SUBCHAPTER LIX–GG—CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

§410iii. Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §2, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3104.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 107–373, §1, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3104, provided that: "This Act [enacting this subchapter] may be cited as the 'Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Act'."

§410iii–1. 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §3, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3104.)

§410iii–2. Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Commission

The term "Commission" means the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Advisory Commission established by section 410iii–7 of this title.

(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 410iii–3 of this title and depicted on the Map.

(4) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §4, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3105.)

§410iii–3. 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §5, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3106.)

§410iii–4. 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §6, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3106.)

§410iii–5. Administration

The Secretary shall administer the Park in accordance with this subchapter 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.); ¹ 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.).¹

(Pub. L. 107–373, §7, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3106.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

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.), referred to in par. (1), is act Aug. 25, 1916, ch. 408, 39 Stat. 535, known as the National Park Service Organic Act, which enacted sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 100101 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs. Sections 1 to 4 of the Act were repealed and restated as section 1865(a) of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of Title 54 by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 4(a)(1), 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3260, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of this title, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

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.), referred to in par. (2), is act Aug. 21, 1935, ch. 593, 49 Stat. 666, known as the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and also as the Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act, which enacted sections 461 to 467 of this title. The Act was repealed and restated as section 1866(a) of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 102303 and 102304 and chapter 3201 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 4(a)(1), 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3260, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of this title, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§410iii–6. 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 December 19, 2002, 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §8, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3106.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

§410iii–7. 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 410iii–6 of this title; 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 subchapter.

(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.

(f) Hearings; public involvement

The Commission may, for purposes of carrying out this subchapter, 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §9, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3107.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Advisory Commissions

Advisory commissions established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a commission established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such commission is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a commission established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§410iii–8. 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 subchapter and the standards and criteria established pursuant to the general management plan developed pursuant to section 410iii–6 of this title;

(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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §10, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3108.)

§410iii–9. 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 subchapter.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §11, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3108.)

§410iii–10. Cooperative agreements

(a) In general

In order to further the purposes of this subchapter, 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 subchapter, 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §12, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3109.)

§410iii–11. 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.

(Pub. L. 107–373, §13, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3109.)

§410iii–12. Authorization of appropriations

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

(Pub. L. 107–373, §14, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3110.)