IB 
Union Calendar No. 444
107TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 4944
[Report No. 107–713] 
To designate the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation National 
Historical Park as a unit of the National Park System, and for other 
purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 13, 2002
Mr. WOLF (for himself and Mr. GOODLATTE) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Resources 
OCTOBER 1, 2002 
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House 
on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed 
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] 
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on June 13, 2002] 
A BILL 
To designate the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove 
Plantation National Historical Park as a unit of the 
National Park System, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cedar Creek and Belle 
Grove National Historical Park Act’’. 
SEC. 2. PURPOSE. 
The purpose of this Act is to establish the Cedar Creek 
and Belle Grove National Historical Park in order to—
(1) help preserve, protect, and interpret a na-
tionally significant Civil War landscape and ante-
bellum plantation for the education, inspiration, and 
benefit of present and future generations; 
(2) tell the rich story of Shenandoah Valley his-
tory from early settlement through the Civil War and 
beyond, and the Battle of Cedar Creek and its signifi-
cance in the conduct of the war in the Shenandoah 
Valley; 
(3) preserve the significant historic, natural, cul-
tural, military, and scenic resources found in the 
Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation 
areas through partnerships with local landowners and 
the community; and 
(4) serve as a focal point to recognize and inter-
pret important events and geographic locations with-
in the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National His-
toric District representing key Civil War battles in 
the Shenandoah Valley, including those battlefields as-
sociated with the Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson
campaign of 1862 and the decisive campaigns of 
1864. 
SEC. 3. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
(1) The Battle of Cedar Creek, also known as the 
battle of Belle Grove, was a major event of the Civil 
War and the history of this country. It represented 
the end of the Civil War’s Shenandoah Valley cam-
paign of 1864 and contributed to the reelection of 
President Abraham Lincoln and the eventual outcome 
of the war. 
(2) 2,500 acres of the Cedar Creek Battlefield 
and Belle Grove Plantation were designated a na-
tional historic landmark in 1969 because of their 
ability to illustrate and interpret important eras and 
events in the history of the United States. The Cedar 
Creek Battlefield, Belle Grove Manor House, the Heat-
er House, and Harmony Hall (a National Historic 
Landmark) are also listed on the Virginia Landmarks 
Register. 
(3) The Secretary of the Interior has approved 
the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic 
District Management Plan and the National Park 
Service Special Resource Study, both of which recog-
nized Cedar Creek Battlefield as the most significant
Civil War resource within the historic district. The 
management plan, which was developed with exten-
sive public participation over a 3-year period and is 
administered by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields 
Foundation, recommends that Cedar Creek Battlefield 
be established as a new unit of the National Park 
System. 
(4) The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation, or-
ganized in 1988 to preserve and interpret the Cedar 
Creek Battlefield and the 1864 Valley Campaign, has 
acquired 308 acres of land within the boundaries of 
the National Historic Landmark. The foundation an-
nually hosts a major reenactment and living history 
event on the Cedar Creek Battlefield. 
(5) Belle Grove Plantation is a Historic Site of 
the National Trust for Historic Preservation that oc-
cupies 383 acres within the National Historic Land-
mark. The Belle Grove Manor House was built by 
Isaac Hite, a Revolutionary War patriot married to 
the sister of President James Madison, who was a fre-
quent visitor at Belle Grove. President Thomas Jeffer-
son assisted with the design of the house. During the 
Civil War Belle Grove was at the center of the deci-
sive battle of Cedar Creek. Belle Grove is managed lo-
cally by Belle Grove, Incorporated, and has been open
to the public since 1967. The house has remained vir-
tually unchanged since it was built in 1797, offering 
visitors an experience of the life and times of the peo-
ple who lived there in the 18th and 19th centuries. 
(6) The panoramic views of the mountains, nat-
ural areas, and waterways provide visitors with an 
inspiring setting of great natural beauty. The his-
toric, natural, cultural, military, and scenic resources 
found in the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove 
Plantation areas are nationally and regionally sig-
nificant. 
(7) The existing, independent, not-for-profit or-
ganizations dedicated to the protection and interpre-
tation of the resources described above provide the 
foundation for public-private partnerships to further 
the success of protecting, preserving, and interpreting 
these resources. 
(8) None of these resources, sites, or stories of the 
Shenandoah Valley are protected by or interpreted 
within the National Park System. 
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) 
COMMISSION.—The 
term 
‘‘Commission’’ 
means the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National His-
torical Park Advisory Commission established by sec-
tion 9. 
(2) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map enti-
tled ‘‘Boundary Map Cedar Creek and Belle Grove 
National Historical Park’’, numbered CECR–80,001, 
and dated September 2002. 
(3) PARK.—The term ‘‘Park’’ means the Cedar 
Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park es-
tablished under section 5 and depicted on the Map.
(4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of the Interior. 
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE 
GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the Cedar 
Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, consisting 
of approximately 3,000 acres, as generally depicted on the 
Map. 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF MAP.—The Map shall be on file 
and available for public inspection in the offices of the Na-
tional Park Service, Department of the Interior. 
SEC. 6. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY. 
(a) REAL PROPERTY.—The Secretary may acquire 
land or interests in land within the boundaries of the Park, 
from willing sellers only, by donation, purchase with do-
nated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
(b) BOUNDARY REVISION.—After acquiring land for 
the Park, the Secretary shall—
(1) revise the boundary map of the Park to in-
clude newly acquired land within the boundary; and 
(2) administer newly acquired land subject to 
applicable laws (including regulations). 
(c) PERSONAL PROPERTY.—The Secretary may ac-
quire personal property associated with, and appropriate 
for, interpretation of the Park. 
(d) CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND COVENANTS.—
The Secretary is authorized to acquire conservation ease-
ments and enter into covenants regarding lands in or adja-
cent to the Park from willing sellers only. Such conservation 
easements and covenants shall have the effect of protecting 
the scenic, natural, and historic resources on adjacent lands 
and preserving the natural or historic setting of the Park 
when viewed from within or outside the Park. 
(e) SUPPORT FACILITIES.—The National Park Service 
is authorized to acquire from willing sellers, land outside 
the Park boundary but in close proximity to the Park, for 
the development of visitor, administrative, museum, curato-
rial, and maintenance facilities.
SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION. 
The Secretary shall administer the Park in accordance 
with this Act and the provisions of law generally applicable 
to units of the National Park System, including—
(1) the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to establish a Na-
tional Park Service, and for other purposes’’, ap-
proved August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and 
(2) the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to provide for the 
preservation of historic American sites, buildings, ob-
jects, and antiquities of national significance, and for 
other purposes’’, approved August 21, 1935 (16 
U.S.C. 461 et seq.). 
SEC. 8. MANAGEMENT OF PARK. 
(a) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The Secretary, in consulta-
tion with the Commission, shall prepare a management 
plan for the Park. In particular, the management plan 
shall contain provisions to address the needs of owners of 
non-Federal land, including independent nonprofit organi-
zations within the boundaries of the Park. 
(b) SUBMISSION OF PLAN TO CONGRESS.—Not later 
than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall submit the management plan for the 
Park to the Committee on Resources of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Re-
sources of the Senate.
SEC. 9. CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE GROVE NATIONAL HIS-
TORICAL PARK ADVISORY COMMISSION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the Cedar 
Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Advisory 
Commission. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Commission shall—
(1) advise the Secretary in the preparation and 
implementation of a general management plan de-
scribed in section 8; and 
(2) advise the Secretary with respect to the iden-
tification of sites of significance outside the Park 
boundary deemed necessary to fulfill the purposes of 
this Act. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.—
(1) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be 
composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary 
so as to include the following: 
(A) 1 representative from the Common-
wealth of Virginia. 
(B) 1 representative each from the local gov-
ernments of Strasburg, Middletown, Frederick 
County, Shenandoah County, and Warren Coun-
ty. 
(C) 2 representatives of private landowners 
within the Park.
(D) 1 representative from a citizen interest 
group. 
(E) 1 representative from the Cedar Creek 
Battlefield Foundation.
(F) 1 representative from Belle Grove, In-
corporated. 
(G) 1 representative from the National 
Trust for Historic Preservation. 
(H) 1 representative from the Shenandoah 
Valley Battlefields Foundation. 
(I) 1 ex-officio representative from the Na-
tional Park Service. 
(J) 1 ex-officio representative from the 
United States Forest Service. 
(2) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the 
Commission shall be elected by the members to serve 
a term of one year renewable for one additional year. 
(3) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on the Commission 
shall be filled in the same manner in which the origi-
nal appointment was made. 
(4) TERMS OF SERVICE.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Each member shall be 
appointed for a term of 3 years and may be re-
appointed for not more than 2 successive terms.
(B) INITIAL
MEMBERS.—Of the members 
first appointed under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary shall appoint—
(i) 4 members for a term of 1 year; 
(ii) 5 members for a term of 2 years; 
and 
(iii) 6 members for a term of 3 years. 
(5) EXTENDED SERVICE.—A member may serve 
after the expiration of that member’s term until a 
successor has taken office. 
(6) MAJORITY RULE.—The Commission shall act 
and advise by affirmative vote of a majority of its 
members. 
(7) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet at 
least quarterly at the call of the chairperson or a ma-
jority of the members of the Commission. 
(8) QUORUM.—8 members shall constitute a 
quorum. 
(d) COMPENSATION.—Members shall serve without 
pay. Members who are full-time officers or employees of the 
United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any polit-
ical subdivision thereof shall receive no additional pay on 
account of their service on the Commission. 
(e) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—While away from their homes 
or regular places of business in the performance of service
for the Commission, members shall be allowed travel ex-
penses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the 
same manner as persons employed intermittently in the 
Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 
of title 5, United States Code. 
(f) HEARINGS; PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT.—The Commis-
sion may, for purposes of carrying out this Act, hold such 
hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such 
public testimony, and receive such evidence, as the Commis-
sion considers appropriate. The Commission may not issue 
subpoenas or exercise any subpoena authority. 
SEC. 10. CONSERVATION OF CEDAR CREEK AND BELLE 
GROVE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. 
(a) ENCOURAGEMENT OF CONSERVATION.—The Sec-
retary and the Commission shall encourage conservation of 
the historic and natural resources within and in proximity 
of the Park by landowners, local governments, organiza-
tions, and businesses. 
(b) PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Sec-
retary may provide technical assistance to local govern-
ments, in cooperative efforts which complement the values 
of the Park. 
(c) COOPERATION BY FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Any Fed-
eral entity conducting or supporting activities directly af-
fecting the Park shall consult, cooperate, and, to the max-
imum extent practicable, coordinate its activities with the 
Secretary in a manner that—
(1) is consistent with the purposes of this Act 
and the standards and criteria established pursuant 
to the general management plan developed pursuant 
to section 8; 
(2) is not likely to have an adverse effect on the 
resources of the Park; and 
(3) is likely to provide for full public participa-
tion in order to consider the views of all interested 
parties. 
SEC. 11. ENDOWMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with the provisions 
of subsection (b), the Secretary is authorized to receive and 
expend funds from an endowment to be established with the 
National Park Foundation, or its successors and assigns. 
(b) CONDITIONS.—Funds from the endowment referred 
to in subsection (a) shall be expended exclusively as the Sec-
retary, in consultation with the Commission, may designate 
for the interpretation, preservation, and maintenance of the 
Park resources and public access areas. No expenditure 
shall be made pursuant to this section unless the Secretary 
determines that such expenditure is consistent with the pur-
poses of this Act.
SEC. 12. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to further the purposes of 
this Act, the Secretary is authorized to enter into coopera-
tive agreements with interested public and private entities 
and individuals (including the National Trust for Historic 
Preservation, Belle Grove, Inc., the Cedar Creek Battlefield 
Foundation, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Founda-
tion, and the Counties of Frederick, Shenandoah, and War-
ren), through technical and financial assistance, including 
encouraging the conservation of historic and natural re-
sources within and near the Park. 
(b) TECHNICAL
AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.—The 
Secretary may provide to any person, organization, or gov-
ernmental entity technical and financial assistance for the 
purposes of this Act, including the following: 
(1) Preserving historic structures within the 
Park. 
(2) Maintaining the natural or cultural land-
scape of the Park. 
(3) Local preservation planning, interpretation, 
and management of public visitation for the Park. 
(4) Furthering the goals of the Shenandoah Val-
ley Battlefields Foundation related to the Park. 
SEC. 13. ROLES OF KEY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In recognition that central portions 
of the Park are presently owned and operated for the benefit
of the public by key partner organizations, the Secretary 
shall acknowledge and support the continued participation 
of these partner organizations in the management of the 
Park. 
(b) PARK PARTNERS.—Roles of the current key part-
ners include the following: 
(1) CEDAR CREEK BATTLEFIELD FOUNDATION.—
The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation may—
(A) continue to own, operate, and manage 
the lands acquired by the Foundation within the 
Park; 
(B) continue to conduct reenactments and 
other events within the Park; and 
(C) transfer ownership interest in portions 
of their land to the National Park Service by do-
nation, sale, or other means that meet the legal 
requirements of National Park Service land ac-
quisitions. 
(2) NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVA-
TION AND BELLE GROVE INCORPORATED.—The Na-
tional Trust for Historic Preservation and Belle 
Grove Incorporated may continue to own, operate, 
and manage Belle Grove Plantation and its structures 
and grounds within the Park boundary. Belle Grove 
Incorporated may continue to own the house and
grounds known as Bowman’s Fort or Harmony Hall 
for the purpose of permanent preservation, with a 
long-term goal of opening the property to the public. 
(3) SHENANDOAH COUNTY.—Shenandoah County 
may continue to own, operate, and manage the Keis-
ter park site within the Park for the benefit of the 
public. 
(4) PARK
COMMUNITY
PARTNERS.—The Sec-
retary shall cooperate with the Park’s adjacent his-
toric towns of Strasburg and Middletown, Virginia, 
as well as Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren coun-
ties in furthering the purposes of the Park. 
(5) SHENANDOAH VALLEY BATTLEFIELDS FOUN-
DATION.—The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foun-
dation may continue to administer and manage the 
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic 
District in partnership with the National Park Serv-
ice and in accordance with the Management Plan for 
the District in which the Park is located. 
SEC. 14. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as 
are necessary to carry out this Act.
Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A bill to designate 
the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical 
Park as a unit of the National Park System, and for 
other purposes.’’.
Union Calendar No. 444
107TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 4944
[Report No. 107–713] 
A BILL 
To designate the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle 
Grove Plantation National Historical Park as a 
unit of the National Park System, and for other 
purposes. 
OCTOBER 1, 2002
Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee 
of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and or-
dered to be printed