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20 "High Priority" National Parks
 (Source NPS)
Legacy Report

 
  1. Everglades National Park, FL - 17,321 acres - This area is part of the Everglades Restoration effort. The most recent crisis involves threatened loss of the Cape Sable seaside sparrow. Purchase of this land is crucial to restoring ecosystem productivity and maintaining freshwater inflow to the downstream estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay. Average cost per acre $1,155 - Total cost $20,000,000.
  2. Gettysburg National Military Park, PA - 99 acres - Three tracts including the six-acre tract containing the Gettysburg tower. There is intense pressure to commercially develop privately owned land in and around this park. Such development would threaten the historic integrity of the park. This acquisition will prevent development on a 91-acre tract and eliminate adverse developments on two additional tracts. Average cost per acre $57,576 - Total cost $5,700,000.
  3. Saguaro National Park, AZ - 250 acres - The saguaro cactus which can reach heights of up to 50 feet, weigh up to 8 tons, and live for more than 150 years has declined dramatically since the park was established in the 1930s. Increasing urban encroachment and adjacent development has threatened the integrity of these natural resources. Average cost per acre $11,200 - Total cost $2,800,000.
  4. Mojave National Preserve, CA - 86,426 acres - The preserve protects the fragile habitat of the desert tortoise, vast open spaces, and historic mining scenes such as the Kelso railroad depot. The parcels are checker-boarded sections that are presently advertised for sale by the Catellus Corporation and would likely be developed if sold. Average cost per acre $82 - Total cost $7,100,000.
  5. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI - 54 acres - Twenty-one picturesque islands and a 12-mile wide strip of mainland shoreline along the south shore of Lake Superior features sandstone cliffs, sea caves, pristine beaches, old growth forest, commercial fish camps, and six historic light stations. The owner of the lakefront property has indicated a willingness to sell but is also studying the option of a subdivision and construction of single/multiple-family dwellings. The acquisition of these critical acres will preclude development that will adversely impact the scenic resources of the national lakeshore. Average cost per acre $4,630 - Total cost $250,000.
  6. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK - 1,000 acres - This "mountain kingdom of North America" is the largest unit of the NPS and includes the continent’s greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet. The environmental impact statement for mining operations recommended that acquisition of all patented and valid unpatented mining claims in order to prevent resource damage. The acquisition of these claims covering the 1,000 acres will protect these mountains, valleys, and wild rivers, all rich in their concentration of wildlife. Average cost per acre $1,700 - Total cost $1,700,000.
  7. Weir Farm National Historic Site, CT - 13 acres - This was established to preserve the farm and surroundings that were home to American impressionist J. Alden Weir and his colleagues. Weir’s home and studio remain intact together with the landscape that inspired his paintings. The acquisition of these two tracts will be used for a visitor and administrative facility for the national historic site. Average cost per acre $192,308 - Total cost $2,500,000.
  8. Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, OH - 243 acres - This recreation area is the last major area of unsoiled green space near the heavily industrialized urban centers of northeast Ohio. Cuyahoga Valley is biologically unique: a botanical crossroads between the central lowlands to the west and the Appalachian Plateau to the east. With approximately 5.0 million people within a one-hour drive of the recreation area, pressure to develop previously undeveloped lands has increased. Acquisition of this property will preclude development in an area experiencing rapid growth. Average cost per acre $10,465 - Total cost $2,543,000.
  9. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA, NC, TN - 40 acres - This parkway was established both to link Shenandoah National Park with Great Smokey Mountains National Park by means of a scenic parkway and to conserve and interpret the natural and cultural resources of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Privately owned lands along the parkway’s scenic corridor have high development potential for subdivision and residential construction. Acquisition is necessary to adjust ownership lines, eliminate hazardous crossings and accessed, and to protect and preserve the scenic integrity of the parkway. Average cost per acre $5,625 - Total cost $225,000.
  10. Antietam National Battlefield, MD - 315 acres - This battlefield preserves the scene of one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War, considered a major turning point for the Union Army against the Confederacy. The owner of one tract containing 12 acres has submitted to a land development plan for subdivision into residential lots. If approved, the development would be visible from several battlefield tour roads and Route 65. Acquisition is necessary to prevent and/or eliminate land use and development not consistent with the historic scene. Average cost per acre $6,349 - Total cost $2,000,000.
  11. North Cascades Complex, WA - 225 acres - High jagged peaks intercept moisture-laden winds, producing glaciers, icefalls, waterfalls, and other water phenomena in the wild alpine region contained within this park. The acquisition of protective interests is necessary to prevent development of the few lands remaining in private ownership with the complex. Average cost per acre $4,444 - Total cost $1,000,000.
  12. Golden Spike National Historic Site, UT - 532 acres - This historic site was authorized to commemorate the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the US. These tracts comprise the site’s main historic scene including the railroad construction workers’ camp and the engine house. The historic integrity of these tracts is being threatened by erosion that is exacerbated by continued cattle grazing. This acquisition of these privately owned lands would complete this historic site. Average cost per acre $752 - Total cost $400,000.
  13. Olympic National Park, WA - 204 acres - This park is a large wilderness area featuring rugged glacier-capped mountains, deep valleys, lush meadows, sparkling lakes, giant trees, 57 miles of unspoiled beaches, teeming wildlife such as Roosevelt elk and Olympic marmot, and the most spectacular temperate rain forest in the world. The wilderness character of the park is threatened by incompatible construction or development on non-Federal lands. Average cost per acre $12,255 - Total cost $2,500,000.
  14. Stones River National Battlefield, TN - 112 acres - This was the site of a fierce mid-winter Civil War battle that took place from Dec. 31, 1862 through Jan 12, 1963. Stones River Cemetery is within the park. Development in the area of the battlefield is rapidly changing from rural to urban land usage. Acquisition of this property is necessary to provide visitor parking and to prevent adverse use that would damage resources and detract from the historic scene. Average cost per acre $38,393 - Total cost $4,300,000.
  15. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, DC, MD - 722 acres - The requested funds will be used to acquire eleven tracts containing a total of 722 acres of the park. The acquisition of conservation easements over eight tracts on Praethers Neck will prevent further development, preserve historic integrity, and protect natural resources. Additionally fee interest will be acquired in two tracts to prevent timbering and to protect a rare endangered plant. Average cost per acre $1,108 - Total cost $800,000.
  16. Cape Cod National Seashore, MA - 9 acres - The national seashore was established to preserve unique natural, historic, and scientific resources and to provide for public enjoyment. This seashore contains and protects dunes, woodlands, freshwater ponds, and marshes. The land protection plan for the national seashore assigns highest priority to acquisition of (1) tracts needed for park development or use, (2) subdivideable land, and (3) undeveloped land. Average cost per acre $316,667 - Total cost $2,850,000.
  17. Keweenaw National Historical Park, MI - 11 acres - The purpose of the park is to preserve and interpret historical and cultural sites, structures and districts related to the copper mining industry of the Keweenaw Peninsula in MI. Though the park was established in 1992, no funds have yet been appropriated for land acquisition necessary for park protection and management. These acquisitions are the Calumet and Helca Administrative Building and Library Building, the two most significant historic structures in the park. Average cost per acre $222,727 - Total cost $2,450,000.
  18. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI - 1,950 acres - This area is clearly defined by the prominent geographical feature of the ‘Great Crack’ to the west, and makes up a logical continuation of the park’s coastal and dry land environment. It is an area of substantial seismic and geological activity. Recent proposals to construct a civilian space launch facility and a geothermal energy development facility on nearby land show how attractive this land is to the private sector. The current landowner has indicated his willingness to sell it to the NPS. Average cost per acre $1,795 - Total cost $3,500,000.
  19. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park, VA - 557 acres - The park contains portions of four major Civil War Battlefields, Chatham Manor, Salem Church, and historic buildings in which Stonewall Jackson died. Due to its proximity to the DC and Richmond area, the park is subject to intense pressure for commercial and residential development. Highway 3 is currently being widened, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the land for development. Average cost per acre $11,311 - Total cost $6,300,000.
  20. Pecos National Historical Park, NM - 375 acres - The park’s Glorieta Unit was established to preserve and interpret the site of the Civil War Battlefield of Glorieta. The battlefield in threatened by increased development activity in the area due to the growing popularity of the region. The park is located only 20 miles southeast of Santa Fe. The acquisition of the remaining privately owned lands would complete this national historical park. Average cost per acre $4,800 - Total cost $1,800,000.

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