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acquiring as I understand it, and I think I can get that hard land by donation but I don't really believe that they could get much tax advantage out of giving that hard land.

Mr. RONCALIO. In other words, if they went to IRS they would be given a deduction against this?

Mr. BENNETT. I think so.

Mr. RONCALIO. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I think this is a good week for self-examination. You've made me aware of a good many things in our association with you, Mr. Bennett.

One of them is I'm a pretty insufficient human being in regards to what I know about my State as compared to you and your district. Mr. TAYLOR. The gentleman from Alaska.

Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Chairman, I missed the trip to Florida and missed the debates but not for the same reasons that my other colleagues did. Of course, I don't have a problem of busing in Alaska but we do have some lands which are just as controversial. Without knowing Mr. Bennett as well as the other gentlemen on the committee, but having quickly scanned the history that you've written, it's a joy to listen to a knowledgeable historian. Your knowledge of the area has brought some new concepts to me. For instance, I did not know that in all, nine different sovereignties have had this land or parts of it.

If for no other reason that is a historical fact that should be preserved. I like your second sentence, "This new national park will tell the four centuries of history from the Huguenots to the astronauts." I just hope there's no finality to that statement, that we're going to stop with the astronauts.

Mr. UDALL. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BEGICH. Yes.

Mr. UDALL. While he's on the point of nine flags and sovereignties, I wonder if there's any possibility of this bill paying the subjects or citizens under those foreign sovereignties any large amounts of money for oil lands?

Mr. BEGICH. Well, I was going to talk about that when this session is over, as I have some experience in that.

Mr. TAYLOR. Congressman Bennett, thank you very much for your testimony. Without objection the resolutions that the Congressman presented will be made a part of the record.

(The resolutions referred to will be found at the end of the hearing beginning on p. 34.)

Mr. TAYLOR. We have statements from Members of the Florida congressional delegation which we will place in the record at this point if there is no objection. Hearing none, so ordered.

(The statements of the Hon. James A. Haley, Hon. Sam Gibbons, Hon. Don Fuqua, Hon. J. Herbert Burke, and Hon. Bill Chappell follow :)

STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES A. HALEY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee: It is with pleasure and without reservation that I request your favorable consideration of H.R. 586, a bill I co-sponsored with our distinguished colleague and noted historian Rep. Charles E. Bennett and the rest of the Florida Delegation, to establish the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

Such a park would embrace the northeastern corner of Florida containing three estuarine rivers-the St. Johns, the Nassan, and the St. Marys-and protect for future generations this area so rich in historical significance and environmental importance.

The history of this area has been exposed to the public only to a limited degree. Much can be done, though, to portray to the thousands of tourists who visit the State annually as well as to our native Floridians the wealth of information, which spans 400 years, available on the history of this par of Florida. As one of the Nation's fastest growing States, Florida is experiencing constant pressure to develop what land remains in its natural or historical form. And. although public awareness of the importance of preserving such areas of environmental and historical significance has increased in recent years, there is still an urgent need for government and the private sector to join in preserving these areas.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the consideration you and the other Members of the Subcommittee have given this legislation and urge you to favorably report the bill to the full Committee.

STATEMENT OF HON. SAM GIBBONS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Mr. Chairman, I am happy to have this occasion to express my strong support of proposed legislation currently before this committee to establish the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park. As one of the co-sponsors of H.R. 586, I am firmly convinced of the necessity of this measure.

The Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park would provide for the protection of the territory unified by three major rivers of northeastern Floridathe St. John's, Nassau, and St. Mary's-as well as by a long historical and cultural tradition. Under the bill now being discussed, the Secretary of the Interior would be authorized to acquire lands by purchase or donation and to establish a national park facility in this area. It is my understanding that the Department of the Interior has reacted favorably to this proposal.

I believe that creating such a park is important for two reasons. First, the long and unique history of the area should be made available and comprehensible not only to Floridians but to all Americans. There are many specific sites within the defined area which are of real significance: for example, the first road in America, the location of the battle at Alligator Bridge, and many other points. Particularly as we prepare for the Bicentennial Celebration of the American Revolution, recognition and preservation of this often neglected geographical contribution to the national heritage should be given primary consideration. Second, I think that this area should be protected for a more immediate and perhaps more practical reason. We have an environmental stake in the region. At present, the territory is developing in bits and pieces according to short-term needs and pressures, with no unified plan underlying the transformation. This patchwork development amounts in some instances virtually to destruction. We must protect the physical environment of the area no less than the historical. Mr. Chairman, I believe that for these two reasons-the cultural heritage embodied in the area and the environmental necessity of halting piecemeal development-we should begin establishing this park as soon as possible. I urge the committee to act favorably on this bill. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my support for the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

STATEMENT OF HON. DON FUQUA, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to testify in support of the legislation before you to establish the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

There is a great need to preserve the historic, natural and economic assets of the Nassau River estuary and associated cultural and historic sites and buildings of northeastern Florida; an area that has been under ten sovereignties during the past 400 years.

The proposed cultural park designation could bring together many of the historic sites presently preserved by Federal and State agencies and provide management and a meaningful interpretation of their importance to our heritage. The park will cluster the Nassau River Valley with St. Augustine's Spanish fort, the Fort Caroline French fort, and the Fort Matanzas Spanish fort with other natural, historical and cultural sites in nonfederal ownership.

Florida's east coast has played an active role in the settling and developing of our great country. The Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, landed in the area of the mouth of the St. John's River as early as 1513 and claimed the area for his Spain. Some 50 years later the Spanish established a colony at St. Augustine and the settlement of what was to become the United States began. Over 400 years later the United States debarked upon its historic voyage to the moon from the Florida-based Kennedy Space Center.

The initial base of the park could be formed by three federally-owned historic resources: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Fort Matanzas National Monument, and Fort Caroline National Monument. Because the ownership of the park's historic resources is shared by the Federal and State governments and private interests, the Secretary of the Interior could study State and private resources for possible inclusion in the park. An important provision of this legislation would allow the Federal Government to coordinate the resources and activities of the area without assuming complete dominion over them.

As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I join with the rest of the Florida Congressional Delegation and the Governor of our State in commending this measure to the Committee for your consideration.

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to present my statement to the Committee.

STATEMENT OF HON. J. HERBERT BURKE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Mr. Chairman: Thank you for inviting me to address the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs today regarding legislation which I have cosponsored, H.R. 586, which, if enacted, would authorize the establishment of the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

This park would consist initially of the Nassau River estuary and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Fort Matanzas National Monument, and Fort Caroline National Memorial. It would aim to preserve and interpret the Nassau River estuary and associated cultural and historic sites and buildings in northeastern Florida in such manner and by such means as will achieve public understanding and appreciation of the heritage fashioned by the past and present interactions of man with this environment.

The area's environmental geography, and the role it played in our history prompted a study team of the National Park Service to suggest this new concept-a National Cultural Park. The Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park would be the first of its kind. It would combine the beauty of unspoiled lands and the development of historical landmarks. It would do this by coordination of existing local, State, and even private facilities with with federally owned facilities, rather than by the traditional acquisition.

Few places in our Nation afford the opportunity to preserve undeveloped areas of the Eastern Seaboard, with the opportunity to preserve historical sites. The St. Augustine-St. Johns-Jacksonville area is crossed with tidal rivers, covered with swamps, dotted with hammocks of hardwoods and pine flatlands, and cut with highly indented estuaries. Wildlife and vegetation abound throughout and there are numerous long sand dune islands at the ocean. All this makes for an ideal national park. Coupled with this is the fact that Florida, and particularly this segment of Florida, is the cradle of America. It was discovered, claimed for Spain, and named "Pascua Florida" by Ponce de Leon in 1513. The French Huguenots founded Fort Carolina in 1564 under the leadership of Rene Laudonniere. St. Augustine was founded by Pero Menendez in 1565. Soon after the power struggle in Florida began. Since that time 10 sovereignties have held this land or parts of it. Indeed, this northeastern Atlantic Coast of Florida comprising the Saint John's, Saint Mary's and Nassau River Basins is one of the most historic areas in America.

The proposed legislation also provides for the Secretary of the Interior to designate additional sites in non-Federal ownership for incorporation within the proposed park. For example:

(1) Thomas Creek Battlefield and Alligator Bridge Battlefield-Sites of the southernmost battles of the American Revolution in 1777.

(2) Kingsley Plantation-a Gracious southern plantation whose owner Zephaniah Kingsley took over Fort George Island in the early 1700's and developed it into an extensive plantation for the training of slaves for resale.

(3) Huguenot Memorial-The French Huguenots founded Fort Carolina in 1564 and the Spaniards founded St. Augustine in 1564. The Spanish were instructed by King Phillip II to wipe out the French.

(4) Fort George Island, Big and Little Talbot Islands-This was the land first sighted by Frenchman Jean Ribault when he sailed into the St. Johns River, May 1, 1562, laying the groundwork for Fort Caroline's establishment two years later.

(5) Yellow Bluff Fort-Built by the Confederates and then abandoned to union forces in the fall of 1862.

(6) The Saint Augustine Historic District, and, the

(7) Route of historic King's Road between Saint Augustine and Saint Mary's River.

While the Nation is preparing to celebrate its 200th birthday in 1976, it should remember that the roots of U.S. colonization began 400 years ago along this stretch of Florida Coast.

Tourism is the largest industry in the State of Florida. The creation of a National Cultural Park would work to improve the tourist business and thus ease the strain on the economy caused by cutbacks in the space program at nearby Cape Kennedy.

Needless, to say it would also preserve for posterity the oldest remnants of U.S. history in the setting God created, so that generations to come will be able to see what Ponce de Leon saw when he first landed in Florida. Further, it would provide a recreational area for residents of Jacksonville, the largest city in area in the State of Florida.

I urge that the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs add its voice to those of the Florida delegation in calling for the establishment of the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

STATEMENT OF HON. BILL CHAPPELL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Mr. Chairman, Americans have become very much aware of the urgency for preserving both our natural and historical heritage. The time has certainly arrived for us to be protective of the public's interest in preserving the remaining unspoiled coastal stretches by providing National seaside parks, both as a conservation measure and for the public recreation.

Establishment of the Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park will fulfill both these interests. Certainly much of our heritage as a Nation is rooted in the area that will be included in this park. St. Augustine, as the oldest city in the Nation; as well as Jacksonville, whose history stretches back some 400 years, are fine examples of the need for the park. Three of our great rivers are included in the park and certainly retaining them in their natural states is important.

The many forts and monuments throughout the area are living symbols of our early days in the Nation and their preservation is vital to the knowledge and understanding of future generations.

The rapid growth of Florida is turning under too much of our early history and our land in its natural state. It is, therefore, essential that the Congress act now to preserve these areas.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity you and the members of this Committee have given me to discuss this matter, and I wish to urge favorable consideration of S. 365 by the Committee.

Mr. TAYLOR. Our next witness is the Honorable George B. Hartzog, Jr., Director of the National Park Service.

Mr. HARTZOG. Thank you very much. With your permission, I'd like to have Mr. Robert M. Utley who is our Chief Historian join me as a witness.

Mr. TAYLOR. We'll be glad to have him join you.

STATEMENT OF THE HON. GEORGE B. HARTZOG, JR., DIRECTOR

OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, ACCOMPANIED BY MR. ROBERT M. UTLEY, CHIEF HISTORIAN OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Mr. HARTZOG. Mr. Chairman, it's a great privilege to appear before the committee as the Department representative to present our statement.

Our report of October 12, 1971, on H.R. 586 recommended that action on the bill be deferred pending the completion of detailed studies by this Department of the proposed Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park.

I have a statement which is very lengthy and in light of the brilliant statement by the sponsor of the legislation, I think it is redundant, so without objection, I'd like to have it incorporated in the record.

Mr. TAYLOR. Without objection, the entire statement will be placed in the record, but we would like for you to cover the contents of it and in your presentation. In other words, don't try to be too brief. (The statement referred to follows:)

STATEMENT OF HON. GEORGE B. HARTZOG, JR., DIRECTOR, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Mr. Chairman, our report of October 12, 1971, on H.R. 586 recommended that action on the bill be deferred pending the completion of detailed studies by this Department of the proposed Florida Frontier Rivers National Cultural Park. Section 1 of H.R. 586 states that it is in the national interest for the United States to join with State and local governments and private institutions, groups, and associations to preserve and interpret the Nassau River estuary and associated cultural and historic sites and buildings of northeastern Florida in such manner and by such means as shall achieve public understanding and appreciation of the heritage fashioned by the past and present interaction of man and his environment.

In furtherance of that objective, the bill authorizes the acquisition of not to exceed $5,000 acres of lands, waters, and interests therein, of which not more than 10.000 acres may be fast land (other than estuarine marshes and streambeds). In addition, the Secretary is authorized to acquire 150 acres for administrative and visitor information facilities.

The Nassau River estuary in northeastern Florida is rich in a diverse culture, its resources being the result of a long history of the interaction of man and his environment. This region was a frontier for more than 300 years, serving as an interface between the French and the Spanish, between the Spanish and English, between the English and American colonists, between the Spanish and Americans, and to some degree between the North and South.

The are was settled by people with associated nationalities, races, and cultural backgrounds. It was frequented by pirates, smugglers, and refugees, and has been the site of abortive and/or evolving industrial and agricultural economics. Within this limited geographical location is a collection of significant sites, structures, and ongoing activities, in public and private ownership, from which the fascinating story of man and his environment may be told.

From 1513 to 1822 present-day Florida was a European colony. During these 300 years the frontier rivers area of the St. Marys, Nassau, and St. Johns witnessed four cultures: North American Indian, French, Spanish, and English. Each of these cultures left distinct impressions on the area. Ultimately absorbed into the Federal union of the United States, the region retained a unique quality

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