[House Report 110-462]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



110th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session                                                    110-462

======================================================================



 
           AMERICA'S HISTORICAL AND NATURAL LEGACY STUDY ACT

                                _______
                                

December 4, 2007.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

  Mr. Rahall, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 3998]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

  The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred the 
bill (H.R. 3998) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to 
conduct special resources studies of certain lands and 
structures to determine the appropriate means for preservation, 
use, and management of the resources associated with such lands 
and structures, having considered the same, report favorably 
thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as 
amended do pass.
  The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as ``America's Historical and Natural Legacy 
Study Act''.

SEC. 2. SECRETARY.

  For the purposes of this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the 
Secretary of the Interior.

SEC. 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

  The table of contents is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Secretary.
Sec. 3. Table of contents.

              TITLE I--HARRY S TRUMAN BIRTHPLACE STUDY ACT

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Special resource study.

 TITLE II--LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL EXTENSION STUDY ACT

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Special resource study.

                 TITLE III--BATTLE OF MATEWAN STUDY ACT

Sec. 301. Short title.
Sec. 302. Special resource study.

                  TITLE IV--BATTLE OF CAMDEN STUDY ACT

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Special resource study.

                  TITLE V--MISSISSIPPI RIVER STUDY ACT

Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Special resource study.

                 TITLE VI--FORT SAN GERONIMO STUDY ACT

Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Definitions.
Sec. 603. Special resource study.

                    TITLE VII--WOLF HOUSE STUDY ACT

Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Special resource study.

            TITLE VIII--RIM OF THE VALLEY CORRIDOR STUDY ACT

Sec. 801. Short title.
Sec. 802. Special resource study.

     TITLE IX--STRANAHAN HOUSE, TRADING POST AND CAMPSITE STUDY ACT

Sec. 901. Short title.
Sec. 902. Special resource study.

             TITLE X--BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND TRAIL STUDY ACT

Sec. 1001. Short title.
Sec. 1002. Special resource study.

              TITLE I--HARRY S TRUMAN BIRTHPLACE STUDY ACT

SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Harry S Truman Birthplace Study 
Act''.

SEC. 102. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar, 
Missouri to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of adding the birthplace 
        site to the Harry S Truman National Historic Site or 
        designating the site as a separate unit of the National Park 
        System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic 
        Site by the National Park Service, other Federal, State, or 
        local government entities or private or non-profit 
        organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

 TITLE II--LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL EXTENSION STUDY ACT

SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Lewis and Clark National Historic 
Trail Extension Study Act''.

SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

  In this title:
          (1) Eastern legacy sites.--The term ``Eastern Legacy sites'' 
        means the sites associated with the preparation or return 
        phases of the Lewis and Clark expedition, commonly known as the 
        ``Eastern Legacy'', including sites in Virginia, the District 
        of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, 
        Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, and Illinois. 
        This includes the routes followed by Meriwether Lewis and 
        William Clark, whether independently or together.
          (2) Trail.--The term ``Trail'' means the Lewis and Clark 
        National Historic Trail designated by section 5(a)(6) of the 
        National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a)(6)).

SEC. 203. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the Eastern Legacy sites to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of adding these sites to 
        the Trail; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of these sites by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 5(b) of the National Trails System Act (16 
U.S.C. 1244(b)).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                 TITLE III--BATTLE OF MATEWAN STUDY ACT

SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Battle of Matewan Study Act''.

SEC. 302. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the sites and resources at Matewan, West Virginia, associated 
with the Battle of Matewan (also known as the Matewan Massacre) of May 
19, 1920 to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of designating certain 
        historic areas of Matewan, West Virginia as a unit of the 
        National Park System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of these sites by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                  TITLE IV--BATTLE OF CAMDEN STUDY ACT

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Battle of Camden Study Act''.

SEC. 402. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the site of the Battle of Camden fought in South Carolina on 
August 16, 1780, and the site of Historic Camden, which is currently a 
National Park System Affiliated Area, to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of designating these 
        sites as a unit or units of the National Park System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of these sites by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                  TITLE V--MISSISSIPPI RIVER STUDY ACT

SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Mississippi River Study Act''.

SEC. 502. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study along the route of the Mississippi River in the counties 
contiguous to the river from its headwaters in the State of Minnesota 
to the Gulf of Mexico to evaluate--
          (1) a range of alternatives for protecting and interpreting 
        the resources along the route of the Mississippi River, 
        including alternatives for potential addition of all or 
        portions of the route to the National Trails System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of the route by the National Park Service, other 
        Federal, State, or local government entities or private or non-
        profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8 (c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5) or 
section 5(b) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(b)) as 
appropriate.
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                 TITLE VI--FORT SAN GERONIMO STUDY ACT

SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Fort San Geronimo Study Act''.

SEC. 602. DEFINITIONS.

  For the purposes of this title:
          (1) Fort san geronimo.--The term ``Fort San Geronimo'' (also 
        known as ``Fortin de San Geronimo del Boqueron'') means the 
        fort and grounds listed on the National Register of Historic 
        Places and located near Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
          (2) Related resources.--The term ``related resources'' means 
        other parts of the fortification system of old San Juan that 
        are not currently included within the boundary of San Juan 
        National Historic Site, such as sections of the City Wall or 
        other fortifications.

SEC. 603. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of Fort San Geronimo and other related resources, to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of including Fort San 
        Geronimo and other related resources in the Commonwealth of 
        Puerto Rico as part of San Juan National Historic Site; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of Fort San Geronimo and other related resources 
        by the National Park Service, other Federal, State, or local 
        government entities or private or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                    TITLE VII--WOLF HOUSE STUDY ACT

SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Wolf House Study Act''.

SEC. 702. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the Wolf House located on Highway 5 in Norfork, Arkansas, to 
determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of designating the Wolf 
        House as a unit of the National Park System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of the Wolf House by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

            TITLE VIII--RIM OF THE VALLEY CORRIDOR STUDY ACT

SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Study 
Act''.

SEC. 802. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor, generally 
including the mountains encircling the San Fernando, La Crescenta, 
Santa Clarita, Simi, and Conejo Valleys in California, to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of designating all or a 
        portion of the corridor as a unit of the Santa Monica Mountains 
        National Recreation Area; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of this corridor by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Documentation.--In conducting the study authorized under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall document--
          (1) the process used to develop the existing Santa Monica 
        Mountains National Recreation Area Fire Management Plan and 
        Environmental Impact Statement (September 2005); and
          (2) all activity conducted pursuant to the plan referred to 
        in paragraph (1) designed to protect lives and property from 
        wildfire.
  (c) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (d) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

     TITLE IX--STRANAHAN HOUSE, TRADING POST AND CAMPSITE STUDY ACT

SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Stranahan House, Trading Post and 
Campsite Study Act''.

SEC. 902. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study of the Stranahan House, located at 335 S.E. 6th Avenue, Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida, as well as the adjacent property at 500 East Las 
Olas Boulevard, where portions of the trading post and the campsite 
were located, to determine--
          (1) the suitability and feasibility of designating these 
        sites as a unit of the National Park System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of these sites by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5).
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

             TITLE X--BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND TRAIL STUDY ACT

SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE.

  This title may be cited as the ``Butterfield Overland Trail Study 
Act''.

SEC. 1002. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary shall complete a special resource 
study along the ``Ox-Bow Route'' of the Butterfield Overland Trail in 
the States of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New 
Mexico, Arizona, and California to evaluate--
          (1) a range of alternatives for protecting and interpreting 
        the resources of the trail area, including alternatives for 
        potential addition of the trail area to the National Trails 
        System; and
          (2) the methods and means for the protection and 
        interpretation of this trail by the National Park Service, 
        other Federal, State, or local government entities or private 
        or non-profit organizations.
  (b) Study Requirements.--The Secretary shall conduct the study in 
accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5) or 
section 5(b) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(b)) as 
appropriate.
  (c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are 
made available to carry out this title, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report 
containing--
          (1) the results of the study; and
          (2) any recommendations of the Secretary.

                     TITLE XI--HUNTING AND FISHING

SEC. 1101. HUNTING AND FISHING.

  Each study authorized by this Act shall document the State and local 
laws governing hunting and fishing within the study area.

                      TITLE XII--SENSE OF CONGRESS

SEC. 1201. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

  It is the sense of Congress that any subsequent legislation affecting 
the status of the areas subject to the special resources studies 
authorized under this Act shall be supported by the results of the 
relevant studies authorized by this Act.

                          PURPOSE OF THE BILL

    The purpose of H.R. 3998 is to authorize the Secretary of 
the Interior to conduct special resource studies of certain 
lands and structures to determine the appropriate means for 
preservation, use, and management of the resources associated 
with such lands and structures.

                  BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

    H.R. 3998 combines ten special resource study bills, each 
of which has previously been the subject of hearings by the 
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. The 
bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct special 
resource studies of each of these sites or trails to determine 
the appropriate means for preservation, use and management of 
the resources, including possible inclusion within the National 
Park System or National Trails System. The bill requires the 
Secretary to complete each study three years after funds are 
made available.
    The language in H.R. 3998 has been standardized for 
consistency with Section 8(c) of the National Park System 
General Authorities Act (Public Law 91-383), which governs 
studies of areas for potential addition to the National Park 
System, and Section 5(b) of the National Trails System Act 
(Public Law 90-543), which governs studies of trails for 
potential addition to the National Trails System.
    Four special resource studies in the bill evaluate sites 
for potential inclusion as new units in the National Park 
System: the site of the battle of Camden in South Carolina and 
the site of the Battle of Matewan in West Virginia, the Wolf 
House in Arkansas and the Stranahan House in Florida.
    Three special resource studies in the bill evaluate sites 
for potential addition to existing National Park System units: 
the Harry S Truman Birthplace for potential addition to the 
Harry S Truman National Historic Site in Missouri, Fort San 
Geronimo for potential addition to San Juan National Historic 
Site in Puerto Rico and the Rim of the Valley Corridor for 
potential addition to Santa Monica Mountains National 
Recreation Area in California.
    Two special resource studies in the bill evaluate routes 
for potential addition to the National Trails System: the 
proposed Butterfield Overland Trail from Tennessee to 
California and the proposed Mississippi River Trail from 
Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
    Finally, the bill includes a study of potential additions 
to the existing Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

                            COMMITTEE ACTION

    On June 14, 2007, the Subcommittee on National Parks, 
Forests and Public Lands held a hearing on the original bills 
for the Wolf House (H.R. 442, introduced by Representative 
Berry [D-AR]) and the Rim of the Valley Corridor additions to 
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California 
(H.R. 1835, introduced by Representative Schiff [D-CA]).
    On July 19, 2007, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
original bills for the Battle of Camden site in South Carolina 
(H.R. 1674, introduced by Representative Spratt [D-SC]) and the 
Butterfield Overland Trail (H.R. 1266, introduced by 
Representative Boozman [R-AR]).
    On October 30, 2007, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the 
original bills for the Harry S Truman Birthplace addition to 
Harry S Truman National Historic Site (H.R. 3265, introduced by 
Representative Skelton [D-MO]); the Eastern Legacy additions to 
the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (H.R. 3616, 
introduced by Representative Emerson [R-MO]); the Battle of 
Matewan site (H.R. 3821, introduced by Natural Resources 
Committee Chairman Rahall [D-WV]); the Fort San Geronimo 
addition to San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico 
(H.R. 1545, introduced by Representative Fortuno [R-PR]) and 
Stranahan House (H.R. 3120, introduced by Representative 
Wasserman Schultz [D-FL]).
    Representative McCollum (D-MN) introduced H.R. 2482, to 
study a possible trail along the Mississippi River from 
Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico on May 31, 2007. A similar 
bill, H.R. 1796, the Mississippi River Trail Study Act, passed 
the House in the 109th Congress.
    Legislation combining these measures, H.R. 3998, was 
introduced on October 30, 2007, by Subcommittee Chairman Raul 
Grijalva (D-AZ). The bill was referred to the Committee on 
Natural Resources.
    On November 7, 2007, the Full Natural Resources Committee 
met to consider the bill. Representative Flake (R-AZ) offered 
an en bloc amendment to strike Titles V (Mississippi River) and 
VIII (Rim of the Valley). The amendment was not agreed to by a 
rollcall vote of 9 yeas and 18 nays, as follows:


    Representative Bishop (R-UT) offered an amendment to direct 
that each of the studies authorized by H.R. 3998 describe the 
effects of any recommendation on state or local laws regarding 
hunting, fishing and the possession or use of a weapon, trap or 
net. Subcommittee Chairman Grijalva offered an amendment to the 
amendment to direct that each study document the state and 
local laws governing hunting and fishing within the study area. 
The Grijalva second degree amendment was agreed to by voice 
vote, and the Bishop amendment, as amended, was agreed to by 
voice vote.
    Representative Bishop offered an amendment to Title VIII to 
direct that, in conducting the special resource study, the 
Secretary of the Interior consult with owners of private 
property within and adjacent to the Santa Monica National 
Recreation Area regarding the effects of existing wildfire 
prevention practices on such property owners. Subcommittee 
Chairman Grijalva offered an amendment to the amendment to 
direct that the Secretary document the process used to develop 
the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 
Fire Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement and all 
activity conducted pursuant to that plan designed to protect 
lives and property from fire. The Grijalva second degree 
amendment was agreed to by voice vote, and the Bishop 
amendment, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote.
    Representative Bishop offered an amendment to strike a 
portion of the study area in Title IX (Stranahan House). The 
amendment was not agreed to by a rollcall vote of 8 yeas and 22 
nays, as follows:


    Representative Bishop offered an amendment to Title X 
(Butterfield Overland Trail) to require that the Secretary also 
study the effects on private property owners in the study area, 
including any changes in land values, the possibility of 
restrictive zoning, or the need for land acquisition. The 
amendment was not agreed to by voice vote.
    Representative Bishop offered an amendment to express the 
sense of Congress that any subsequent legislation affecting the 
status of the areas subject to the special resource studies 
authorized under H.R. 3998 should be supported by the results 
of those studies. The amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
    Representative Bishop offered an amendment to define 
``reasonable'' efforts to contact landowners or consult with 
landowners concerning the studies authorized in the bill as 
requiring actual contact through telephone, mail or electronic 
mail. The amendment was subsequently withdrawn.
    The bill, as amended, was then ordered favorably reported 
to the House of Representatives by voice vote.

                      SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title

    Section 1 provides that the Act may be cited as ``America's 
Historical and Natural Legacy Study Act.''

Section 2. Secretary

    Section 2 defines the term ``Secretary'' to mean the 
Secretary of the Interior.

Section 3. Table of contents

    Section 3 provides a table of contents for the legislation.
            Title I--Harry S Truman Birthplace Study Act
    Title I directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic 
Site in Lamar, Missouri. Section 102(a) specifies that the 
Secretary is to study the site not only for possible addition 
to the Harry S Truman National Historic Site but also for 
possible management and interpretation by other public or 
private entities.
            Title II--Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Extension 
                    Study Act
    Title II directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of sites associated with the preparation or 
return phases of the Lewis and Clark expedition, commonly 
referred to as the ``Eastern Legacy'' sites in Virginia, the 
District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West 
Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri and 
Illinois, including the routes followed by Meriwether Lewis and 
William Clark, whether separately or together, as possible 
additions to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
            Title III--Battle of Matewan Study Act
    Title III directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the sites and resources at Matewan, West 
Virginia, associated with the Battle of Matewan (also known as 
the Matewan Massacre) of May 19, 1920. Section 302(a) requires 
the site to be studied not only for possible designation as a 
unit of the National Park System but also for possible 
management and interpretation by other public or private 
entities.
            Title IV--Battle of Camden Study Act
    Title IV directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the site of the Battle of Camden fought in 
South Carolina on August 16, 1780, and the site of Historic 
Camden, which is currently a National Park System Affiliated 
Area. Section 402(a) requires these sites to be studied not 
only for possible designation as a unit or units of the 
National Park System but also for possible management and 
interpretation by other public or private entities.
            Title V--Mississippi River Study Act
    Title V directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study along the route of the Mississippi River in the 
counties contiguous to the river from its headwaters in the 
State of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The study is to 
examine a wide range of alternatives for conservation and 
interpretation of sites along the river, including potential 
addition of all or portions of the route as part of the 
National Trails System.
            Title VI--Fort San Geronimo Study Act
    Title VI directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of Fort San Geronimo (also know as ``Fortin de 
San Geronimo del Boqueron'') and other related resources in the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for possible inclusion in the San 
Juan National Historic Site or management by other public or 
private entities.
            Title VII--Wolf House Study Act
    Title VII directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the Wolf House located on Highway 5 in 
Norfolk, Arkansas. Section 702(a) requires the site to be 
studied not only for possible designation as a unit of the 
National Park System but also for possible management and 
interpretation by other public or private entities.
            Title VIII--Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act
    Title VIII directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the area known as the Rim of the Valley 
Corridor, generally including the mountains encircling the San 
Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo Valleys 
in California, for potential addition to the Santa Monica 
Mountains National Recreation Area or management by other 
public or private entities.
            Title IX--Stranahan House, Trading Post and Campsite Study 
                    Act
    Title IX directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resource study of the Stranahan House and the adjacent lot. 
Section 902(a) requires the sites to be studied not only for 
possible designation as a unit of the National Park System but 
also for possible management and interpretation by other public 
or private entities.
            Title X--Butterfield Overland Trail Study Act
    Title X directs the Secretary to complete a special 
resources study along the ``Ox-Bow Route'' of the Butterfield 
Overland Trail in the states of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, 
Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The study 
is to include alternatives for potential addition of the trail 
area to the National Trails System.
            Title XI--Sense of Congress
    Title XI expresses the sense of Congress that any 
subsequent legislation affecting the status of the areas 
studied under the bill should be supported by the results of 
those studies.

            COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

    Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of 
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.

                   CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

    Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United 
States grants Congress the authority to enact this bill.

                    COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII

    1. Cost of Legislation. Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the 
Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and 
a comparison by the Committee of the costs which would be 
incurred in carrying out this bill. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) 
of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when 
the Committee has included in its report a timely submitted 
cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
    2. Congressional Budget Act. As required by clause 3(c)(2) 
of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and 
section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, this 
bill does not contain any new budget authority, spending 
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in 
revenues or tax expenditures.
    3. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by 
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or 
objective of this bill is to authorize the Secretary of the 
Interior to conduct special resource studies of certain lands 
and structures to determine the appropriate means for 
preservation, use, and management of the resources associated 
with such lands and structures.
    4. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate. Under clause 
3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives and section 403 of the Congressional Budget Act 
of 1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate 
for this bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office:

H.R. 3998--America's Historical and Natural Resources Legacy Study Act

    Summary: H.R. 3998 would direct the National Park Service 
(NPS) to conduct special resource studies of ten areas 
throughout the United States. The studies, which would be 
completed over a three-year period, would determine the 
suitability and feasibility of adding the areas to the National 
Park System. Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, 
CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $3 million 
over the 2008-2010 period. Enacting the bill would have no 
effect on revenues or direct spending.
    The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector 
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) 
and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal 
governments.
    Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated 
budgetary impact of H.R. 3998 is shown in the following table. 
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300 
(natural resources and environment).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
                                                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                                              2008       2009       2010       2011       2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Estimated Authorization Level............................          1          1          1          0          0
Estimated Outlays........................................          1          1          1          0          0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Basis of estimate: Based on information provided by the 
NPS, CBO estimates that carrying out the 10 required studies 
would cost about $300,000 each and would be completed over the 
next three years. The study areas include:
     The Harry S Truman Birthplace in Missouri,
     Sites in 11 states and the District of Columbia 
associated with the Lewis and Clark expedition,
     Sites in West Virginia associated with the Battle 
of Matewan,
     The site of the Battle of Camden in South 
Carolina,
     Counties in several states along the Mississippi 
River,
     Fort San Geronimo in Puerto Rico,
     The Wolf House in Arkansas,
     The area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor 
in California,
     The Stranahan house, trading post, and campsite in 
Florida, and
     The Ox-bow Route of the Butterfield Overland 
Trail, which runs through eight states.
    Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 3998 
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as 
defined in UMRA and would not affect the budgets of state, 
local, or tribal governments.
    Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Deborah Reis; Impact 
on state, local, and tribal governments: Melissa Merrell; 
Impact on the private sector: Amy Petz.
    Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant Director 
for Budget Analysis.

                    COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104-4

    This bill contains no unfunded mandates.

                           EARMARK STATEMENT

    H.R. 3998 does not contain any congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
clause 9(d), 9(e) or 9(f) of rule XXI.

                PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL OR TRIBAL LAW

    This bill is not intended to preempt any State, local or 
tribal law.

                        CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

    If enacted, this bill would make no changes in existing 
law.

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

    We oppose H.R. 3998 for both substantive and procedural 
reasons. Seven of the ten Titles and their underlying bills are 
good bills that should have passed out of Committee by 
unanimous consent. They are: The Harry S Truman Birthplace 
Study Act, The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail 
Extension Study Act, Battle of Matewan Study Act, Battle of 
Camden Study Act, Fort San Geronimo Study Act, Wolf House Study 
Act, and the Butterfield Overland Trail Study Act. The 
Stranahan House, Trading Post and Campsite Study Act is 
unworthy of passage and could have serious implications for 
private property rights.
    Title IX, the Stranahan House, Trading Post and Campsite 
Study Act is part of a continuing attempt by the owners and 
some very wealthy supporters of the Stranahan House in Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida to stop development by almost any means 
necessary on adjacent private land. The owners of the adjacent 
property located at 500 East Las Olas Boulevard have 
successfully fought the Stranahan House for nearly a decade to 
have use of the land they own. These efforts have included the 
Stranahan House getting the City of Fort Lauderdale to condemn 
the land (which a court dismissed) and filing numerous suits 
against the property owners and the city to stop development. 
By directing the National Park Service, which did not support 
the underlying bill H.R. 3120, to study the adjacent property 
the bill will cast a threatening shadow of condemnation over 
the property and threatening further interference with the 
landowner's private property rights. All evidence shows that 
Members who were asked to cosponsor H.R. 3120 were not told it 
included studying land owned by unwilling participants. 
Incredibly, only after the hearing on H.R. 3120 was the owners 
of 500 East Las Olas Boulevard informed they were included in 
the study. Real estate appraisers currently value the property 
at approximately $90 million dollars.
    Committee Democrats claim that this is ``just a study'' and 
is needed ``to know what used to be there and was of historical 
and cultural importance.'' How can a study of this type that 
specifically names a particular parcel of property not 
interfere with the use of a landowner's property? Given the 
history of abuse by the owners and supporters of the Stranahan 
House it is likely that ANY finding of ``historical and 
cultural importance'' during the course of the study will 
likely be used as justification for either condemning the land 
or restricting the use of the property by local officials or 
the National Park Service to ``preserve'' the Stranahan House. 
The owners of 500 East Las Olas Boulevard, in addition to 
spending millions defending the right to have domain over their 
property, have repeatedly stated in letters to Congress and the 
press that they in no way wish to participate in the study or 
wish to sell their land. At mark up, every Democrat present 
voted against an amendment to remove the private landowners who 
did not want their property studied. In an editorial about a 
recent legal loss by the Stranahan House against the adjacent 
landowners, even the liberal Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel 
stated ``it's time Stranahan House advocates finally realize 
it's time to fold `em.'' This bill will only breath new life 
into this abuse of power.
    This bill illustrates how Committee Democrats have ushered 
in a new era of ``Park Barrel Politics'', an egregious practice 
of greasing the skids of bad bills through the legislative 
process by bundling together truly terrible park bills with 
worthy ones in massive omnibus packages to win votes. The less 
debate and the faster it can be rammed through the House, the 
better it is for the Majority. Committee Democrats quickly 
scuttled their promise to hold National Parks, Forests, and 
Public Lands Subcommittee mark ups after the first and only one 
they held produced healthy debate and votes on amendments. A 
Subcommittee mark up on H.R. 3998 may have cured many of the 
problems the bill has. Committee Democrats laughably tried to 
insinuate that H.R. 3998 has 82 cosponsors by adding up all the 
cosponsors of the 10 underlying bills. Support of part is not 
support of all. How one can claim support of a bill to study 
the birthplace of President Truman can be translated into 
support for a study of the most expensive National Park in our 
Nation's history is beyond reason.
    Committee Democrats clearly displayed their anti-private 
property and Second Amendment rights agenda in markup by 
gutting simple Republican amendments. One such amendment would 
have required the National Park Service to disclose the changes 
that will be imposed on hunting rights on newly acquired 
federal land. Another amendment would have required the 
National Park Service to include in their study the impact 
federalization will have on the risk of wildfire and the 
ensuing fire insurance rate increases. We are troubled that the 
Democrats are so eager to federalize private and state land, 
but are unwilling to allow the public to find out what the 
consequences are.
    In conclusion, while this bill is flawed, we look forward 
to finding reasonable compromises on the Floor of the House 
under an open rule where a fair and open debate may occur.

                                   Don Young.
                                   Rob Bishop.
                                   Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
                                   Chris Cannon.

                                  
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