique about this park is that all 
landowners will continue working collectively for the visiting public 
while continuing to retain the right to sell their land--whenever and 
to whomever they choose. In addition, the park will work hand-in-hand 
with the local community because land use and zoning will continue to 
be administered by local authorities at the county or municipal level.
  In addition, there are 9 other Civil War battlefield sites within the 
Shenandoah Valley that will also benefit from the national involvement 
in the Shenandoah Valley, while continuing to maintain its rural 
character and be protected and managed at a local level. Increased 
visitation to the new park and surrounding battlefields will bring 
added value and benefits to the local economy and play a significant 
role in hosting visitors from all over the country.
  I would also like to take this time to pay tribute to Mr. Carrington 
Williams. I am deeply saddened by his recent death. It was an honor to 
work with Carrington in establishing and securing funds for the 
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Commission. He was a true leader in the 
appreciation and preservation of our nation's Civil War Battlefields 
and his passion for

[[Page H6872]]

protecting American heritage will be sorely missed. From his military 
service to this great Nation to his public service in the Virginia 
House of Delegates and his extensive community service, Carrington was 
a respected civic leader and visionary.
  I appreciate the historic value and significance of Cedar Creek and 
Belle Grove. During my weekly drives through the Valley on my way to 
D.C. or back home to Roanoke, I am reminded almost every stretch of 
mile of the historic role the Shenandoah Valley has played during the 
events of the Civil War. I believe it is important to preserve this 
battlefield so it will continue to provide a historical lesson and 
glimpse into our nation's past for future generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this measure and yield back the 
remainder of my time.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1815

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) that the House suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4944, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to 
designate the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park as a 
unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________