H. R. 1348—7
and private landowners, with full recognition that programs
must fully involve the local communities and landowners.
SEC. 303. ESTABLISHMENT 
OF 
CANE 
RIVER 
CREOLE 
NATIONAL
HISTORICAL PARK.
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to assist in the preservation and
interpretation of, and education concerning, the Creole culture and
diverse history of the Natchitoches region, and to provide technical
assistance to a broad range of public and private landowners and
preservation organizations, there is hereby established the Cane
River Creole National Historical Park in the State of Louisiana
(hereinafter in titles III and IV of this Act referred to as the
‘‘historical park’’).
(b) AREA INCLUDED.—The historical park shall consist of lands
and interests therein as follows:
(1) Lands and structures associated with the Oakland
Plantation as depicted on map CARI, 80,002, dated January
1994.
(2) Lands and structures owned or acquired by Museum
Contents, Inc. as depicted on map CARI, 80,001A, dated May
1994.
(3) Sites that may be the subject of cooperative agreements
with the National Park Service for the purposes of historic
preservation and interpretation including, but not limited to,
the Melrose Plantation, the Badin-Rouge site, the Cherokee
Plantation, the Beau Fort Plantation, and sites within the
Natchitoches National Historical Landmark District: Provided,
That such sites may not be added to the historical park unless
the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the
‘‘Secretary’’) determines, based on further research and plan-
ning, that such sites meet the applicable criteria for national
historical significance, suitability, and feasibility, and notifica-
tion of the proposed addition has been transmitted to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United
States Senate and the appropriate committees of the House
of Representatives.
(4) Not to exceed 10 acres of land that the Secretary may
designate for an interpretive visitor center complex to serve
the needs of the historical park and heritage area established
in title IV of this Act.
SEC. 304. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall administer the historical
park in accordance with this title and with provisions of law gen-
erally applicable to units of the National Park System, including
the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to establish a National Park Service,
and for other purposes’’, approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535;
16 U.S.C. 1, 2–4); and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666,
16 U.S.C. 461–467). The Secretary shall manage the historical
park in such a manner as will preserve resources and cultural
landscapes relating to the Creole culture of the Cane River and
enhance public understanding of the important cultural heritage
of the Cane River region.
(b) DONATIONS.—The Secretary may accept and retain dona-
tions of funds, property, or services from individuals, foundations,
or other public or private entities for the purposes of providing
programs, services, facilities, or technical assistance that further
the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act. Any funds donated
H. R. 1348—8
to the Secretary pursuant to this subsection may be expended
without further appropriation.
(c) INTERPRETIVE CENTER.—The Secretary is authorized to con-
struct, operate, and maintain an interpretive center on lands identi-
fied by the Secretary pursuant to section 303(b)(4). Such center
shall provide for the general information and orientation needs
of the historical park and the heritage area. The Secretary shall
consult with the State of Louisiana, the City of Natchitoches, the
Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, and the
Cane River National Heritage Area Commission pursuant to section
402 of this Act in the planning and development of the interpretive
center.
(d) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—
(1) The Secretary, after consultation with the Cane River Heritage
Area Commission established pursuant to section 402 of this Act,
is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with owners
of properties within the heritage area and owners of properties
within the historical park that provide important educational and
interpretive opportunities relating to the heritage of the Cane River
region. The Secretary may also enter into cooperative agreements
for the purpose of facilitating the preservation of important historic
sites and structures identified in the historical park’s general
management plan or other heritage elements related to the heritage
of the Cane River region. Such cooperative agreements shall specify
that the National Park Service shall have reasonable rights of
access for operational and visitor use needs and that preservation
treatments will meet the Secretary’s standards for rehabilitation
of historic buildings.
(2) The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agree-
ments with the City of Natchitoches, the State of Louisiana, and
other public or private organizations for the development of the
interpretive center, educational programs, and other materials that
will facilitate public use of the historical park and heritage area.
(e) RESEARCH.—The Secretary, acting through the National
Park Service, shall coordinate a comprehensive research program
on the complex history of the Cane River region, including eth-
nography studies of the living communities along the Cane River,
and how past and present generations have adapted to their
environment, including genealogical studies of families within the
Cane River area. Research shall include, but not be limited to,
the extensive primary historic documents within the Natchitoches
and Cane River areas, and curation methods for their care and
exhibition. The research program shall be coordinated with North-
western State University of Louisiana, and the National Center
for Preservation of Technology and Training in Natchitoches.
SEC. 305. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.
(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Except as otherwise provided in this
section, the Secretary is authorized to acquire lands and interest
therein within the boundaries of the historical park by donation,
purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
(b) STATE AND LOCAL PROPERTIES.—Lands and interests therein
that are owned by the State of Louisiana, or any political subdivi-
sion thereof, may be acquired only by donation or exchange.
(c) MUSEUM CONTENTS, INC.—Lands and structures identified
in section 303(b)(2) may be acquired only by donation.
H. R. 1348—9
(d) COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT
SITES.—Lands and interests
therein that are the subject of cooperative agreements pursuant
to section 303(b)(3) shall not be acquired except with the consent
of the owner thereof.
SEC. 306. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Within 3 years after the date funds are made available therefor
and in consultation with the Cane River Heritage Area Commission,
the National Park Service shall prepare a general management
plan for the historical park. The plan shall include, but need not
be limited to—
(1) a visitor use plan indicating programs and facilities
that will be provided for public use, including the location
and cost of an interpretive center;
(2) programs and management actions that the National
Park Service will undertake cooperatively with the heritage
area commission, including preservation treatments for impor-
tant sites, structures, objects, and research materials. Planning
shall address educational media, roadway signing, and bro-
chures that could be coordinated with the Commission pursuant
to section 403 of this Act; and
(3) preservation and use plans for any sites and structures
that are identified for National Park Service involvement
through cooperative agreements.
TITLE IV—CANE RIVER NATIONAL
HERITAGE AREA
SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE
AREA.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is hereby established the Cane
River National Heritage Area (hereinafter in this title referred
to as the ‘‘heritage area’’).
(b) PURPOSE.—In furtherance of the need to recognize the value
and importance of the Cane River region and in recognition of
the findings of section 302(a) of this Act, it is the purpose of
this title to establish a heritage area to complement the historical
park and to provide for a culturally sensitive approach to the
preservation of the heritage of the Cane River region, and for
other needs including—
(1) recognizing areas important to the Nation’s heritage
and identity;
(2) assisting in the preservation and enhancement of the
cultural landscape and traditions of the Cane River region;
(3) providing a framework for those who live within this
important dynamic cultural landscape to assist in preservation
and educational actions; and
(4) minimizing the need for Federal land acquisition and
management.
(c) AREA INCLUDED.—The heritage area shall include—
(1) an area approximately 1 mile on both sides of the
Cane River as depicted on map CARI, 80,000A, dated May
1994;
(2) those properties within the Natchitoches National His-
toric Landmark District which are the subject of cooperative
agreements pursuant to section 304(d) of this Act;
H. R. 1348—10
(3) the Los Adaes State Commemorative Area;
(4) the Fort Jesup State Commemorative Area;
(5) the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area;
and
(6) the Kate Chopin House.
A final identification of all areas and sites to be included
in the heritage area shall be included in the heritage area manage-
ment plan as required in section 403.
SEC. 402. CANE RIVER NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—To assist in implementing the purposes
of titles II and III of this Act and to provide guidance for the
management of the heritage area, there is established the Cane
River National Heritage Area Commission (hereinafter in this title
referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’).
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Commission shall consist of 19 members
to be appointed no later than 6 months after the date of enactment
of this title. The Commission shall be appointed by the Secretary
as follows—
(1) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Mayor of Natchitoches;
(2) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches;
(3) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Inc.;
(4) two members with experience in and knowledge of
tourism in the heritage area from recommendations submitted
by local business and tourism organizations;
(5) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Governor of the State of Louisiana;
(6) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Police Jury of Natchitoches Parish;
(7) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Concern Citizens of Cloutierville;
(8) one member from recommendations submitted by the
St. Augustine Historical Society;
(9) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Black Heritage Committee;
(10) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Los Adaes/Robeline Community;
(11) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Natchitoches Historic District Commission;
(12) one member from recommendations submitted by the
Cane River Waterway Commission;
(13) two members who are landowners in and residents
of the heritage area;
(14) one member with experience and knowledge of historic
preservation from recommendations submitted by the Museum
Contents, Inc.;
(15) one member with experience and knowledge of historic
preservation from recommendations submitted by the President
of Northwestern State University of Louisiana;
(16) one member with experience in and knowledge of
environmental, recreational and conservation matters affecting
the heritage area from recommendations submitted by the
Natchitoches Sportsmans Association and other local rec-
reational and environmental organizations; and
H. R. 1348—11
(17) the director of the National Park Service, or the Direc-
tor’s designee, ex officio.
(c) DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.—The Commission shall—
(1) prepare a management plan for the heritage area in
consultation with the National Park Service, the State of Louisi-
ana, the City of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, interested
groups, property owners, and the public;
(2) consult with the Secretary on the preparation of the
general management plan for the historical park;
(3) develop cooperative agreements with property owners,
preservation groups, educational groups, the State of Louisiana,
the City of Natchitoches, universities, and tourism groups, and
other groups to further the purposes of titles III and IV of
this Act; and
(4) identify appropriate entities, such as a non-profit cor-
poration, that could be established to assume the responsibil-
ities of the Commission following its termination.
(d) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.—In furtherance of the pur-
poses of titles III and IV of this Act, the Commission is authorized
to—
(1) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same
extent that is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United
States Code, but at rates determined by the Commission to
be reasonable;
(2) accept the services of personnel detailed from the State
of Louisiana or any political subdivision thereof, and may
reimburse the State or political subdivision for such services;
(3) upon the request of the Commission, the head of any
Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of
the personnel of such agency to the Commission to assist the
Commission in carrying out its duties;
(4) appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as may
be necessary to carry out its duties. Staff shall be appointed
subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, govern-
ing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid
in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter
III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and
General Schedule pay rates;
(5) enter into cooperative agreements with public or private
individuals or entities for research, historic preservation, and
education purposes;
(6) make grants to assist in the preparation of studies
that identify, preserve, and plan for the management of the
heritage area;
(7) notwithstanding any other provision of law, seek and
accept donations of funds or services from individuals, founda-
tions, or other public or private entities and expend the same
for the purposes of providing services and programs in further-
ance of the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act;
(8) assist others in developing educational, informational,
and interpretive programs and facilities;
(9) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and
places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as
the Commission may consider appropriate; and
(10) use the United States mails in the same manner
and under the same conditions as other departments or agencies
of the United States.
H. R. 1348—12
(e) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Commission shall receive
no compensation for their service on the Commission. While away
from their homes or regular places of business in the performance
of services for the Commission, members shall be allowed travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same
manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government
service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United
States Code.
(f) CHAIRMAN.—The Commission shall elect a chairman from
among its members. The term of the chairman shall be for 3
years.
(g) TERMS.—The terms of Commission members shall be for
3 years. Any member of the Commission appointed by the Secretary
for a 3-year term may serve after expiration of his or her term
until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy shall be filled in the
same manner in which the original appointment was made. Any
member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder
of the term for which the predecessor was appointed.
(h) ANNUAL REPORTS.—The Commission shall submit an annual
report to the Secretary identifying its expenses and any income,
the entities to which any grants or technical assistance were made
during the year for which the report is made, and actions that
are planned for the following year.
SEC. 403. PREPARATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Within 3 years after the Commission conducts
its first meeting, it shall prepare and submit a heritage area
management plan to the Governor of the State of Louisiana. The
Governor shall, if the Governor approves the plan, submit it to
the Secretary for review and approval. The Secretary shall provide
technical assistance to the Commission in the preparation and
implementation of the plan, in concert with actions by the National
Park Service to prepare a general management plan for the histori-
cal park. The plan shall consider local government plans and shall
present a unified heritage preservation and education plan for
the heritage area. The plan shall include, but not be limited to—
(1) an inventory of important properties and cultural land-
scapes that should be preserved, managed, developed, and
maintained because of their cultural, natural, and public use
significance;
(2) an analysis of current land uses within the area and
how they affect the goals of preservation and public use of
the heritage area;
(3) an interpretive plan to address the cultural and natural
history of the area, and actions to enhance visitor use. This
element of the plan shall be undertaken in consultation with
the National Park Service and visitor use plans for the histori-
cal park;
(4) recommendations for coordinating actions by local,
State, and Federal governments within the heritage area, to
further the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; and
(5) an implementation program for the plan including
desired actions by State and local governments and other
involved groups and entities.
(b) APPROVAL OF THE PLAN.—The Secretary shall approve or
disapprove the plan within 90 days after receipt of the plan from
the Commission. The Commission shall notify the Secretary of
H. R. 1348—13
the status of approval by the Governor of Louisiana when the
plan is submitted for review and approval. In determining whether
or not to approve the plan the Secretary shall consider—
(1) whether the Commission has afforded adequate oppor-
tunity, including public meetings and hearings, for public and
governmental involvement in the preparation of the plan; and
(2) whether reasonable assurances have been received from
the State and local governments that the plan is supported
and that the implementation program is feasible.
(c) DISAPPROVAL OF THE PLAN.—If the Secretary disapproves
the plan, he shall advise the Commission in writing of the reasons
for disapproval, and shall provide recommendations and assistance
in the revision plan. Following completion of any revisions to the
plan, the Commission shall resubmit the plan to the Governor
of Louisiana for approval, and to the Secretary, who shall approve
or disapprove the plan within 90 days after the date that the
plan is revised.
SEC. 404. TERMINATION OF HERITAGE AREA COMMISSION.
(a) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall terminate on the day
occurring 10 years after the first official meeting of the Commission.
(b) EXTENSION.—The Commission may petition to be extended
for a period of not more than 5 years beginning on the day referred
to in subsection (a), provided the Commission determines a critical
need to fulfill the purposes of titles III and IV of this Act; and
the Commission obtains approval from the Secretary, in consulta-
tion with the Governor of Louisiana.
(c) HERITAGE AREA MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF
THE COMMISSION.—The national heritage area status for the Cane
River region shall continue following the termination of the Commis-
sion. The management plan, and partnerships and agreements sub-
ject to the plan shall guide the future management of the heritage
area. The Commission, prior to its termination, shall recommend
to the Governor of the State of Louisiana and the Secretary, appro-
priate entities, including the potential for a nonprofit corporation,
to assume the responsibilities of the Commission.
SEC. 405. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly
affecting the heritage area shall—
(1) consult with the Secretary and the Commission with
respect to implementation of their proposed actions; and
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate such
activities with the Commission to minimize potential impacts
on the resources of the heritage area.
H. R. 1348—14
SEC. 406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may
be necessary to carry out titles III and IV of this Act.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.