S. 3612

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Amendments Act of 2010

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II

111th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 3612

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 19, 2010

Mr. Sanders (for himself and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To amend the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act to expand the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in the State of Vermont, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Amendments Act of 2010.

2.

Boundary expansion

Section 3 of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 410vv–1) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

(b)

Boundaries; map

(1)

In general

The park shall consist of the following:

(A)

A historic zone, including the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, surrounding buildings, and a portion of the area known as Mt. Tom, comprising approximately 555 acres, as depicted on the map entitled Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Boundary Map and dated November 19, 1991.

(B)

A protection zone, including the areas occupied by the Billings Farm and Museum, comprising approximately 88 acres, as depicted on the map entitled Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Boundary Map and dated November 19, 1991.

(C)

The King Farm, located in Woodstock, Vermont, comprising approximately 159 acres.

(2)

Revised map

As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Amendments Act of 2010, the Secretary shall prepare a revised map of the park that reflects the inclusion of the land described in paragraph (1)(C).

(3)

Availability of maps

The maps described in paragraph (1) and prepared under paragraph (2) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

.

3.

Acquisition of land

Section 4 of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 410vv–2) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may acquire land or an interest in land within the boundary of the park by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, condemnation, transfer from any Federal agency, or exchange.

(2)

Exception

Any land or interest in land owned by the State of Vermont or a political subdivision of the State may be acquired only by donation.

; and

(B)

in the first sentence of paragraph (3), by striking (3) The Secretary may and inserting the following:

(3)

Commercial operations

The Secretary may

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(e)

King Farm

On acquisition by the Secretary of the land described in section 3(b)(1)(C)—

(1)

the acquired land shall be added to and administered as part of the park;

(2)

the acquired land shall be used for—

(A)

agricultural and forestry purposes, including the growing and harvesting of crops and trees, animal husbandry, and other agricultural operations customary in the State of Vermont;

(B)

conservation purposes in a manner that preserves the acquired land in the condition in which the acquired land is in on the date of enactment of this subsection, with an emphasis on preserving existing open fields; and

(C)

educational purposes relating to agriculture, forestry, and conservation activities, including the study of natural history;

(3)

the Secretary may—

(A)

enter into leases for the use of the acquired land and any buildings on the acquired land if the Secretary determines that the use—

(i)

is consistent with the purposes of this Act; and

(ii)

would contribute to the management and programs of the park, including accommodating public use and education programs;

(B)

repair, replace, or improve any buildings and structures on the acquired land; and

(C)

construct new buildings or structures on the acquired land if the Secretary determines that the construction—

(i)

is necessary for the purposes described in paragraph (2); and

(ii)

would be consistent with agricultural buildings in existence on the date of enactment of this subsection.

.

4.

Cooperative agreements

Section 6 of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 410vv–4) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with any person or entity that the Secretary determines to be appropriate for the public benefit and purpose of the park and Institute programs and activities, including facility and landscape rehabilitation and preservation, recreation, planning, research, evaluation, interpretation, education, and management.

.

5.

Endowment; donations; conservation study institute

Section 7 of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 410vv–5) is amended to read as follows:

7.

Endowment; donations; conservation study institute

(a)

Endowment

(1)

In general

In accordance with paragraph (2), the Secretary may receive and expend funds from—

(A)

an endowment to be established with the Woodstock Foundation (including successors and assigns of the Foundation) (referred to in this Act as the Foundation); and

(B)

an endowment to be established for the King Farm with the Vermont Land Trust (including successors and assigns of the Trust) (referred to in this Act as the Trust).

(2)

Conditions

(A)

Authorized uses

Amounts from the endowments referred to in paragraph (1) shall be expended exclusively as the Foundation or Trust, as applicable, in consultation with the Secretary, may designate for—

(i)

with respect to the Foundation, the preservation and maintenance of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion and any property adjacent to the Mansion; and

(ii)

with respect to the Trust, the preservation and maintenance of King Farm and associated agriculture, forestry, and conservation education programs.

(B)

Limitation on use of funds

No expenditure shall be made under this subsection unless the Secretary determines that the expenditure is consistent with the purposes of this Act.

(b)

Donations

The Secretary may accept donations of funds, property, or services to carry out this Act.

(c)

Conservation study institute

(1)

In general

The Secretary, in collaboration with the University of Vermont, may establish at the park a National Park Service Conservation Study Institute (referred to in this Act as the Institute).

(2)

Purpose

The purposes of the Institute are—

(A)

to create opportunities within the National Park Service to identify and share innovation through research, evaluation, and dialogue; and

(B)

to identify and exchange best practices and enhance leadership capacity in the field of conservation.

.

6.

Management plan

Section 9 of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act (16 U.S.C. 410vv–7) is amended—

(1)

by striking Not later than and inserting the following:

(a)

In general

Not later than

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(b)

Revisions

Not later than 3 complete fiscal years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a revised general management plan for the park.

.