§425l Acquisitions and Conveyances

Summary

The Secretary may get land or land rights inside the park by donation, by buying it with donated or appropriated money, or by trading other land. The map numbered 326–40072E/89/A dated September 1990 limits some parcels: land labeled P04–04 can only be taken by donation, and lands labeled P04–01, P04–02, and P04–03 can only be taken by donation, by purchase from willing sellers, or by exchange. Federal lands left out of the park may be traded to get park land. If those federal lands are not traded within five years after December 11, 1989, the Secretary may sell them to the highest bidder under rules the Secretary sets, but not for less than their fair market value as determined by the Secretary. Any sale or trade must include conditions to protect the battlefield setting, and the net money from sales or trades must, when appropriated, be used to buy park lands. To help owners who now have access across federal park lands, the Secretary may acquire similar rights or land outside the park and swap them for the existing easements or access rights, with or without cash to even the values. The Secretary may accept donated conservation easements on land next to the park to protect scenic and historic views. Inside the area bounded by the Orange Turnpike, the Orange Plank Road, and McLaws Drive, the Secretary cannot acquire improved property without the owner’s consent unless the Secretary finds the property is being used, or threatened with uses, that harm the park.