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S. HRG. 111–282 

MISCELLANEOUS NATIONAL PARKS LEGISLATION 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS 

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON 

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

ON

S. 1369 H.R. 1121 

S. 1405 H.R. 1287 

S. 1413 H.R. 2802 

S. 1767 H.R. 3113 

S. Res. 275 

NOVEMBER 4, 2009 

( 

Printed for the use of the 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
(II) 

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico, Chairman 

BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota 

RON WYDEN, Oregon 

TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota 

MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana 

MARIA CANTWELL, Washington 

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey 

BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, Arkansas 

BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont 

EVAN BAYH, Indiana 

DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan 

MARK UDALL, Colorado 

JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire 

LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska 

RICHARD BURR, North Carolina 

JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming 

SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas 

JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho 

JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona 

ROBERT F. BENNETT, Utah 

JIM BUNNING, Kentucky 

JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama 

BOB CORKER, Tennessee 

ROBERT M. SIMON, Staff Director 

SAM E. FOWLER, Chief Counsel 

MCKIE CAMPBELL, Republican Staff Director 

KAREN K. BILLUPS, Republican Chief Counsel 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS

MARK UDALL, Colorado Chairman 

BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota 

MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana 

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey 

BLANCHE L. LINCOLN, Arkansas 

BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont 

EVAN BAYH, Indiana 

DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan 

RICHARD BURR, North Carolina 

JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming 

SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas 

JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona 

JIM BUNNING, Kentucky 

BOB CORKER, Tennessee 

JEFF BINGAMAN and LISA MURKOWSKI are Ex Officio Members of the Subcommittee 
(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

STATEMENTS 

Page 

Burr, Hon. Richard, U.S. Senator From North Carolina ..................................... 2 

Kirk, Hon. Paul, U.S. Senator From Massachusetts ............................................ 4 

Stevenson, Katherine H., Assistant Director, Business Services, National 

Park Service, Department of the Interior .......................................................... 6 

Udall, Hon. Mark, U.S. Senator From Colorado ................................................... 1 

APPENDIX 

Additional material submitted for the record ........................................................ 17 

(1) 

MISCELLANEOUS NATIONAL PARKS 

LEGISLATION 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 

U.S. SENATE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Washington, DC. 

The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:30 p.m. in room 

SD–366, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Mark Udall presiding. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARK UDALL, U.S. SENATOR 

FROM COLORADO 

Senator UDALL. The Parks subcommittee will come to order. 

This afternoon the Subcommittee on National Parks will consider 

several bills and one Senate Resolution pending before this subcommittee. 

It appears that most of these bills are noncontroversial, although 

one or two may require more attention. 

The bills today include S. 1369, to designate segments of the 

Molalla River in the State of Oregon as components of the National 

Wild and Scenic River System; 

S. 1405, to rename the Longfellow National Historic Site in Massachusetts as the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters 

National Historic Site; 

S. 1413, to expand the boundary of the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts to include the Quincy Homestead Property; 

S. 1767 and H.R. 1121, to authorize a land exchange between the 

Blue Ridge Parkway and the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina; 

S. Res. 275, to honor the Minute Man National Historical Park 

on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; 

H.R. 2802, to extend the authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the honor of former 

President John Adams and his legacy; 

H.R. 1287, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into 

a partnership regarding the use of a visitor center for the Indiana 

Dunes National Lakeshore; and 

H.R. 3113, to study a segment of the Elk River in the State of 

West Virginia for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic River System. 

The two Massachusetts park bills were either sponsored or cosponsored by Senator Kennedy, and I look forward to working with 
2 

Senator Kerry, Senator Kirk, our ranking member, Senator Burr, 

and other members of the committee, to address any outstanding 

issues so that we can advance these bills through the Senate. 

At this time, I’d like to recognize the ranking member of the subcommittee, Senator Burr, for his opening statement. 

STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BURR, U.S. SENATOR FROM 

NORTH CAROLINA 

Senator BURR. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Thank you for convening this hearing before the National Parks Subcommittee. 

As you’ve stated, we’ve got 8 bills on the agenda today. I want 

to thank you for not going with 60 bills, which is the historical nature of the subcommittee. I think we can handle these more expeditiously, in smaller tranches. 

One of the bills on the agenda is important to my home State of 

North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Land Exchange—Parkway Land 

Exchange, which I introduced along with Senator Hagan. Mr. 

Chairman, I would ask unanimous consent to enter into the record 

a statement from Senator Hagan, as well as unanimous consent to 

enter into the record letters from the mayors of Blowing Rock. 

Senator UDALL. Without objection. 

[The prepared statement of Senator Hagan follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. KAY R. HAGAN, U.S. SENATOR FROM

NORTH CAROLINA

S.1767

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, 

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony regarding S.1767—the Blue 

Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009. Senator 

Burr and I introduced this legislation on October 8, 2009, following the passage of 

identical legislation (H.R. 1121) by the House of Representatives on July 27, 2009. 

Introduced by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, and co-sponsored by the entire North 

Carolina delegation, H.R. 1121 was approved in the House by a vote of 377-0. 

As introduced, S. 1767 will authorize the Secretary of the Interior to engage in 

a land exchange with the Town of Blowing Rock (‘‘Town’’) in western North Carolina. In particular, the bill will allow the Secretary to trade approximately 20 acres 

of land within the boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway for approximately 192 

acres of land owned by the Town. The purpose of this exchange is to simplify a longstanding agreement between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Town with 

regard to a small reservoir within the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary. The House 

Committee on Natural Resources reports: 

This land exchange is supported by both the Town of Blowing Rock (the 

Town) and the National Park Service (NPS). The land containing the reservoir was willed to the federal government in 1908 upon the death of 

prominent local resident Moses Cone, but was held in trust until its actual 

donation in 1949. In the intervening years, Mr. Cone’s widow allowed the 

Town to remove water from a stream on the property and pipe it to the 

Town’s water system. The NPS issued the Town a Special Use Permit to 

construct a dam on the stream in 1955, creating a small reservoir. 

Both parties agree that the best long-term resolution of the current situation would be to transfer the reservoir and its management to the Town, 

in exchange for other lands which support the mission and purposes of the 

Parkway. 

The approximately 192 acre parcel to be acquired by the NPS is undeveloped land owned by the Town. It is desirable to the National Park Service 

because it will provide a buffer between the Blue Ridge Parkway and adjacent developed areas. It will also protect scenic views and enhance recreational opportunities on the Parkway. 

To ensure equity and transparency, S. 1767 will require that any agreement between the NPS and the Town comply with all laws, regulations, and policies regard-
3 

ing NPS land exchanges. This will require the NPS to conduct an appraisal of all 

relevant land, while providing the authority to the Secretary to adjust acreage totals 

to guarantee a fair exchange. The bill also requires the Secretary to make available 

a map of the exchanged lands for review by local stakeholders. 

Land acquired by the NPS through this legislation will be administered as part 

of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the boundary of the Parkway automatically adjusted to reflect any new acquisitions. As the most visited unit of the National Park 

System, the Parkway welcomes more than 20 million visitors annually to North 

Carolina and Virginia. The Parkway’s more than 450 miles of scenic views support 

an estimated $2.3 billion in local economic activity every year. 

As we look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of this national treasure, 

this land exchange is an excellent opportunity to enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway 

visitor experience at no cost to the federal government. Just the same, S. 1767 will 

ensure that the Town is able to continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water 

throughout the Blowing Rock community, protecting public health and helping to 

stimulate and sustain local economic development. 

For these reasons, I urge the Committee to review and approve S.1767 as quickly 

as possible, and look forward to working with Chairman Bingaman and Ranking 

Member Murkowski to expedite its consideration by the full Senate. 

Thank you once more for your efforts to consider the Blue Ridge Parkway and 

Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009. 

Senator BURR. The bill enjoys unanimous support from the North 

Carolina Congressional Delegation and is vital to the town of Blowing Rock. This bill would allow Blowing Rock to gain ownership 

and control of their water source in exchange for land surrounding 

the Blue Ridge Parkway. This would provide the Parkway with additional recreational opportunities and protect scenic viewpoints. 

It’s important to note that nothing included in the language of this 

bill will change hunting rights within any of the exchanged land. 

This bill is a win-win situation, for all involved. I look forward 

to taking another step toward its completion today. The mayor of 

Blowing Rock has written letters of support, which I’ve already put 

in the record, as well as the town manager, Scott Hildebrand. 

Mr. Chairman, once again I thank you and would remind you 

and my colleagues that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a unique treasure of this country. As it was constructed, there was very little 

thought put toward whether adjacent to the Parkway was private 

lands or public lands. Over the years, we have tried to work within 

the framework of the restrictions on the Blue Ridge Parkway to try 

to settle the distribution of land needed for surrounding communities. We have successfully done that through these land swaps. 

I think, in most cases, if not in all cases, actually, the beneficiary 

is the Parkway and the protection of that national treasure, because it gives us much more of a buffer to the Parkway and provides the communities as really willing partners with the Parkway’s intent. 

I thank the chair. 

Senator UDALL. I thank the ranking member for his comments. 

I would note for the record that the slowness with which I responded to his unanimous consent request is no indication of my 

deep and fervent support for this important measure. We have 

similar opportunities, I would point out, in the West, where land 

exchanges can be truly a win-win for everybody involved. I look forward to working with the ranking member to bring this bill to the 

full floor and get it to the President’s desk as soon as we can. 

We now want to turn to Senator Kirk for any testimony he might 

have on these important Massachusetts bills. As a huge fan of John 

Adams and his extended family, I look forward to Senator Kirk’s 
4 

testimony, and look forward to working with him to move these 

bills to the floor of the Senate and on to the President’s desk. 

Senator Kirk. 

STATEMENT OF HON. PAUL KIRK, U.S. SENATOR 

FROM MASSACHUSETTS 

Senator KIRK. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 

I want to commend you, Chairman Udall and Senator Burr, for 

holding these hearings this afternoon, and commend also the National Parks Service for its extraordinary work in preserving so 

many important sites for history throughout our country. 

I’m here in appreciation, and I want to express my strong support, for four of the bills on today’s agenda before the committee: 

S. 1405, S. 1413, S. Res. 275, and H.R. 2802. Each of these bills 

is important to my home State of Massachusetts, they highlight the 

prominent role of our State in the Revolutionary War, and each 

will make that history more vivid for visitors for centuries to come. 

The first of those is S. 1405, as you referred to, as the Longfellow 

House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site Designation Act. S. 1405 will make a long overdue correction to the name 

of the, quote, ‘‘Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House,’’ close quote, in 

Cambridge. This bill will redesignate the site as the, quote, ‘‘Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site,’’ 

close quote, to recognize the 9 months of the father of our Nation, 

during which he resided there, in 1775 and 1776, during the siege 

of Boston, the beginning of our war for independence. 

It was at the Longfellow House that General Washington created 

the Continental Army and successfully led the effort to force the 

British to evacuate the city. 

The property was designated a National Historic Site in 1972. 

However, Washington’s history at the site was not acknowledged at 

the time, and this bill will correct that oversight. 

As historian David McCullough has said, the Longfellow house, 

and I quote, ‘‘is haunted by a cast of characters that is almost 

unrivaled by any structure in the country, with the possible exception of the White House and Independence Hall,’’ close quote. 

Senators Kennedy and Kerry introduced S. 1405 in July, and I’m 

please to be a cosponsor now, and I urge the committee to approve 

it. 

The second bill I urge the committee to approve is S. 1413, 

Adams National Historical Park Boundary Addition Act of 2009. S. 

1413 will expand the boundary of the Adams National Historic 

Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, to include the Quincy Homestead, 

a property closely associated with the family of our second and 

sixth Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. 

The current boundary of the park includes the Adams family 

home, but not the nearby Quincy homestead. Edmund Quincy II 

had the homestead built in 1686. Leading up to the American Revolution, it served as a meetingplace for John Adams, John Hancock, and other patriots. Five generations of Quincys, a family that 

also includes Oliver Wendell Holmes, lived in the homestead. 

The property was designated a National Historic Landmark in 

2005, and it is owned today by the National Society of the Colonial 

Dames of American, who have put great effort into restoring the 
5 

property to make it fit for visitors. The Colonial Dames Society 

strongly supports this bill, because it will ensure that this remarkable property is preserved for generations to come. 

Senators Kerry and Kennedy sponsored this legislation, which I 

am pleased to cosponsor, as well. I urge the committee to approve 

it. 

Third, S. Res. 275, a resolution honoring the Minute Man National Historical Park on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. I’m 

pleased that the committee is also considering S. Res. 275, which 

commemorates the 50th anniversary of Minute Man National Historical Park, located in Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, Massachusetts. 

Senator Kerry introduced the resolution on September 21, the 

date of the anniversary, and I’m proud to be a cosponsor. 

Minute Man Park is America’s sacred ground. It is the place 

where Americans first stood up arms against the British, and put 

the Colonies on the path to independence. The park contains sites 

along Battle Row, where Minute Men and British soldiers fought 

during the first battle of the Revolution, including the Old North 

Bridge in Concord, where the ‘‘shot heard round the world’’ was 

fired. 

Congress recently approved legislation adding the farm of Colonel Jones Barrett, in Concord, to the Park. Barrett was a leader 

of the colonial militia at the time, and munitions of the militia 

were hidden on his farm. Finding those munitions was a key objective of the British March on Concord and Lexington. 

This resolution is an important recognition of the Park’s special 

significance in the Nation’s history, and I urge the committee to approve it. 

Finally, Mr. Chairman, I urge the committee’s approval of H.R. 

2802, to provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the 

Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial to President 

John Adams in Washington, DC. H.R. 2802 will grant a 7-year extension to the Adams Memorial Foundation to continue its work to 

identify an appropriate site near the National Mall for a monument 

to our second president. Without this extension, the current authorization, enacted in 2001, will expire later this year. The board 

of the Foundation includes the man who literally wrote the book 

on John Adams, David McCullough. The Foundation is proceeding 

with a review of possible memorial site locations. The brief extension sought in H.R. 2802 will enable this important work to continue so that an appropriate location can be selected and the design 

and construction work can begin. 

Congressman Bill Delahunt is the sponsor of this bill, which 

passed the House in September. I urge the committee to approve 

it, as well. 

I’m grateful, Mr. Chairman, to you and to your committee, for 

the opportunity to express my views, and I look forward to working 

with each of you to enact these important bills for the State of 

Massachusetts and for the Nation. 

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 

Senator UDALL. Thank you, Senator Kirk. 
6 

We know how busy your schedule is, and I personally take it as 

a statement of how important this is to you, that you took time to 

come today and testify. 

I don’t have any questions. 

I want to turn to Senator Burr to see if he has any questions. 

He does not. 

If you have any further statements for the record, we’d be happy 

to receive those. 

But, again, thank you for taking the time to testify. 

Senator KIRK. Thank you for your courtesies, Mr. Chairman. 

Senator Burr, I thank you very much. 

Senator UDALL. Thank you. 

We will take a short break, while we’re joined by the Administration witness, Katherine Stevenson, who is the assistant director of 

business services at the National Parks Service. 

So, Ms. Stevenson, if you’d join us. 

[Pause.] 

Senator UDALL. Ms. Stevenson, the floor is yours. We look forward to your testimony. 

STATEMENT OF KATHERINE H. STEVENSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUSINESS SERVICES, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Ms. STEVENSON. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank 

you for the opportunity to appear before you to offer the views of 

the Department of the Interior on the bills before you today. 

I’ll summarize my remarks, although I’m sure you’d like me to 

read the full testimony of each of them. But, I will ask that the full 

text be entered into the record. 

The Department supports—thank you—S. 1369 ***AGENDA 

HAS S. 1369***, which would designate 15.1 miles of the Molalla 

River and 6.2 miles of the Table Rock fork of the Molalla, as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 

Ed Robertson, BLM assistant director for renewable resources 

and planning, is accompanying me today, and he’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have on this bill. 

The Department supports redesignation of the Longfellow National Historic Site as the Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic Site, as authorized by S. 1405. 

On the other hand, the Department opposes S. 1413. We believe 

that inclusion of the Quincy House is inconsistent with the purposes for which the Adams National Historical Park was designated. 

The Department supports S. 1767, which would authorize a land 

exchange between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. 

We also support H.R. 2802, which would extend the authority of 

the Adams Memorial Foundation until December 2, 2013. 

The Forest Service supports H.R. 3113 that would authorize a 

study of a segment of the Elk River in Pocahontas County, West 

Virginia, for its eligibility as an addition to the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers System. 

Finally, the Department supports H.R. 1287 that would authorize the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Porter Coun-
7 

ty Convention Recreation and Visitor Commission to develop a 

partnership plan including cooperative management of a newly 

constructed visitor facility and the sharing of operational activities. 

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my prepared remarks. I’d be happy 

to answer any questions you might have. 

[The prepared statements of Ms. Stevenson follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF KATHERINE H. STEVENSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUSINESS SERVICES, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Thank you for inviting the Department of the Interior to testify on S. 1369, the 

Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

supports S. 1369. 

BACKGROUND

The Molalla River begins its journey to the sea on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. At an elevation of 4,800 feet, the Molalla flows 

undammed for 49 miles west and north until it joins the Willamette River. For 

years, the Molalla suffered from too much negative attention from its visitors, including vandalism. To address these problems, local residents joined together several years ago and formed the Molalla River Alliance (MRA). The MRA, a nonprofit 

all volunteer organization, has over 45 public and private partners, including Federal, State, and local government agencies, user groups, and conservationists. Working cooperatively with BLM’s local field office, the MRA has provided the Molalla 

the care it needed. Today, we are pleased that this subcommittee is considering designating approximately 21 miles of the river as a component of the National Wild 

and Scenic Rivers System. 

The Molalla River is home to important natural and cultural resources. Protection 

of this watershed is crucial as the source of drinking water for local communities 

and the important spawning habitat it provides for several fish species, including 

salmon and steelhead. Within an hour’s drive of the metropolitan areas of Portland 

and Salem, Oregon, the Molalla watershed provides significant recreational opportunities for fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, 

camping, and swimming. A 20-mile hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail 

system draws over 65,000 visitors annually. 

S. 1369

S. 1369 proposes to designate 15.1 miles of the Molalla River and 6.2 miles of the 

Table Rock Fork of the Molalla as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In earlier planning analyses, the BLM evaluated the Molalla River and 

the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla River and determined that most of these two 

rivers should be considered for designation as wild and scenic rivers. As a result, 

the designation called for in S. 1369 would be largely consistent with management 

currently in place, and would cause few changes to BLM’s current administration 

of most of this area. The 5,500-acre Table Rock Wilderness, designated by Congress 

in 1984, is embraced by the Molalla and Table Rock Fork, and designation of these 

river segments would reinforce the protections in place for the wilderness area. 

Wild and scenic rivers are designated by Congress in one of three categories: wild, 

scenic, or recreational. Differing management proscriptions apply for each of these 

designations. S. 1369 specifies that these river segments be classified as recreational. This classification is consistent with the strong recreational values of this 

area, as well as the presence of roads along the course of the river segments and 

numerous dispersed campsites along its shorelines. 

CONCLUSION

Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of these important Oregon designations. The Department of the Interior looks forward to welcoming these units 

into the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. 

S. 1405

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to provide the Department of the 

Interior’s views on S. 1405 to redesignate the Longfellow National Historic Site in 

Massachusetts as the Longfellow House-Washington Headquarters National Historic 

Site. 

The Department supports enactment of this legislation. 
8 

On June 16, 1775, George Washington accepted the appointment of the Continental Congress as commander of the yet-to-be-formed Continental Army. He immediately journeyed north to take command of New England militia troops on July 3, 

1775, and conduct a siege of British-held Boston, Massachusetts. A house, abandoned by Loyalist John Vassall, on Brattle Street in Cambridge became his headquarters for nine months during the conflict. Vassall had been forced to flee the 

house shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Washington’s wife Martha, along with other family members and servants from Virginia, joined him there 

for four of those months. 

From a ground floor office in the house, Washington struggled with the numerous 

problems of his new command. Among these were defending the region against the 

well-trained British troops occupying Boston, bringing discipline to the untrained 

militia, and supplying his army with arms and the accoutrements of war. It was 

here, too, that he gave command to Benedict Arnold of a small force to attack Quebec over the mountains of Maine and confronted Dr. Benjamin Church, a patriot 

leader, with evidence that he was a British spy. From Cambridge, Washington provided for the development of a network of spies in Boston to report on British plans 

and movements. He also approved the arming and use of vessels to confront British 

supply ships. 

The siege proved to be successful and the British withdrew from Boston without 

the destruction of lives and property that a major battle would have caused. For his 

efforts, Washington received a medal from Congress and an honorary degree from 

Harvard. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife Fanny received the house on Brattle 

Street as a wedding gift from his wife’s father in 1843. Both expressed pride in owning the house that had been Washington’s headquarters. Fanny Longfellow wrote: 

. . .we are full of plans and projects with no desire, however, to change 

a feature of the old countenance which Washington has rendered sacred. 

Longfellow relished conducting tours of the house when tourists would inquire 

about the period when it was Washington’s headquarters. The Longfellows also collected Washington memorabilia, which are prominent among the furnishings they 

left and which are preserved today at the national historic site. 

Public Law 92–475, which authorized the establishment of the national historic 

site in 1972, recognized the role that the house played as the headquarters of General George Washington during the siege of Boston between 1775 and 1776. Redesignation of the national historic site will better enable visitors to identify the importance of the full history of the resource and appreciate Longfellow’s veneration of 

George Washington. 

The appropriateness of redesignating the name of the national historic site was 

perhaps best expressed by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, himself, from the same 

ground floor office used by Washington. In 1845, in his poem entitled ‘‘To a Child’’, 

he wrote this passage: 

Once, ah, once, within these walls, One whom memory oft recalls, The Father of his Country, dwelt. And yonder meadows broad and damp The fires 

of the besieging camp Encircled with a burning belt. Up and down these 

echoing stairs, Heavy with the weight of cares, Sounded his majestic tread; 

Yes, within this very room Sat he in those hours of gloom, Weary both in 

heart and head. 

Mr. Chairman, that concludes my testimony. I would be pleased to answer any 

questions you or members of the committee may have regarding the proposed redesignation. 

S. 1413

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to appear before your committee to 

present the views of the Department of the Interior on S. 1413, a bill to include the 

Quincy Homestead in Quincy, Massachusetts, within the boundary of Adams National Historical Park. 

The Department opposes S. 1413, consistent with a 1994 National Park Service 

Special Resource Study that did not recommend adding this property to the Adams 

National Historical Park. 

The Quincy Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005 

based on its architectural significance; its association with four generations of Edmund Quincys during the 17th and 18th centuries; its long association with people 

of learning and mercantile achievement; its use as a progressive farm in the 18th 

century; its path-breaking early restoration by Joseph Everett Chandler in 1904; 
9 

and its association with the Society of Colonial Dames of America. The Homestead 

is also known as the ‘‘Dorothy Quincy House.’’ Dorothy Quincy, a daughter of Edmund Quincy IV, the last Quincy to occupy the Homestead, grew up in the dwelling 

and married John Hancock. The Homestead is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operated through agreement by the Society of Colonial Dames of 

America as a house museum. 

The Quincy families were among the significant families of Massachusetts during 

their tenures of ownership of the property. All four generations associated with the 

site and the house played important roles in local and colonial military and political 

activities. Edmund I (1602-1635), who immigrated to Boston from England, was a 

Boston representative in the General Court of the Province. Edmund II (1628-1696) 

was the first major and lieutenant colonel in Braintree, Massachusetts, and representative to the Massachusetts General Assembly. Edmund III (1681-1738) was 

Judge of the Superior Court of Judicature and a member of the Board of Overseers 

of Harvard University. Edmund IV (1703-1788) was successful in partnership with 

others in mercantile trade. 

The Homestead, during the period of occupancy by the Quincy families, went 

through a series of phases of construction, with the first being undertaken by Edmund Quincy II in 1686. Additions and alterations proceeded in the period 1706- 

1708 and again in 1737 by Edmund Quincy III. Circa 1750, Edmund Quincy IV carried out extensive remodeling of the interior of the structure. The property was sold 

by the family in 1763. 

In 1994, pursuant to Public Law 101-512, the National Park Service completed 

a Special Resource Study of a number of historic resources in Quincy, Massachusetts. The Quincy Homestead was among the resources analyzed during the course 

of the study. The study did not recommend that any resources investigated become 

units of the National Park System or that the Quincy Homestead be added to the 

Adams National Historical Park. No information has come to the Department’s attention that would alter the conclusions of the Special Resource Study. 

The purpose of Adams National Historical Park is to preserve and protect the 

grounds, homes and personal property of four generations of the Adams family and 

to use these resources to interpret the history they represent and to educate and 

inspire current and future generations. We do not believe that the Quincy Homestead is related to the purposes for which the park was established, nor does it appear to have any direct relationship with the Adams family, other than the fact that 

John Adams was once a suitor to Dorothy Quincy and a visitor to the Homestead. 

While Abigail Adams had Quincy family ancestry on her mother’s side, she never 

lived at the Homestead. There does not appear to be any direct connection between 

John, Abigail, John Quincy, or Louisa Adams and the Homestead that would categorize the structure as a closely related resource to those now within the boundary 

of the park. Since the Homestead is currently owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and operated as a house museum by the Society of Colonial Dames of 

America, we do not see a need for management of the resource by the National Park 

Service. 

Although there is support at the county and local levels for inclusion of the Quincy Homestead into the National Park System as part of Adams National Historical 

Park, we cannot support the action without a finding that the resource meets congressionally required criteria for designation. Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I am prepared to answer any questions from members of the Committee. 

S. 1767 AND H.R. 1121

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the Interior on S. 1767 and H.R. 1121, bills to authorize a land exchange 

to acquire lands for the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Town of Blowing Rock, North 

Carolina, and for other purposes. 

The Department supports this legislation. S. 1767 and H.R. 1121, which are identical in substance, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to exchange approximately 20 acres of land at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a popular recreational area located within the boundary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, for approximately 192 acres of land owned by the Town of Blowing Rock (Town). This proposed 

exchange would be mutually beneficial to the National Park Service (NPS) and the 

Town. 

In 1949, the Moses Cone Hospital Trust deeded the 3,500-acre Moses H. Cone Memorial Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This property had been held in trust by 

the hospital from 1911 until 1949 under a deed from Bertha Cone, the property’s 

owner. During that period, Mrs. Cone gave permission to the Town of Blowing Rock 

to install a pipeline from the Town to a creek on the property. In 1955, the NPS 
10 

issued a permit to the Town allowing them to dam the creek to form a reservoir, 

which continues to be used by the Town as its primary source of drinking water. 

The Town and NPS officials at the Blue Ridge Parkway have long been in agreement that it would be better for the Town to own and manage their municipal water 

supply, rather than accessing it through the NPS permitting process. Several years 

ago, NPS and the Town sought to initiate an administrative land exchange. In November 2003, the Town purchased a 192-acre tract of land adjacent to the Cone Memorial Park in anticipation of exchanging this land for approximately 20 acres of 

land within the Cone Memorial Park that would include the reservoir and a small 

amount of land that the Town could flood in order to increase the size of the reservoir. The proposed exchange would give the Town an unencumbered water supply 

and the potential for some expansion of capacity, while the NPS would receive a 

192-acre buffer tract that would provide recreational opportunities and preservation 

and protection of resources at the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

We believe that this exchange, which has been underway for several years, would 

be facilitated and hastened through passage of S. 1767 or H.R. 1121, authorizing 

bills that establish clear expectations for both the Town and the NPS regarding the 

exchange process. 

When the House Resources Committee considered H.R. 1121 on July 9, 2009, the 

committee adopted amendments recommended by the Department to allow the acreage amounts in the bill to be adjusted to equalize land values and to provide a 

three-year time frame for the exchange. H.R. 1121, as amended, passed the House 

on July 27, 2009. The changes made to the H.R. 1121 are reflected in S. 1767. 

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement. I would be happy to answer any 

questions that you may have. 

H.R. 2802

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity 

to appear before you today to present the Department of the Interior’s views on H.R. 

2802, a bill to provide for an extension of the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President 

John Adams and his legacy. 

The Department supports H.R. 2802 as passed by the House. 

H.R. 2802 would amend Public Law 107-62 to extend to December 2, 2013 the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs 

to honor President John Adams and his legacy. In addition to providing an extension of authority, H.R. 2802 also contains technical amendments to the original authorizing legislation, Public Law 107-62, enacted in 2001, which contains outdated 

references to the Commemorative Works Act (CWA). The references currently cited 

in Public Law 107-315 refer to the CWA as codified under 40 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. 

The CWA, however, was recodified under 40 U.S.C. 8901 et seq. on August 21, 2002 

(Public Law 107-217). The proposed amendments in H.R. 2802 would update and 

correct the references to the CWA. 

The authority to establish the John Adams memorial was originally approved by 

Congress on November 5, 2001. The Adams Memorial Foundation (Foundation) requested that the subject of the commemoration be determined to be of preeminent 

and lasting significance to the Nation so that the proposed memorial might be 

placed in Area I, a request that was considered favorably by the National Capital 

Memorial Advisory Commission in 2002 and recommended to Congress. P.L. 107- 

315, enacted on December 2, 2002, granted the Foundation that additional authority 

to seek a site for their memorial within Area I. Authorizations under the CWA have 

a seven-year sunset period which extends from the date on which the Area I authority was granted to allow for time to obtain a building permit and begin construction 

of a memorial. As the Foundation has not yet been able to select a site, design the 

memorial, receive the requisite approvals, or raise sufficient funds for the construction of the memorial, a permit could not be granted. Therefore, the authority to establish the memorial would expire on December 2, 2009. However, Section 130 of 

the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2996—the Department of the Interior, 

Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, extends the authority 

until September 30, 2010. H.R. 2802 would extend to December 2, 2013, the authority to establish a commemorative work to honor former President John Adams, his 

wife Abigail Adams, and former President John Quincy Adams and their legacy of 

public service. 

With an additional four years of legislative authority, the Foundation should be 

in a viable position to achieve site and design approvals as well as to raise the minimum 75 percent of the funds sufficient to build the memorial. Should they meet 

these thresholds, the Secretary of the Interior may exercise his authority under the 
11 

CWA to grant an additional three-year administrative extension to allow the Foundation to finalize construction documents and raise the balance of necessary funding. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to comment. This concludes my prepared remarks and I will be happy to answer any questions you or other committee 

members may have. 

H.R. 3113

Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity 

to provide the Administration’s views on H.R. 3113. 

This bill amends section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Public Law 90- 

542 (16 U.S.C. 1271—1287) to designate a segment of Elk River in Pocahontas 

County, West Virginia, for study as a potential addition to the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers System. The segment that would be authorized for study lies entirely 

within the Monongahela National Forest, and is an approximate five-mile segment 

of the Elk River from the confluence of the Old Field Fork and the Big Spring Fork 

in Pocahontas County to the Pocahontas and Randolph County line. 

The bill provides that the study determine if the river is qualified for designation 

and, if so determined, evaluate the potential benefits and consequences of its designation, including an assessment of whether its addition to the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers System is the best method to protect river values. 

This section of the Elk River flows through a small canyon with a parallel, nonoperational railroad the only sign of human activity. The overall appearance of the 

river corridor from the stream is one of hardwood forests and large boulders with 

occasional views of the railroad. The river is dominated by many pools, separated 

by stretches of riffles. The stream is popular with anglers and supports populations 

of wild brown and rainbow trout; populations of native brook trout occur in the tributaries within one-quarter mile of the main channel. Karst limestone outcrops along 

the river bed create the conditions that cause the river to ‘‘sink’’, or go underground, 

during low flows. 

Of the land contained within a quarter mile of each side of the river segment, twothirds is in federal ownership all under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, 

an agency of the Department of Agriculture, with the remaining acreage in private 

ownership for a total of approximately 1500 acres. The bill provides that the study 

address both Federal and non-Federal lands. 

The Administration supports this legislation as it provides an opportunity to work 

with interested parties including state and local governments and landowners to 

identify river values and thoughtfully evaluate whether and, if desirable, how these 

values should be protected. 

This concludes my prepared statement and I would be pleased to answer any 

questions you may have. 

H.R. 1287

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity 

to appear before you today to present the Department of the Interior’s views on H.R. 

1287, a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a partnership 

with the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission regarding 

the use of the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center as a visitor center for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and for other purposes. 

The Department supports H.R. 1287 as passed by the House with technical 

amendments. 

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established as a unit of the National Park 

System in 1966. It lies on the southern tip of Lake Michigan and covers some 15,000 

acres with 15 miles of shoreline. In 1998, the national lakeshore and the Porter 

County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission (PCCRVC) began to explore 

the concept of a joint visitor center to be shared by the PCCRVC, the national lakeshore, and the Indiana Dunes State Park. At that time, both the national lakeshore 

and the PCCRVC suffered from low visitation at their respective visitor centers due 

to their poor locations away from the primary thoroughfares. Because of their location, size, and layout, the national lakeshore’s 1997 General Management Plan recommended relocating the visitor center to the more heavily traveled IN 49 corridor. 

A partnership to acquire land for a new site was initiated. A more prominent location outside the national lakeshore but within the primary travel corridor to the 

dunes was selected. Using a series of Transportation Enhancement grants, the 

PCCRVC purchased the land, which is located approximately three quarters of a 

mile south of the national lakeshore boundary on IN 49, the principal north/south 
12 

artery into the national lakeshore and secured a contract for construction. The new 

Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center was completed in October 2006. 

The NPS currently has an interim lease of the space in the new visitor facility 

and is in the process of securing a General Service Administration lease agreement 

for offices, storage, exhibits, bookstore, and a theatre. The payments for this lease 

come from funds in the park’s authorized annual operating budget. 

H.R. 1287 would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the PCCRVC that would outline the terms of the partnership, including 

cooperative management of the new visitor facility and sharing of operational activities. The two parties will jointly plan and staff the new visitor center and offer ‘‘onestop shopping,’’ with exhibits and theater space to educate visitors about the resources found in the park, aspects of threatened and endangered species management, habitat preservation, and wetlands restoration. 

H.R. 1287 would also authorize $1,500,000 to plan, design, construct, and install 

exhibits to be placed in the new facility for visitor information and education. The 

space leased by the National Park Service (NPS) includes room for exhibits, offices, 

a theatre, and a bookstore. All funds are subject to NPS priorities and the availability of appropriations. 

H.R. 1287 also would amend Section 19 of Public Law 89-761 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to accept donated lands that are considered contiguous to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore but physically separated from the boundary by a 

public or private right-of-way, such as a road, railroad, or utility corridors. 

The park is segmented with numerous isolated parcels. The northern portion of 

Indiana is crisscrossed with numerous interstate highways, oil and gas pipeline corridors, and electrical lines. A number of these rights of way exist within the national 

lakeshore. Several landowners have offered to donate land adjacent to the park (separated by utility, roadways, and rail corridors), but the park’s ability to accept such 

lands is ambiguous. It is unclear whether the NPS can accept these lands under 

the minor boundary revision authority of the Land and Water Conservation Fund 

Act of 1965. The bill would clarify this terminology as it relates to the Indiana 

Dunes National Lakeshore and allow the park to accept donated lands to further 

the purposes of the park unit when they adjoin the park’s boundary. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to comment. We look forward to 

working with the Committee to provide technical amendments to the bill. This concludes my prepared remarks and I will be happy to answer any questions you or 

other committee members might have. 

Senator UDALL. Thank you, Ms. Stevenson. Thank you for your 

very succinct remarks. I know Senator Burr and I both appreciate 

the additional testimony you’ve provided to us, and we will pore 

over it as we move forward. 

I’m going to recognize myself for 5 minutes and then turn to Senator Burr for questions he might have. 

You’ve testified that the Department of Interior opposes S. 1413, 

which would add the Quincy Homestead property to Adams National Historical Park. I’d like to get a better understanding of your 

specific concerns. 

The Homestead’s been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Presumably that designation means the property is considered to be nationally significant. Does that mean the property is 

also considered nationally significant for park purposes? 

Ms. STEVENSON. The answer to that is yes. ‘‘National significance’’ is a universal term and is part of the criteria for consideration for addition as a unit of the system. 

Our concern with the Quincy House is that the identification of 

the Adams National Historical Park is focused on the significance 

of the Adams family, exclusively, and doesn’t include other members of the community. So, that’s what our objection is. 

Senator UDALL. Let me follow on. My understanding is that the 

1994 Special Resource Study noted that the Quincy property possessed an unusual number of historic sites that deserved to be pro-
13 

tected, preserved, and interpreted for the public. Does the Park 

Service still agree with that assessment? 

Ms. STEVENSON. Yes. Quincy is a very important historic town, 

and I don’t think anybody in the Park Service would disagree that 

it’s something that should be interpreted. 

Senator UDALL. So, to return to my first question and the point 

you made, you believe that the Quincy homestead doesn’t have a 

direct tie to the Adams family and, therefore, the Adams National 

Historic Park, and that’s the—— 

Ms. STEVENSON. It’s for Park purposes. 

Senator UDALL [continuing]. On which you rest your opposition. 

Ms. STEVENSON. Yes, sir. 

Senator UDALL. I wanted to make sure you had a chance to clarify that, for the record. 

Let me move to the Adams Memorial Legislative Authority that’s 

proposed in H.R. 2802. Your statement indicates the Parks Service 

believes that, with an additional 4 years of authority, that the 

Foundation would be able to raise the necessary funds for the memorial. Do you have an estimate of what the total costs would be 

for the memorial and what progress the Foundation has had in 

raising the funds, to date? 

Ms. STEVENSON. The Foundation has just been reinvigorated. Although they haven’t chosen a site, as yet, they have let a contract 

for site selection. We were waiting for the results of that, and for 

their preliminary scoping for the design itself and for the site, in 

order to be able to get an estimate of what the final cost would be. 

Senator UDALL. Do you know why the Foundation has not been 

able to reach any of its legislative milestones? For example, why 

there’s not a site approval after 7 years since the memorial was authorized? 

Ms. STEVENSON. It’s my understanding that they got a slow 

start, but that recently it’s been, as I said, reinvigorated. I’m sure 

that the addition of David McCullough will make a huge difference 

to them. 

Senator UDALL. Final question on H.R. 2802. In 2003, Congress 

amended the Commemorative Works Act and incorporated a recommendation made by the Department of Interior. The amendment 

authorized the Secretary to extend the 7-year legislative authority 

for a memorial for an additional 3 years if the organization building the memorial had achieved certain objectives, namely final design approvals in place, and having raised 75 percent of the necessary funding. In this case, it appears the Foundation has not met 

either standard and the Department’s now supporting an authorization timeline of 11 years. Is this an acknowledgment that the requirements in the Commemorative Works Act are still unworkable? 

Ms. STEVENSON. No, sir. There’s been a variation, in the amount 

of time necessary for people to raise the money and to be able to 

construct the memorial. The smaller the memorial—for example, 

the memorial to the victims of communism was able to be done 

within the 7-year period. We’ve had other examples—the Martin 

Luther King Memorial, for example—that haven’t been able to get 

enough momentum during the first period. We believe that the 7- 

year period is a very reasonable period, and there will be excep-
14 

tions to that period, and we thought we’ll deal with them on a oneby-one basis. 

Senator UDALL. OK. I appreciate clarification of the Department’s point of view, and I will continue to consider whether this 

is, on a case-by-case basis, the way we should proceed, or whether 

that 7-year timeline does, in fact, make sense. Thank you for your 

testimony. Thank you, for answering my questions. 

Senator Burr. 

Senator BURR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Welcome, Ms. Stevenson. 

Three very specific questions. First one deals with the Adams 

National Historic Park addition. I understand what the evaluation 

has been by the Park Service, that the addition would be inconsistent with the original intent of the Park Service preservation of 

the Adams property. 

Let me ask you a bigger question, if I could. I don’t believe this 

is the last expansion of a park request that Senator Udall and I 

will see. Do you believe it’s time for the Park Service to focus their 

efforts on reducing the overall maintenance backlog before we look 

at the expansion of sites and, quite simply, the addition of shifting 

something from the maintenance obligations of the State, in this 

case, over to the Federal Government? 

Ms. STEVENSON. There’s no doubt that the maintenance backlog 

is a very important aspect and that we have to spend time and effort on it. However, there are aspects of American history and aspects of natural history in America that need to be preserved at the 

same time that we’re making sure that we preserve the property 

we already have. To ignore that would be a big mistake, because 

we could lose substantial portions of things that the American public could never regain. So, it’s a very difficult balance, one that we 

work with the Congress on, on a continuing basis. But, it would be 

ill-advised not to at least consider additions to the system. 

Senator BURR. I appreciate your answer. The reason that I asked 

you a question like that was to, for the record, prove that there’s 

been a great deal of thought and process that’s gone into the decision as to whether this should be included. In this particular case, 

it wasn’t driven by anything other than the assessment that this 

really didn’t fit. That’s important. 

On the legislative authority, the bill’s 7 years; the Park Service 

is comfortable with 4 years. Again, a little bit bigger question. If 

we extended this by 4 years, and we came back to the table, 4 

years from now, asking for another extension because what was reinvigorated was no longer reinvigorated, and we were—at what 

point do we cut this off? 

Ms. STEVENSON. I think we—— 

Senator BURR. I dare say, this is not the first one of these we’ve 

done, either. 

Ms. STEVENSON. No. Some have expired, and we’ve had to say 

goodbye. But, I think we have great hopes that this will not be one 

of those and that, with the leadership of the Foundation, that it 

will get off the ground. If we have to come back for an extension— 

and I’m not saying that that’s impossible—that we’ll see great advancement in the planning and in the fundraising so that we can 

say, with even more surety, that this memorial will be built. 
15 

Senator BURR. I’m certainly not opposed to the 4-year extension, 

and I hope you will convey to those reinvigorated folks that the 

Park Service will watch for the progress, and measure that 

progress, between now and the end of this period. 

As it relates to H.R. 1287, the Indian Dunes National Lakeshore 

Visitor Center, I’m sure this is probably a—one, a beneficial partnership for us to join into. I’m sure that the $1.5 million for design, 

construction, and to install the exhibits for the visitor center is an 

appropriate amount. Let me focus, if I can, on the $70,000 per year 

needed to rent the space. No. 1, can you assure us that that is an 

appropriate rental amount for the amount of space that we’re going 

to take from the visitor center? No. 2, can you assure us that that 

$70,000 obligation is going to come from the annual operating 

budget designated for that region, versus new appropriations? 

Ms. STEVENSON. I have been assured by the superintendent that 

the payment of the $70,000 will come from the operating budget of 

the park unless GSA—General Services Administration—steps in 

to take over the lease. The people who negotiate lease prices in the 

Park Service are very experienced in negotiating these, and I hesitate to say ‘‘cutthroat,’’ but I would say that they are aggressive in 

protecting the taxpayers’ dollar. 

Senator BURR. Let me ask for a little further detail, if I can. If 

you don’t know this, would you supply it to the subcommittee? The 

square footage of the overall visitor center. 

Ms. STEVENSON. I’m sorry, I don’t know that. 

Senator BURR. Then, of that overall square footage, how much 

square footage would be devoted to the Park Service, for the purposes of Park Service use? 

Ms. STEVENSON. I don’t know that, either. I’ll be happy to provide it. 

[The information referred to follows:] 

The new Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore visitor center is 12,000 square feet. 

The National Park Service presently has an approved lease agreement authorized 

by the General Services Administration to occupy half of the square foot facility, or 

6,000 square feet for exhibits, offices, a bookstore, and a theater. 

Senator BURR. I appreciate it. 

I thank the chair. 

Senator UDALL. I thank the ranking member. 

Ms. Stevenson, if you don’t have any other comments, I’m going 

to adjourn the hearing. I want to thank you for your testimony. 

There may be additional questions submitted for the record. If so, 

we will forward them on to you. 

The hearing record will remain open for 2 weeks, for any additional comments. 

The hearing is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 2:58 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.] 

(17) 

APPENDIX 

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD

STATEMENT OF MICHAEL MOODY, PRESIDENT, MOLALLA RIVER ALLIANCE, ON S. 1369 

The Molalla River is an Oregon natural treasure. It is vital to local communities 

in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Among other attributes, the Molalla River is the primary drinking water source for the 20,000 citizens of the cities of Molalla and 

Canby. 

However, for far too many years the Molalla River corridor has been wracked with 

destructive and inappropriate human behavior including 

• Extensive dumping 

• Littering 

• Vandalism 

• Violence 

• Drug use and underage drinking parties 

• Illegal camping 

• Human waste 

• Degradation of the health of the fishery 

THE MOLALLA RIVER ALLIANCE

These unacceptable activities prompted creation of an unprecedented and broadbased local collaboration. Established in early 2008, the Molalla River Alliance (‘‘Alliance’’) is an all-volunteer coalition of more than 45 non-profit civic and conservation groups, regional, local, state and federal agencies, numerous user groups and 

a rapidly growing list of individual conservationists and property owners. 

Over the past year, the Alliance has evolved into an important community forum 

for improving the safety and quality of the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. The 

Alliance initiated and leads efforts to secure Wild and Scenic Rivers legislation. The 

Alliance also was the impetus for a much-needed increase in law enforcement in the 

Corridor, resulting in a dramatic and sustained decline in lawless and inappropriate 

behaviors. 

The key goals of the Molalla River Alliance are to preserve water quality of the 

river, sustain the wildlife, fish and plants that inhabit its watershed, while promoting a safe and healthy environment that encourages diverse enjoyment of the 

recreation area, including tourism and family-friendly activities. 

The Alliance has taken a leading role in galvanizing numerous stakeholders, scientists and policy makers whose commitment first is to the health of the river and 

its ecosystems, for consequential enjoyment by all people. 

The Alliance has successfully forged a productive partnership of diverse, divergent, and frequently opposing groups such as wild fish advocates sitting next to 

hatchery fish advocates; anti-logging advocates sitting next to timber growers; hunters sitting next to horse riders and hikers; and, fly fishermen sitting next to bait 

fishermen. 

This group of non-traditional allies works because all have found a common bond, 

which is the shared passion for this storied river. 

For these efforts to be successful Alliance members endorse an ‘‘ecosystem-based 

management’’ approach which simply means it places benefits to the river above 

those of any single species, activity, or group, including humans. No goal or priority 

of the Molalla River Alliance favors the interests of any single group or individual. 

The Alliance is confident its efforts represent a rare opportunity to safeguard and 

preserve in perpetuity an ecological, geological and historical treasure, offering myriad recreational opportunities conveniently accessible to an area population approaching 2 million people. 
18 

THE MOLALLA RIVER

The Molalla River supports bountiful ecosystems and offers year-round recreational opportunities within an hour’s drive of a major metropolitan area. It provides extensive native fish habitat including critical cold tributary spawning 

streams. It is home to wild winter steelhead and salmon runs, an abundance of 

wildlife, and geological and cultural wonders. 

From its headwaters beyond the Table Rock Wilderness in the Cascade Mountain 

Range, the crystal-clear and biologically diverse Molalla River originates in coniferous forests and tumbles through private and public forests and agricultural lands 

to its confluence with the Willamette River approximately 53 miles away. 

The Molalla River cuts through basalts and lava, forming deep canyons and beautiful rock out-crops including columnar rosettes and basalt columns which can be 

seen on the canyon walls. Carbon dating fossil leaves has placed the Molalla formation in the upper Miocene period, or 15 million years ago. 

The Molalla River and its watershed support vital fish habitats, including native 

winter steelhead and salmon runs, resident rainbow and cutthroat trout, and a naturalized population of Coho salmon. The upper river and its major tributaries provide critical spawning and rearing habitat. 

Distinct populations of Molalla River steelhead and salmon are listed as ’threatened’ under the Endangered Species Act. 

This area also serves as an important wildlife corridor containing breeding and 

rearing habitat for northern spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, red tree vole, redlegged frog and pacific giant salamander. It provides habitat for bears, elk, cougars, 

bobcat, deer, beaver, otter, hawks, osprey and both golden and bald eagles. 

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL USES

The Molalla River Recreation Corridor is also of significant cultural, historic and 

recreational significance. Formerly the site of working steam donkeys, railroads and 

logging camps, today it offers year-round recreational opportunities. 

Annually, thousands of recreationalists visit the Corridor for hiking, kayaking and 

white water rafting, touring and mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, picnicking, nature watching, or to simply enjoy nature. 

There are more than 30 miles of non-motorized trails. 

Historically, an extensive system of trails existed along the Molalla River. These 

trails were principal trade routes across the Cascades between indigenous peoples 

of the northern Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon. The Molalla Indians used 

one such trail in the early 1800’s which is now called the Table Rock Historic Trail. 

During the 1920’s this same trail was utilized by Native Americans from the Warm 

Springs Reservation to reach traditional berry picking areas near the Molalla River 

and Table Rock. Searching for gold and land to homestead, Euro-Americans began 

moving into the area during the late 1800’s. 

The Molalla River is less than 50 miles from downtown Portland, Oregon’s largest 

city. This proximity likely means more and more people will visit as the population 

of the metropolitan area grows. In 2008 the Corridor saw a 33% increase in use 

compared to the previous year—a record number of visitors. 

The Molalla River Alliance, including its members American Rivers, Oregon Wild, 

Native Fish Society and Molalla RiverWatch, are working together to secure Wild 

and Scenic designation for nearly 22 miles of the upper Molalla River. Designation 

would protect a quarter mile buffer on both sides of the river, and would therefore 

protect approximately 7,000 acres of riparian land essential for viable fish and wildlife habitat. These protections include a segment of the main Molalla River (15.1 

miles) and also the Table Rock Fork (6.2 miles). 

The upper river is also benefiting from river restoration efforts by numerous 

Molalla River Alliance members that will enhance native fish migration and overall 

river health. These current actions provide an opportunity for decision-makers to ensure that the Molalla River and its values are protected and managed for the benefit 

and enjoyment of the local ecology and communities. Wild and Scenic River Protection 

Sustainable management of forest lands and river restoration efforts are both necessary and essential to achieving a healthy river and watershed. A vital expedient 

to safeguarding the Molalla River and its values is to successfully legislate it a Wild 

and Scenic River. This designation will provide the Molalla one of our nation’s 

strongest conservation tools for rivers. 

Rivers listed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are afforded a specific set of 

protections, including 
19 

• Preservation of the river’s ‘‘outstandingly remarkable values’’ (ORVs) and its 

free-flowing character; 

• Protection of the existing uses of the river; 

• Ban on dams and any federally licensed water project that would have a ‘‘direct 

and adverse’’ effect on the river’s free-flowing character, water quality or outstanding values; 

• Creation of a 1/4-mile protected riparian buffer corridor on both sides of the 

river; 

• Protection of the river’s water quality (The Molalla River is the source of drinking water for the 20,000 citizens of the cities of Molalla and Canby); 

• Preservation of the river’s unique historic, cultural, scenic, ecological, and recreational values. 

Because the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act confers no federal authority over private 

land use or local zoning, there is no practical impact on private property. Riverside 

landowners will not be told what to do with their property or have their land confiscated by the federal government. 

To the point, not a single property owner has voiced opposition to Wild and Scenic 

designation for the Molalla River. 

The river was studied and found suitable for Wild and Scenic Rivers designation 

by the Bureau of Land Management. The Outstandingly Remarkable Values attributed to the Molalla River are recreation, scenic and geology. The federal agency’s 

implicit support is an impetus to ensure designation is achieved. 

Even more so, widespread support of the local community through the broadbased Molalla River Alliance confirms Wild and Scenic protection is a priority for 

area stakeholders, policy makers and river users. Designation by the Senate would 

mean the river’s values will be protected in perpetuity. Wild and Scenic River protections will benefit the local community and economy because the designation 

serves as a stimulus to visitors and tourists. 

BENEFITS OF A WILD & SCENIC MOLALLA RIVER TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The City of Molalla’s and Clackamas County’s interest in the Molalla River, and 

in obtaining Wild and Scenic River status, is very practical. First, it’s the source 

of drinking water for the 20,000 citizens of Molalla and Canby. So it’s very much 

in our community’s interests to ensure that the Molalla River continues to run pure 

and clean. The city believes Wild and Scenic River status will help protect this critical resource from any future degradation. 

The second reason Molalla and Clackamas County support Senator Wyden and 

Senator Merkley’s bill is that Wild and Scenic River status brings with it a certain 

cachet that will attract more visitors to Molalla. City leaders see Molalla becoming 

a destination point for tourism. Visitors drawn by the appeal of a Wild and Scenic 

River may discover Molalla’s numerous other tourist-based activities. Restoring and 

enhancing wild salmon and steelhead runs in the river means more visits to Molalla 

by anglers and campers, more stops at restaurants and motels, more business for 

outfitters and guides. 

One of the city’s challenges has been to ensure that this recreation corridor is safe 

for families to come and play. That has not always been so, but we have made unprecedented strides in the right direction. 

Until the last year or two, the Molalla River Recreation Corridor had a reputation 

that didn’t really lend itself to being a family destination. There was unregulated 

squatting and camping, underage alcohol and pot parties, illegal dumping, vandalism, poaching, no communications, and little if any law enforcement. 

In the summer of 2008 that began to change. Prompted by the Molalla River Alliance, the City of Molalla applied for and was designated a ‘‘Weed and Seed’’ site 

by the U.S. Justice Department, and it began receiving federal funds to carry out 

measures aimed at weeding out crime and seeding the community with projects and 

activities to strengthen community connections and opportunities. One of the most 

effective outcomes so far has been enhanced and interagency law enforcement patrols in the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. 

These patrols were supplemented by patrols by Clackamas County Sheriff’s office, 

the Oregon State Police, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department, and the Bureau of 

Land Management. A magnetized door logo was created to stick on patrol vehicles 

to give visitors reassurance that this was a coordinated effort. This also put others 

on notice that it wasn’t going to be business as usual. 

All of this has resulted in a dramatic and, more important, a sustained reduction 

in lawless behavior, vandalism and dumping. Families are now the primary demographic visiting and camping in the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. 
20 

The city is confident that Wild and Scenic River status will help establish a positive, inviting image for this remarkable stretch of river and attract even more conservation-minded individuals and organizations to work with us in protecting this 

great resource for future generations. 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION

Beyond the direct ban on dams and other federally-assisted water projects that 

could have a harmful effect on the designated river, numerous identifiable examples 

exist of ways in which Wild and Scenic Rivers designation has effected positive 

changes for rivers and nearby communities. 

Clearly, designation generates an increase in public awareness and appreciation 

of a river. Knowledge and education about the importance of the health of the river 

can foster goodwill in the community and be a positive force for river restoration 

efforts. Public interest and support can also bring together stakeholders with diverse interests that might not otherwise cooperate, for the sake of the river. Coordination among multiple agencies facilitates the river being managed in a holistic 

manner. 

For numerous Northwest rivers (including the Deschutes, North Fork of the John 

Day, Salmon, Cascade, Big Marsh Creek, Metolius, Skagit and White Salmon), Wild 

and Scenic Rivers designation has provided instrumental leverage and garnered additional resources for protection, river-related restoration and management of the 

rivers. In many cases, Wild and Scenic Rivers designation priorities a particular 

project in the eyes of government agencies and other funding organizations. 

Because a Wild and Scenic River has been vetted through the designation process, 

a river stands out and is elevated among funding agencies who know their money 

is more likely to be used effectively. Increased public awareness can be a powerful 

and effective force to obtain funding to better manage, protect and restore a river. 

In an era of tight funding, Wild and Scenic Rivers designation garners attention 

when agencies are developing resources. Designation can be instrumental in attracting funding for acquisitions and conservation easements of key parcels in the river 

corridor. Parcels may need to be acquired in the river corridor to ensure their protection or to provide additional public access, among other reasons. 

Wild and Scenic designation provides a point of focus that attracts interest and 

naturally lends itself to the formation of partnerships. Through Wild and Scenic 

designation local, state and federal agencies, landowners, recreation users, non-profit organizations and others have a framework to come together and work to protect, 

restore and ensure public access to the river. Designation elevates the public’s perception of the river as an important national resource. 

CLOSING

On behalf of the Molalla River Alliance and the community of Molalla, I urge the 

Committee to support Wild and Scenic Rivers designation for the many benefits it 

will provide to natural and human communities along the Molalla River. 

Thank you. 

ADAMS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, INC., 

November 5, 2009. 

Hon. JEFF BINGAMAN, 

Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, 304 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. 

Hon. LISA MURKOWSKI, 

Ranking Member, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, 304 Dirksen 

Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR CHAIRMAN BINGAMAN AND RANKING MEMBER MURKOWSKI: I am writing on 

behalf of the Adams Memorial Foundation to express our strong support for H.R. 

2802, the Adams Memorial Reauthorization Act. As you may know, the Adams Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was authorized by Congress in Public Law 107-62 to establish a commemorative work in Washington, DC to honor 

Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams and the Adams family legacy. The 

Adams Memorial Foundation is dedicated to designing and constructing an Adams 

Memorial which will be a site to learn about and reflect on our nation’s founding 

for generations to come. 

Since 2001, the Foundation has made significant progress towards this goal and 

has, among other activities, (i) established a board of trustees and supporting committees consisting of notable historians, business leaders and fine arts professionals; 
21 

(ii) developed an initial design concept for the memorial; (iii) researched and conducted a preliminary review of more than 20 potential site locations; (iv) engaged 

a leading provider of commemorative planning and design services to complete both 

an alternate site study and environmental assessment study of potential sites; and 

(v) coordinated with the U.S. Congress, National Park Service and other important 

stakeholders. 

However, under the terms of the Commemorative Works Act, the authority of the 

Adams Memorial Foundation is scheduled to expire on December 2, 2009. H.R. 2802 

would create a four-year reauthorization of the Adams Memorial Foundation. This 

extension would provide the Foundation with necessary time to engage in formal alternative site study and environmental assessment of potential sites, hold a design 

competition to select a final design for the memorial, fundraise and begin construction of a historic memorial. 

On behalf of the Adams Memorial Foundation, I formally request your support for 

H.R. 2802 to extend the Foundation’s legislative authority to establish a well deserved memorial to honor the Adams legacy. Much of the groundwork has been completed, and now is the time to start making strides to bring Adams memorial to fruition. 

Thank you for your consideration of this important piece of legislation and the opportunity to express our support for H.R. 2802. 

Sincerely, 

BENJAMIN C. ADAMS, 

President. 

AMERICAN RIVERS, 

Washington, DC, November 4, 2009. 

Hon. MARK UDALL, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, U.S. Senate, 304 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, DC. 

Hon. RICHARD BURR, 

Ranking Member, Subcommittee on National Parks, U.S. Senate, 304 Dirksen Senate 

Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR CHAIRMAN UDALL AND RANKING MEMBER BURR: On behalf of American Rivers’ 65,000 members and supporters thank you for holding a hearing on S. 1369, 

the Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and on H.R. 3113, the Upper Elk 

River Wild and Scenic Study Act. 

MOLALLA RIVER

American Rivers strongly supports S. 1369, the proposed Wild and Scenic River 

designation for 15.1 miles of the Molalla River and 6.2 miles of the Table Rock Fork 

of the Molalla River. The Molalla River is an Oregon natural treasure and a true 

remnant of the historical Oregon landscape. From its headwaters near the Cascade 

Mountains, this river winds its way through cedar, hemlock, old-growth Douglas-fir 

forests and basalt rock canyons, then travels through fertile agricultural lands and 

the cities of Molalla and Canby before entering the Willamette River. The Molalla 

River has a rich history: thousands of years ago an extensive system of trails existed 

along the Molalla River which were principal trade routes across the Cascades between indigenous peoples of the northern Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon. 

Today, the Molalla River is a vital resource for many human and natural communities and is especially worthy of Wild and Scenic protection. As required by the 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Molalla River is ‘free-flowing’ with no dams or impoundments, and has several ’outstandingly remarkable values’ (ORVs), including 

recreational, fishery, scenic, cultural, historical, and geological. Wild and Scenic designation is necessary to both ’protect and enhance’ these ORVs for current and future generations. 

Protecting the river’s attributes was a major impetus behind the creation of the 

local Molalla River Alliance (Alliance), a unique all-volunteer coalition of more than 

45 civic and conservation groups (including American Rivers), federal, state and 

local agencies, numerous user groups. individual conservationists and local property 

owners. The Alliance’s mission is to preserve water quality and to sustain the wildlife, fish and plants that inhabit the Molalla River watershed, while promoting a 

safe and healthy environment that encourages diverse enjoyment of the river’s 

recreation corridor, including tourism and family-friendly activities. The Alliance 

sees Wild and Scenic designation as a significant step forward in achieving these 

goals and is committed to ensuring such designation is successful. 
22 

1 U.S. Global Change Research Program. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United 

States. 2009. Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo, and Thomas C. Peterson, (eds.). Cambridge University Press, 2009. 2 Hewes, W., and Pitts, K. September 2009. Natural Security: How Sustainable Water Strategies Prepare Communities for a Changing Climate. American Rivers. http:// 

www.americanrivers.org/our-work/global-warming-and-rivers/infrastructure/natural-security.html 3 National Research Council. 2008. Hydrologic Effects of a Changing Forest Landscape. 

4 ECONorthwest. January 2009. Regional Impacts of Recreation on the Wild and Scenic Rogue 

River. http://www.americanrivers.org/assets/pdfs/RogueEconImpactlFinalReport1485.pdf 5 Upper Willamette Domain Recovery Plan. Draft 2008. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries Service. 

One of the most important attributes of the Molalla River is its role as the primary drinking water source for the cities of Canby and Molalla. Protecting the 

water quality of the river for the future is vital to the health and well-being of 

20,000 local residents. This important water source is at risk from a warming global 

and regional climate as rising air temperatures lead to warmer water temperatures, 

increased concentrations of pollutants in rivers and waterways, and less overall 

water quantity1 2. The cold, clean, and reliable water supply from the Molalla River 

therefore has a better chance of being protected for current and future residents 

through Wild and Scenic designation. Designation would safeguard the river’s clean 

water quality by protecting not only the water, but also a quarter mile buffer of land 

on each side of the river. This buffer corridor equates to 7,000 acres of riparian land 

which will be managed to ’protect and enhance’ the ORVs of the river, including 

water quality. Due to hydrologic pathways and processes that connect the river to 

its surrounding lands (such as stream runoff, sub-surface flows, groundwater storage, vegetation canopy, soils, and nutrient and waste cycling), the health and condition of the Molalla’s riparian lands is equally as important to drinking water quality 

as the river itself.3

The Molalla River offers numerous year-round recreational activities for both 

locals and visitors. Annually, thousands of recreationalists visit the river corridor 

for hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, swimming, mountain biking, 

camping, hunting, picnicking, horseback riding, and even quiet recreation. Located 

only 50 miles from Portland, Oregon, this river is poised to see even more visitors 

and use in the near future as the Portland metropolitan area grows. In 2008 the 

river corridor saw a 33 percent increase in use compared to the previous year—a 

record number of visitors. Wild and Scenic designation would offer the multiple benefits of managing the river’s recreational attributes for long-term sustainable use, 

while at the same time attracting more visitors to enjoy the river’s recreation. Designation often puts a river on the ‘map’, making it a destination for tourists and 

recreation enthusiasts. 

The local community of Molalla will greatly benefit from Wild and Scenic designation as the river will become even more attractive to tourists and visitors who will 

travel through Molalla to access the river. A recent 2009 economic study by 

ECONorthwest4 found that recreational related activities and expenditures along the Wild and Scenic Rogue River in southern Oregon generated $30 million and 445 

jobs to the state of Oregon in 2007, demonstrating the economic benefits of Wild and 

Scenic status. 

No less vital and worthy is also the enhanced sense of community pride that is 

often associated with increased public awareness and care for a local river and 

place. In previous years, the Molalla River has been subject to illegal and unsafe 

activities, including unregulated squatting, illegal dumping, vandalism, and very little law enforcement. Working with the Alliance in the past year, the City of Molalla 

and local police have been able to improve law enforcement in the river corridor, 

and the Alliance has created community projects that connect the community to the 

river corridor. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction in lawless behavior, and 

has made the river corridor more attractive to families and visitors. The City is confident that Wild and Scenic River status will help secure a more positive, inviting 

image for this remarkable stretch of river. 

The Molalla River is also an important resource for native fish and other aquatic 

species. It provides critical habitat for several native fish species, including a stronghold population of native winter steelhead, a threatened population of spring Chinook salmon, a naturalized population of Coho salmon, and resident rainbow and 

cutthroat trout. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) ‘threatened’ spring Chinook 

runs in the Molalla River especially warrant and even demand imminent action to 

protect and recover these fish stocks. The Upper Willamette Draft Recovery Plan5

currently being developed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the 

National Marine Fisheries Service focuses on the recovery of spring Chinook in the 
23 

6 Eaton, J.G. and Scheller, R.M. 1996. Effects of Climate Warming on Fish Thermal Habitat 

in Streams of the United States. Limnolology and Oceanography 41(5), 1109-1115. 7 Heyn, K. and Bassett, R. June 2009. White Paper on the Ecological and Recreational Benefits of the Molalla River. American Rivers and the Native Fish Society. http:// 

www.americanrivers.org/library/reports-publications/the-ecological-and.html. 8 BLM. May 1995. Salem District Resource Management Plan. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Salem District Office. 

Molalla, among other fish populations. Wild and Scenic designation is a valuable 

tool that will help strengthen and increase the viability of spring Chinook by ensuring management actions and land use activities do not further degrade water quality or riparian habitat, but instead restore the river and its lands to a natural and 

healthy condition which are supportive of healthy fish populations. 

Furthermore, the upper river and its surrounding forested riparian lands offer important cold-water native fish spawning and rearing habitat which is becoming more 

and more valuable in the face of climate change. Scientific research suggests it is 

vital to the long term viability of fish to safeguard critical cold water habits6 7. For 

the Molalla, this means an even more urgent need to protect the river’s water quality and stream temperature to ensure fish populations, especially ESA threatened 

populations, are able to survive in a warming climate. Wild and Scenic designation 

will ensure the water quality and health of the Molalla River will be protected in 

the long-term, enabling fish populations to survive. 

The river corridor also serves as an important wildlife corridor containing breeding and rearing habitat for northern spotted owl, pileated woodpecker, red tree vole, 

red-legged frog and pacific giant salamander. It provides habitat for bears, cougars, 

bobcat, deer, elk, beaver, otter, hawks, osprey and both golden and bald eagles. 

Maintaining an intact, healthy river corridor through Wild and Scenic designation 

will secure precious habitat for all these species, and will also encourage tourists 

and locals to visit the river corridor for both its scenery and wildlife. 

The many attributes of the Molalla River summarized above clearly emphasize 

the need for Wild and Scenic protection. The Wild and Scenic eligibility and suitability of the river has been recommended by the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM). As part of its planning process, the BLM found the river eligible and suitable for inclusion as a ‘recreational’ Wild and Scenic River in the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers System for the ORVs of fishery, recreational, scenic, and geological.8

The local Cascade Resource Area of the Salem District of the BLM has a close working relationship with the Molalla River Alliance, and the Alliance is actively involved in contributing to the planning process for the recreational use of the Molalla 

River which is currently underway. 

UPPER ELK RIVER WILD AND SCENIC STUDY ACT

American Rivers also supports H.R. 3113, the Upper Elk River Wild and Scenic 

Study Act. This legislation will authorize a study of the ‘‘Slatyfork’’ section of the 

Upper Elk River, a five mile stretch of cold headwaters in the heart of West Virginia, important for clean water and other economic and community benefits. The 

Upper Elk River is a unique river, flowing across karst, or limestone bedrock, and 

forming unique caves and waterfalls. The coldwater headwaters of the Upper Elk 

are home to some of the last naturally reproducing brook, brown, and rainbow trout 

fisheries in the east. A study of this section will identify the ‘‘outstandingly remarkable values’’ required for Wild and Scenic River designation. 

West Virginia is home to some of the nation’s most remarkable rivers, however, 

only the Bluestone River is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. 

Studying the Upper Elk River for potential Wild and Scenic River designation is the 

necessary first step towards protecting this outstanding river for future generations 

and increasing West Virginia’s protected rivers. 

For all of the reasons described above, American Rivers supports Wild and Scenic 

designation for the Molalla River and the Table Rock Fork of the Molalla, and a 

Wild and Scenic study of the Upper Elk River. We look forward to working with 

the committee to advance this legislation. Thank you for consideration of our testimony. 

Sincerely, 

KAVITA HEYN, 

Associate Director of Conservation. 
24 

TOWN OF BLOWING ROCK, 

Blowing Rock, NC, November 2, 2009. 

Hon. MARK UDALL, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, U.S. Senate, Committee on Energy & 

Natural Resources, 304 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, DC. 

RE: S. 1767 Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act 

of 2009 

DEAR CHAIRMAN UDALL: I am writing to respectfully request your support of S. 

1767—Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 

(companion to H.R. 1121) that is under consideration before the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. 

Since 1938, the Town of Blowing Rock has used an impoundment that is located 

on the Moses H. Cone Estate, for a public water supply. In 1949, the Cone Estate, 

via the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Trustees, was conveyed to the United 

States of America. 

The Town desires acquisition of the water reservoir to have better control and 

management of its water supply. As proposed, the Town would convey a 192-acre 

tract of undeveloped land (Thunderhole/China Creek) that adjoins the Cone Estate 

and borders the Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for 

ownership of the 20-acre water supply tract. The 192-acre Thunderhole/China Creek 

tract was identified by the Parkway as a parcel that would be beneficial for both 

the preservation of the natural resources present and for potential enhancement of 

the Moses H. Cone Estate. Thus, the proposed land exchange provides enumerable 

benefits to both parties. 

A complete summary of the history of the potential, land exchange is attached for 

your information. 

In addition, please find enclosed letters of support for this legislation from various 

local and state officials. I would like to note that H.R. 1121 received co-sponsorship 

from the entire N.C. delegation and passed the U.S. House 377 to 0. 

Thank you for your consideration. Should you have questions or need additional 

information, please feel free to contact me or Town Manager Scott Hildebran. 

Sincerely, 

J.B. LAWRENCE, 

Mayor. 

ATTACHMENT I.—SUMMARY: TOWN OF BLOWING ROCK WATER RESERVOIR—LAND

EXCHANGE

HISTORY

In 1938, Mrs. Bertha Cone granted the Town of Blowing Rock, by right-of-way 

deed, the permission to divert water from the Moses Cone Estate. Since that time 

to the present, the Town has used this authorization to provide a water supply 

source to the citizens of Blowing Rock. The Town has occupied/maintained up to 

14.08 acres (8.7 acre water reservoir) of the Cone Estate over the years and constructed various improvements, including a coffer dam, reservoir and dam on the 

property. In 1949, after the death of Mrs. Cone, the Cone Estate via the Moses H. 

Cone Memorial Hospital Trustees was conveyed to the United States of America. 

US PARK SERVICE/BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY—LAND EXCHANGE

Due to various historical circumstances, Blowing Rock’s water supply reservoir is 

located on property owned by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blowing Rock has for years 

used their reservoir site with a ‘‘gentlemen’s agreement’’. In the late 1990’s, the 

Parkway proposed issuing a Special Use Permit for the site granting a right-of-way 

for the reservoir, to be reviewed annually. In addition, the Parkway advised that 

federal policy would require a water rights fee for the value of the water taken off 

the National Park Service land. This situation was deemed unacceptable since the 

Town would, in effect, be ‘‘renting’’ its water source one year at a time and paying 

for water the Town has previously been granted access. Being located on the Blue 

Ridge escarpment, Blowing Rock has few other water source options if its current 

major source becomes unavailable. Therefore, the Town has worked diligently to acquire full ownership of the property because of the ambiguity concerning access, use, 

and future status. 

Since 1999, the Town and the NPS have discussed how to resolve the reservoir 

issue once and for all. Due to the fact the U.S Department of Interior very rarely 

sells government land and to avoid annual permitting and the water rights fee, the 

most viable option entertained has been the possibility of a land exchange between 
25 

the Town and the NPS. In accordance with federal regulation, the NPS would grant 

the Town ownership of or a permanent easement for the public reservoir including 

a water right in return for a parcel of property of equal or greater value. 

To this end, the NPS identified an adjacent tract of property, the 192-acre China 

Creek Property, to make such a transaction a possibility. The China Creek tract borders two large federal holdings—the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National 

Forest. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway has over the years, formally and informally, recognized 

the need to acquire the China Creek tract in order to properly manage existing 

Parkway lands. The need became apparent when a previous owner of the tract 

claimed a right of access to the subject property through an existing park holding. 

A small farm was located on the less rugged portion of the property approximately 

60 years ago. Also, the narrow peninsula shape of Parkway land in China Creek 

gorge makes management difficult. Acquisition of the China Creek tract would 

broaden the Parkway’s existing Moses Cone Estate tract. More importantly, ownership of the property would eliminate the threat of development and/or timbering adjacent to the Parkway and the Forest. 

This proposed transaction, which provides the Town with the opportunity to gain 

full control and ownership of its water supply, would also include adequate land for 

the Town to enlarge the reservoir to double its current 45,000,000 gallon capacity. 

The total Parkway land needed (including expansion) is estimated to be 20.474 acres 

based on a survey of the property. 

With the assistance of the High Country Council of Governments and in consultation with the Parkway, the Town sought a grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of China Creek property to effect an exchange. In November 2001, the Town was awarded a grant from the NC Clean 

Water Management Trust Fund of $201,000. Due to the State of North Carolina FY 

2002 Budget revenue shortfall, the grant award was delayed to 2003. 

In October of 2003, the Town of Blowing Rock completed the purchase of the 192- 

acre tract, at the headwaters of China Creek in Watauga County in the Catawba 

River Basin, from the Conservation Trust of NC. The purchase price for the property was $440,000, with $201,000 coming from the NCCWMTF grant and the remainder from the Town. 

Since this time, the Town and the Blue Ridge Parkway (with the assistance of 

our western NC Congressional delegation) has continued to work toward completion 

of the land exchange—conducting legal research and trying to acquire the funding 

to prepare the environmental documentation necessary to comply with NEPA requirements. Based on Parkway estimates, the environmental documentation could 

cost up to $100,000. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has also encouraged and lent its support to 

the land exchange finding the exchange beneficial to the Blue Ridge Parkway while 

assuring the drinking water supply for Blowing Rock and guests to the area. 

WATER SUPPLY ISSUES/SOLUTIONS

The Town of Blowing Rock is presently under restrictions from the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources, which prohibits the Town from making 

ANY extensions to the present water distribution system. The reason for the extension restriction is an inadequate raw water supply. 

The present plant capacity is 1.0 MGD; the present consumption during peak season is approximately .650 MGD and the state has set safe yield at approximately 

0.40 MGD. 

The Town of Blowing Rock has been working toward a long-term solution to water 

shortage due to drought since 1991. 

Discussions started with the National Park Service (NPS) concerning a possible 

emergency connection to Bass Lake and in 1992 a permanent line was laid along 

Bass Lake Drive to facilitate an emergency withdrawal from Bass Lake. This was 

outside Cone Park and was set up to run a temporary line to Bass Lake when needed. This line would have operated as a siphon. 

The Town tried to obtain permission from the NPS to draw from Bass Lake from 

1991 through most of 2000. In 2000, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) gave the Town parameters for ‘‘safe yield’’ which showed 

that even if the NPS were to eventually grant permission to withdraw from Bass 

Lake the safe yield would not be adequate, therefore the pursuit of permission from 

NPS to withdraw from Bass Lake was stopped. 

In 1998, there was a serious drought and the Town obtained permission from 

Chetola Resorts, Shoppes on the Parkway and NCDENR to pump water from 
26 

Chetola Lake to the reservoir on an emergency basis. The Town used this line in 

1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, as well as in the latest drought—2007 and 2008. 

The method of operation for this line was to ‘‘skim’’ during any rain event in order 

not to draw Chetola Lake down below the spillway. This worked very well and by 

closely monitoring the reservoir the Town was able to keep the reservoir very close 

to ‘‘full pond’’. This was even true in 2007 when the state experienced the most severe drought conditions. 

Even before efforts to draw from Bass Lake were abandoned, the Town started 

to work on obtaining a permit to add a new water intake into the Middle Fork of 

the South Fork of the New River. In late 1999, the Town requested NCDENR to 

reclassify, if necessary, any part of the Middle Fork required in order to withdraw 

water on a pump back system. Water will be pumped back to the reservoir where 

it can then be drawn out, and treated for use by the Town. 

Various locations were looked at as possibilities for the location of an intake and 

a meeting was held between various sections of NCDENR, N.C. Wildlife, US Army 

Corps of Engineers and the Blue Ridge Parkway. As discussions progressed, it was 

determined that an ‘‘In Stream Flow Study’’ would be required and the Town hired 

Fish and Wildlife Associates, Inc. in January 2001. This study was completed and 

data was submitted to NCDENR in 2002. 

The proposed location for this new intake is below the confluence of Payne Branch 

with Middle Fork, near Boone. This location is over 6 miles downstream of the Town 

Reservoir. The reason for going downstream so far is two fold; (1) the stream flow 

increases as you go downstream and Blowing Rock needs the flow from Payne 

Branch; and (2) the intake must be 5 miles below the Town WWTP discharge. 

On July 24, 2003, NCDENR sent the Town a letter outlining a proposed withdrawal below Payne Branch. The proposed withdrawal rates are: 

• January 1 to June 30—2.5 MGD 

• July 1 to September 30—1.8 MGD 

• October 1 to December 31—1.0 MGD 

The above rates are permitted so long as the 7Q10 of 4CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) are maintained. The 7Q10 streamflow is the yearly 7-day average low 

streamflow with a 10-year return period. In addition, skimming will be permitted 

anytime the flow exceeds 35 CFS with no restriction on withdrawal rate so long as 

the 35 CFS is maintained. 

However, the withdrawal limitations are greatly impacted by drought. As such, 

the benefit of a new intake is diminished when it is needed most. At the same time 

due to the proximity of the proposed intake to Boone, NCDENR strongly suggested 

that the Town install a parallel line to interconnect with the Boone water system. 

As such, the Town began to focus on a Boone-Blowing Rock water system interconnection and meetings between the two entities began in 2004. After which, the 

Town of Boone initiated a thorough review of their water system and future raw 

water demands. 

In addition, Blowing Rock has had discussions with Caldwell County concerning 

possible water and their proposed raw water supply and plant on the Yadkin River. 

This project is 10+ years from becoming a reality and once it is completed would 

require some 12-15 miles of pipe up US 321 from NC Hwy 268. Due to major elevation changes and the necessary pumping required, this option was deemed cost 

prohibitive. 

In the course of the 2007-2008 drought, NCDENR experts identified a Blowing 

Rock and Boone water interconnection as a priority. Boone has access to a larger 

water source and recently signed an agreement with Appalachian State University 

to be able to draw on its water system, so this would create a regional system that 

all three entities can use during times of crisis. 

After ongoing discussions, in early 2008, the Town of Blowing Rock and the Town 

of Boone formally executed an emergency water interconnection agreement. 

A contract was executed in June 2008 with McGill Associates to design a BooneBlowing Rock water interconnection project, with an estimated cost of $4.0 million 

for the project. Also, the following funding actions have been approved: 

1. Watauga County was awarded a $500,000 grant from the N.C. Rural Center, with Blowing Rock committed to funding the 100% grant match as enumerated in a joint Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement. 

2. Boone was awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the N.C. Rural Center, with 

Blowing Rock committed to funding the 100% grant match. 

3. Blowing Rock was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is completing all the necessary requirements. 
27 

4. Blowing Rock was awarded a $2,200,000 20-year loan from the NCDENRPublic Water Supply Section—Loans and Grants and is completing all the necessary requirements. 5. The Town of Blowing Rock increased water rates by $5.00 per month per 

customer effective July 1, 2008 to cover expected debt service requirements of 

the NCDENR loan. 

Plans/specifications have been completed and the project was bid in late October 

2009. The Blowing Rock Town Council will consider bid award on November 10, 

2009. Construction on the interconnection should begin by January 1, 2010. 

ATTACHMENT II.—LETTERS OF SUPPORT

COUNTY OF WATAUGA, 

WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, 

Boone, NC, April 14, 2009. 

Hon. RAUL M. GRIJALVA, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, U.S. House 

Committee on Natural Resources, 1333 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. 

RE: H.R. 1121 Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act 

of 2009 

DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I am writing to request your support of H.R. 1121— 

Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 that 

is under consideration before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, 

and Public Lands. 

Since 1938, the Town of Blowing Rock has used an impoundment that is located 

on the Moses H. Cone Estate, for a public water supply. In 1949, the Cone Estate, 

via the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital Trustees, was conveyed to the United 

States of America. To have better control and management of its water supply, the 

Town is interested in acquiring this property. The Town owns a 192-acre tract of 

undeveloped land (Thunderhole/China Creek) that adjoins the Cone Estate and borders the Pisgah National Forest. The Town is considering conveying that land to 

the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for the ownership of the 20-acre water supply 

area. Parkway ownership of the 192-acre tract would be beneficial for both the preservation of the natural resources present and for potential enhancement of the 

Moses H. Cone Estate. 

The Parkway has no authority to sell, cede, or convey lands under its management except through as equal value land exchange as long as the proposed exchange 

can be shown to be of a ‘‘demonstrable benefit’’ to the park. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Town of Blowing Rock have had a long and successful relationship as they both have worked to serve their constituencies. And, the 

proposed land exchange will continue that tradition and provide demonstrable benefits to both entities. Therefore, on behalf of the citizens of Watauga County, I urge 

your support of H.R. 1121. 

Thanks for your consideration. Should you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to give me a call. 

Sincerely, 

JAMES M. DEAL, JR., 

Chairman. 

NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

Raleigh, NC, April 15, 2009. 

Hon. RAUL M. GRIJALVA, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, U.S. House 

Committee on Natural Resources, 1333 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I am writing to request your support of HR 1121 Blue 

Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009 that is under 

consideration before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. 

As a member of the North Carolina General Assembly and Chairman of the Water 

Resources and Infrastructure Committee, I am aware of the need for dependable 

sources of water for municipalities. The North Carolina mountain region has experienced dramatic population growth and increased tourism. In addition, this area has 
28 

experienced extreme drought conditions requiring towns like Blowing Rock to make 

more permanent provisions for a reliable water supply. 

The land exchange Blowing Rock is proposing with the Blue Ridge Parkway would 

be beneficial to both organizations. The town would convey a 192-acre tract of undeveloped land (Thunderhole/China Creek) that adjoins the Cone Estate and borders 

the Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for ownership 

of the 20-acre water supply tract. The Blue Ridge Parkway has already recognized 

the need to acquire the China Creek tract as it would eliminate the threat of development and/or timbering adjacent to the Parkway and the Forest. Also, this transaction would formally provide Blowing Rock with a reservoir that it has occupied, 

maintained and improved since 1938 with additional land for reservoir expansion. 

I hope that you will consider this landxchange that is a winning compromise for 

both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Town of Blowing Rock. I am available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this proposal. 

Sincerely, 

CULLIE M. TARLETON. 

NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 

SENATE, 

Raleigh, NC, April 21, 2009. 

Hon. RAUL M. GRIJALVA, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, U.S. House 

Committee on Natural Resources, 1333 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I write to request your support of HR 1121 Blue Ridge 

Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009, which is being considered by the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. 

The Town of Blowing Rock, along with other western North Carolina communities, is experiencing dramatic population growth and has been recently challenged 

by severe drought. It is obvious that their water problems will require a permanent 

solution which must be found soon. 

The land exchange which Blowing Rock proposes with the Blue Ridge Parkway 

would benefit both organizations. The Town would convey a 192-acre tract of undeveloped land, which adjoins the Cone estate and borders the Pisgah National Forest, 

to the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for ownership of the 20-acre water supply 

tract. The Parkway has already recognized the need to acquire the China Creek 

tract, to eliminate the threat of development and/or timbering adjacent to the Parkway and Forest. This transition would benefit Blowing Rock by formally providing 

a reservoir which it has occupied, maintained and improved since 1938, with additional land for reservoir expansion. 

I will personally appreciate your consideration of this land exchange as a positive 

step for the future of both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Town of Blowing Rock. 

Please call on me if I may be of help. 

Sincerely, 

STEVE GOSS. 

BLOWING ROCK TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 

Blowing Rock, NC, May 7, 2009. 

Hon. VIRGINIA FOXX, 

U.S. House of Representatives, 1230 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, 

DC. 

DEAR REPRESENTATIVE FOXX: On behalf of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority, I am writing this letter to thank you for your introduction and support of H.R. 1121—Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange 

Act of 2009 which authorizes a land exchange to acquire lands for the Blue Ridge 

Parkway and permanently secures the Blowing Rock water supply. 

As you know, our need for a long-term water solution has been at a critical stage 

for the past decade. The need is also vital to our tourism-based economy. From 

hoteliers and restaurants, to fishing guides and rafting outfitters, as well as our retailers, we all rely on water. 

As the ‘‘Crown of the Blue Ridge’’, Blowing Rock has enjoyed a long and successful 

relationship with the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Parks Service. The people of Blowing Rock and the visitors that frequent this area, have always had a 

strong commitment to conservation and sustainability and through this land ex-
29 

change, we will all benefit and continue the successful relationship that we have enjoyed for so many years. 

Thank you again for your support. Please call me anytime should you have any 

questions and know that we always look forward to your visits back home. 

Warmest regards, 

KENT TARBUTTON, 

Chairman. 

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 

Blowing Rock, NC, May 10, 2009. 

Hon. RAUL M. GRIJALVA, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, U.S. House 

Committee on Natural Resources, 1333 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. 

RE: H.R. 1121 Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act 

of 2009 

DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I am writing to respectfully request your support of 

H. R. 1121 Blue Ridge Rock Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange 

Act of 2009 currently under consideration before the National Parks, Forests, and 

Public Lands. 

Since 1938, the Town of Blowing Rock has used an impoundment located its public water supply. In 1949, the Cone Estate via the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital 

Trustees was conveyed to the United States of America. 

As the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, we recognize the limitations to future economic development in our town resulting from our inability to adequately 

provide water for our current residents, existing businesses and visitors. Our primary industry, accounting for 95% of our economic base, is tourism. With the 

drought we have been experiencing since 2004, our town must make provisions for 

a reliable water supply to serve our present and future water needs. 

The land exchange being proposed by our town with the Blue Ridge Parkway 

would be mutually beneficial to both entities. The Town would convey 192 acres of 

undeveloped land that adjoins the Cone Estate and borders the Blue Ridge Parkway 

and Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for ownership 

of the 20 acre water supply tract on the Cone Estate. The Blue Ridge Parkway has 

already recognized the need to acquire this tract to prevent future development and 

potential timbering adjacent to the Parkway and the Forest. Additionally, this 

transaction would provide Blowing Rock a reservoir that it has maintained and improved since 1938 with sufficient land for reservoir expansion. 

I hope you will consider this land exchange as it is a win for both the Blue Ridge 

Parkway and the Town of Blowing Rock. Please call on me if you need any further 

assistance. 

Sincerely, 

CHARLES HARDIN, 

Executive Director. 

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION, 

Winston-Salem, NC, January 4, 2005. 

Hon. CHARLES TAYLOR, 

22 South Pack Square, Suite 330, Asheville, NC. 

DEAR CHARLES, As the organization charged with the responsibility for keeping 

the Parkway’s congressional delegation informed of Parkway matters, I am writing 

to you to ask your support in helping to secure funds to satisfy NEPA requirements 

for a land exchange transaction between the Town of Blowing Rock and the National Park Service. 

Our view and position on this matter is that overcoming this hurdle will greatly 

benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway while at the same time assuring the drinking water 

supply for this community and its guests. 

The NPS regional director has supplied a letter of testimony in support of this 

project and has assured the parties concerned that the acquisition process is in full 

compliance with National Park Service authorities and guidelines. 

Sincerely, 

DR. HOUCK M. MEDFORD, 

Executive Director. 
30 

TOWN OF BLOWING ROCK, 

Blowing Rock, NC, November 2, 2009. 

Hon. MARK UDALL, 

Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, U.S. Senate, Committee on Energy & 

Natural Resources, 304 Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR CHAIRMAN UDALL AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Thank you for allowing me 

the opportunity to provide a statement to the Subcommittee on National Parks. On 

behalf of the Mayor, Town Council and citizens of Blowing Rock, I respectfully request your support of S. 1767—Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock 

Land Exchange Act of 2009 that is under consideration before this committee. 

Since 1938, the Town has continuously used an impoundment that is located on 

the Moses H. Cone Estate for a public water supply. Over the years, the Town has 

occupied, maintained and constructed various improvements on over 14 acres of the 

Cone Estate in providing water for its citizens and visitors. 

In 1949, after the death of Mrs. Cone, the Cone Estate, via the Moses H. Cone. 

Memorial Hospital Trustees, was conveyed to the United States of America. 

Due to various historical circumstances, Blowing Rock’s water supply reservoir is 

located on property now owned by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blowing Rock has for 

years used the reservoir site with an informal agreement. In the late 1990’s, the 

Parkway proposed issuing a Special Use Permit for the site granting a right-of-way 

for the reservoir to be reviewed annually.. In addition, the Parkway advised that 

federal policy would require a water rights fee for the value of the water taken off 

the National Park Service land. This situation was deemed unacceptable since the 

Town would, in effect, be ‘‘renting’’ its water source one year at a time and paying 

for water the Town had previously been granted access. Being located on the Blue 

Ridge escarpment and at the crest of three watersheds, Blowing Rock has few other 

water source options if its current major source becomes unavailable. Therefore, the 

Town has worked diligently to acquire full ownership of the property because of the 

ambiguity concerning access, use, and future status. 

Since 1999, the Town and the Parkway have worked jointly to resolve the reservoir issue. Due to the fact the Parkway has no authority to sell government land 

and to avoid annual permitting and a water rights fee, the most viable option has 

been the possibility of a land exchange between the Town and the Parkway. In accordance with federal regulation, the Parkway would grant the Town ownership of 

the public reservoir in return for a parcel of property of equal or greater value. 

To this end, the Parkway in the late 1990’s identified an adjacent tract of property, the 192-acre Thunderhole/China Creek Property, to make such a transaction 

possible. The tract borders two large federal holdings—the Blue Ridge Parkway and 

the Pisgah National Forest. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway has over the years, formally and informally, recognized 

the need to acquire the Thunderhole/China Creek tract in order to properly manage 

existing Parkway lands. The need became apparent when a previous owner of the 

tract claimed a right of access to the subject property through an existing park holding. A small farm was located on the less rugged portion of the property approximately 60 years ago. Also, the narrow peninsula shape of Parkway land in the 

China Creek gorge makes management difficult. Acquisition of the Thunderhole/ 

China Creek tract would broaden the Parkway’s existing Moses Cone Estate tract. 

More importantly, ownership of the property would eliminate the threat of development and/or timbering adjacent to the Parkway and the Forest. 

In November 2001, with the assistance of the High Country Council of Governments and in consultation with the Parkway, the Town applied for and was awarded a grant from the State of NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to assist 

in the purchase of the Thunderhole/China Creek property to execute the proposed 

land exchange. The grant funds, of $201,000, were received in 2003. 

In October of 2003, the Town of Blowing Rock completed the purchase of the 192- 

acre tract from the Conservation Trust of NC. The purchase price for the property 

was $440,000, with $201,000 coming from the grant and the balance from the Town. 

Since that time, the Town and the Blue Ridge Parkway (with the assistance of 

our western NC Congressional delegation) have continued to work toward completion of the land exchange. 

This proposed transaction, which provides the Town with the opportunity to gain 

full control and ownership of its water supply, would also include adequate land for 

the Town to enlarge the reservoir to double its current 45,000,000 gallon capacity. 

The total Parkway land needed (including expansion) is 20.474 acres based on a survey of the property. 

In summary, the Town desires acquisition of the water reservoir to have better 

control and management of its water supply. The proposed legislation authorizes the 
31 

Town to convey a 192-acre tract of undeveloped land that adjoins the Cone Estate 

and borders the Pisgah National Forest, to the Blue Ridge Parkway in exchange for 

ownership of the 20-acre water supply tract. The Thunderhole/China Creek tract 

was identified by the Parkway as a parcel that would be beneficial for both the preservation of the natural resources present and for potential enhancement of the 

Moses H. Cone Estate. Thus, the proposed land exchange provides obvious benefits 

to both the Town of Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

I would like to mention that the entire NC Congressional delegation co-sponsored 

H.R. 1121 and the legislation passed the U.S. House 377 to 0. The legislation has 

received the following letters of support—Blowing Rock Mayor JB Lawrence, 

Watauga County Board of Commissioners Chair James Deal, NC State Representative Cullie Tarleton, NC State Senator Steve Goss, the Blowing Rock Chamber of 

Commerce and the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority. Also, the Blue 

Ridge Parkway Foundation has encouraged and lent its support of the land exchange finding the exchange beneficial to the Blue Ridge Parkway while assuring 

the drinking water supply for Blowing Rock and guests to the area. 

I would like to thank committee member Senator Richard Burr and Senator Kay 

Hagan for their sponsorship of this legislation and respectfully request your support. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

SCOTT E. HILDEBRAN, 

Town Manager. 

POCAHONTAS COUNTY COMMISSION, 

Marlinton, WV, February 4, 2009. 

Hon. NICK J. RAHALL, 

2307 Rayburn Office Building, Independence Avenue & S. Capitol Street, S.W., 

Washington, DC. 

DEAR CONGRESSMAN RAHALL: The Pocahontas County Commission received a request from area landowners and other interested parties to support a request to include federal funding for an eligibility study for a portion of the Elk Headwaters 

in Pocahontas County. I write to inform you of today’s unanimous vote by the Pocahontas County Commission in support of that request and would ask that your office help provide funding to the appropriate agency to conduct an eligibility study 

for a section of the Upper Elk River extending up-river approximately 4 1/2 miles 

from the Pocahontas County line so that it may be considered for designation as a 

Wild and Scenic River under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers, Act. 

Please find, enclosed, copies of letters of support from numerous landowners and 

homeowners associations located on and near the proposed River Area of study. The 

Commission has also organized a Pocahontas County Water Task Force to prepare 

a county plan for water resources that will complement the State Water Resource 

Plan when it is completed. This request for federal support of a water study on the 

Elk River will be a wonderful start toward being proactive in water resource planning for Pocahontas County. 

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please feel free to contact our 

office at 304-799-6063 if you need any additional information. 

Sincerely, 

MARTIN V. SAFFER, 

President. 

POCAHONTAS COUNTY COMMISSION, 

Marlinton, WV, September 23, 2009. 

Hon. NICK J. RAHALL, 

2307 Rayburn Office Building, Independence Avenue & South Capitol Street, S.W., 

Washington, DC. 

DEAR CONGRESSMAN RAHALL: The Pocahontas County Commission is happy to 

learn that H.B. 3113 has just been passed by the House of Representatives, and we 

would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your strong leadership and continued support for federal funding for an eligibility study of a portion 

of the upper Elk River in Pocahontas County for study for potential addition to the 

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 

Pocahontas County must be ever vigilant in preserving its natural resources 

which serve as the foundation for much of our economy and which irreplaceable assets add immeasurably to the quality of life of all our citizens. We are very fortu-
32 

nate to have you as our Congressman, helping us in this important task of stewardship. 

Sincerely, 

MARTIN V. SAFFER, 

President. 

HAMMER, FERRETTI & SCHIAVONI, 

Martinsburg, WV, February 9, 2009. 

Hon. NICK RAHALL, 

2307 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. 

DEAR REPRESENTATIVE RAHALL, I support a study of the Upper Elk River so that 

it may be considered for designation as a Wild and Scenic River under the federal 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. I bought property and built a home in Pocahontas 

County due in large part to the access I would have to the Elk River. Its pathway 

through underground limestone caves in the Slaty Fork area makes it a unique fishery enjoyed by many travelers and nonresidents. It is supportive of the local economy and this State’s reputation for outdoor recreational opportunities. The river deserves study and preservation. The river has been featured many times in national 

publications and is recognized as the best trout stream in West Virginia. 

Please consider this letter as representative of the many fishermen, local business 

owners and a vast majority of Pocahontas County residents who recognize this wonderful resource in their midst. 

Sincerely, 

JOSEPH R. FERRETTI, 

Esquire. 

STATEMENT OF JOHN C. SHARP, PH.D., DO, MARLINTON, WV, ON H.R. 3113 

I am a 4th generation native of Pocahontas County. My grandfather was Calvin 

Price and my mother is Jane Price Sharp of the Pocahontas Times. We are all 

strong believers in and support conservation of the forests, streams and rivers 

(waters) in Pocahontas County and the Monongahela National Forest. 

I am in favor of the National Wild and Scenic River status of the upper section 

of the Elk River. I do own 20 acres along this section of the Elk River and am willing to exchange this piece of property to/with the US Forest Service. 

I do not want to hinder or interfere with the designation of the upper Elk River 

as a national wild and scenic river. 

If I can be of any assistance in this project please let me know. 

STATEMENT OF THOMAS A. SHIPLEY, SLATYFORK, WV, ON H.R. 3113 

This letter is to advise the Pocahontas County Commission of my support for the 

proposed study of the Upper Elk River for consideration in the Wild and Scenic Rivers program. Knowledge is power and the information gleaned from this process will 

allow our community to make appropriate decisions based on the strength of scientific fact. 

The Upper Elk River and her headwaters have been a source of sustenance for 

the Sharp family, pioneer settlers in the area, for close to two centuries. I am the 

eighth generation in what is now Pocahontas County. My forefathers owned much 

of the land on and around the proposed area of study. 

William Sharp, III built a log house right along the river beside Laurel Run 

(comes into the Elk just down from the confluence of Old Field Fork and Big Spring 

Fork.) in the early 1800’s. Some foundation stones are still present on the original 

site. The Sharp family history is intertwined with that of the Upper Elk. Civil war 

skirmishes took the lives of 3 of my great uncles. My great, great grandfather, Silas, 

was taken as a prisoner of war right in the log cabin that still stands behind our 

country store. 

My great grandfather started Sharp’s Country Store in 1884. It has been in continuous operation for over 125 years. The store and farm grounds (with covered 

bridge) are a source of pleasure for many tourists from all over the United States. 

History abounds around, near and on the banks of the Elk River. She is, in a literal sense, very much as she was back in the early 1800’s.....one of the last rivers 

on the East Coast that has three naturally reproducing species of wild 

trout.....Brook, Brown and Rainbow. As Big Spring Fork and Old Field merge, they 
33 

form an impressive gateway to the Upper Elk...a gift from God to Pocahontas County. 

My family’s holdings, over time, have been reduced to somewhere around 1800 

acres...all in the proximity of the Upper Elk and her spring-fed rapids. I personally 

own 360 acres, some directly in the proposed area of study. I encourage you to support this important effort. 

EIGHT RIVERS SAFE DEVELOPMENT, INC., 

Cass, WV, February 2, 2009. 

This letter is to document Eight Rivers Safe Devleopment, Inc. support for the 

proposal to place the Upper Elk River under study for classification under the Wild 

and Scenic Rivers Act. 

The Upper Elk River is truly a unique resource in West Virginia—and the United 

States. The upper reaches of the headwaters streams flow across karst (limestone)— 

in fact, the bed of Old Field Fork, Big Spring Fork and the Upper Elk River is bedrock limestone. This results in unique hydrology, geology and biology as the headwater streams sink into the limestone and flow underground in caves and reemerge 

as large springs which feed the world class fishery of the Upper Elk which includes 

reproducing wild populations of brook, rainbow and brown trout—the only place in 

West Virginia where this exists. 

The Upper Elk River itself sinks and flows underground for over 5 miles—of 

which only 2500 ft has been seen in the many caves of the area. The underground 

Elk River has been and remains a mystery and attracts recreational and scientific 

cavers from all over the United States and the world. 

Eight Rivers Safe Development has participated—on two occasions—on trips to 

Washington, DC to lobby for consideration of the Upper Elk River for study as a 

Wild and Scenic River. Our presentation to our Washington representatives included a photo tour of the caves and springs of the area. The senators and congressmen were duly impressed with the rare beauty of the underground Elk. Pictures of 

the caves and underground streams/waterfalls of the Upper Elk can be viewed at 

our website—8riverssafedevelopment.com. 

The Elk River deserves and needs to be protected from uninformed development. 

Not exclusive to development but rather development that acknowledges and protects this tremendous resource for future generations—both as a recreational / scenic resource but also as a water resource. There is truly nothing like the Upper Elk 

River anywhere else in the U.S. We sometimes take it for granted that places such 

as this exist elsewhere—they do not. 

Sincerely, 

GEORGE R. PHILLIPS, 

President. 

STATEMENT OF GENE GIBSON, SLATYFORK, WV, ON H.R. 3113 

I am writing in support of a study of the Upper Elk River for consideration of 

including it in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. 

I own 100 acres just South of the Upper Elk River at the confluence of Old Field 

Fork and Big Spring Fork. I rely on this river and her many springs for clean water 

and appreciate the natural beauty along her riverbanks. 

I believe the study will let us make the proper decisions in keeping the Elk River 

healthy for future generations. 

STATEMENT OF FAIRLEY WORKMAN, SLATYFORK FARM, MARLINTON, WV, 

ON H.R. 3113 

This letter is written to provide my opinion of the PSD; especially relevant to the 

proposed sewage treatment plant which I have been involved with since 2005. Many 

other people in this county share the same negative opinion of the PSD. 

While I have no hard evidence, in all appearances, the PSD represents the special 

interests such as Snowshoe, developers, realtors, and other people working behind 

the scenes. For instance, we are told the sewage plant must be a regional plant, 

when in fact, this is only a link to Snowshoe’s DEP fine of $2.7 mm which will be 

reduced to $0.2 mm if a regional plant is built which will involve 5 miles of raw 

sewage being piped over karst limestone (site 5.) or 3 miles (modified site 7.). Even 

a regional plant does not have to be a central pipe line; instead, cluster units would 

qualify for same. 
34 

Obviously, developers and realtors would benefit greatly by the extended pipe 

line. 

Who represents the folks who live, work, play in the valley and the other citizens 

of this county; certainly not the PSD who seems destined to make a catastrophic 

decision to pipe raw sewage over unstable karst limestone. It could take only one 

major leak to ruin Big Springs Fork and the ground water used as drinking water 

for people in the valley. 

As you and David Fleming should be acutely aware, the people of this county 

spoke with their votes against the past County Commission presidents mainly due 

to their support of the sewage treatment plant locations as specified by the PSD. 

Unfortunately, their will is being undermined by the PSD. 

Also, I am led to believe that the newest member of the PSD is a developer and/ 

or realtor; if so, this is certainly a blatant conflict of interest. 

In conclusion, I am not sure that the County Commission has any power to 

change this situation, but I just wanted you to know that the PSD, in present form, 

is dictatorial and does not represent the common people of this county. 

STATEMENT OF AMON L. TRACEY, PRESIDENT, WEST VIRGINIA OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN

CLUB, ON H.R. 3113 

I, Amon Tracey, would like to see a study done on the Upper Elk River to find 

if it can be considered to become a Wild and Scenic River. 

President of West Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Club with 13,000 registered members. 

STATEMENT OF RAMONA SHARP SHIPLEY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, ON H.R. 3113 

I was born near the banks of the Big Spring of Elk where our Sharp ancestors 

chose to settle some eight generations ago. 

The cool springs popping out of the ground nearby and feeding the flow of water 

to the Big Spring of Elk are a spawning place for our native brown trout and other 

species. 

The Upper Elk River is important to me, my family and our community. 

I own fifteen acres northeast of the confluence of Big Spring Fork and Old Field 

Fork. 

I fully support a study of the Upper Elk River for consideration in the Wild and 

Scenic River system. 

STATEMENT OF BARBARA SHARP SMITH, THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS, ON H.R. 3113 

Please consider this a request that application be made for a study of the Upper 

Elk River to qualify it for the federal designation as ‘‘Wild and Scenic.’’ 

My family owns property on Highway 219 including the meadow next to the 

bridge nearest Beckwith Lumber Company. It has been in the family since George 

Washington surveyed this area. 

‘‘Stewardship’’ was not an idle word for my father, Paul L. Sharp. He stressed the 

need for responsibility, and that included caring for our land and family. Protecting 

the headwaters certainly qualifies as responsible stewardship. 
35 

STATEMENT OF TOLLY PEULECHE, MONTERVILLE, WV, ON H.R. 3113 

As a landowner in the upper Elk River watershed, I strongly support the idea of 

requesting the Federal Government to initiate a study of this special river for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic River program. My property includes approximately a mile of river frontage and 1 would have no trouble with such a study or 

possible ultimate designation, especially since there is no comparable WV state program. The public needs to see as much factual and comprehensive data about the 

resources in the river corridor as possible in order to help define a common vision 

for the future. The program is well designed, thorough, impartial, and will take into 

account opinions of all adjacent landowners while not limiting any existing uses. 

Please request as soon as possible that this unique and wonderful West Virginia 

river be studied for possible designation as a Wild and Scenic River. 

Æ