Preserve & Protect Land

Land within the boundary of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is protected when development is limited. Preserved lands are owned by the NPS or its partners. The partners may hold a conservation easement on land, protecting them from development.

Why is Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP Protected?

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park preserves, protects, and interprets a nationally significant Civil War landscape. Its historic properties tell the stories of many peoples who have lived in the Shenandoah Valley. They are set among areas of inspiring natural beauty. Visitors enjoy these scenic landscapes through recreation. The pressure of development on privately-owned properties threatens these lands.

Land Protection

The NPS looks at ways to protect properties that support the park's purpose but are not in federal ownership. Protection may be by buying the land, or getting it by donation, or by trade. The NPS prioritizes land within the park’s boundary for protection if it:

• Has significant historic or prehistoric structures, earthworks, camps, battlefield landscapes, viewsheds, or archeology.
• Helps interpret park themes.
• Connects protected properties for trails and other visitor uses.
• Connects natural resources or wildlife corridors.
• Puts the park's purpose at risk by development.
• Is practical for the NPS or its partners to restore.

Lands already preserved by park partners are a low priority for purchase.

Get Involved

Are you a landowner interested in getting involved? Contact us or visit go.nps.gov/preservation for the next land preservation forum.