[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.
____________________