H.R. 8931

To redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park

STATEMENT OF MICHAEL A. CALDWELL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PARK PLANNING, FACILITIES AND LANDS, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BEFORE THE HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL LANDS, CONCERNING H.R. 8931, TO REDESIGNATE SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK AS SARATOGA NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK.

September 18, 2024

Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the Department of the Interior’s views on H.R. 8931, to redesignate Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

The Department defers to Congress on H.R. 8931.

According to a July 3, 2024 statement released by the bill’s sponsor, the purpose of the legislation is to “more accurately reflect the historical significance of the site and emphasize the crucial military engagements that took place there” and acknowledge the significance of “one of the most decisive American battles of the American Revolution.” Several local entities, such as the County of Saratoga and the Saratoga County 250th Commission, express support for the bill as a timely effort in light of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and the Battles of Saratoga.

The National Park Service shares the goal of highlighting the importance of those events. The Park recently completed a $6.6 million Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) project in preparation for the 250th Anniversary commemorations by replacing all 72 of the waysides, and pathways. The Park is working closely with the County and Commission planning multiple events up to and throughout 2027, which is the 250th Anniversaries of the Battles of Saratoga (September 19, 1777 and October 7, 1777) and British Army Surrender (October 17, 1777).

In 1938, Congress designated the park as a unit of the National Park System as Saratoga National Historical Park. This park preserves, protects, and interprets the sites associated with the battles, siege, and surrender of the British forces at Saratoga. In addition to the battlefield unit, the park includes four other non-contiguous sites, including General Philip Schuyler (House) Estate, the Saratoga Monument, Saratoga (Sword) Surrender Site, and Victory Woods. With approximately 25 miles of trails and a 10-mile loop tour road, the park is also a popular destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birding, among other passive recreational activities.

The Department notes that visitation to Saratoga National Historical Park has increased 15% since 2008, with recreational visitors representing the largest growing contingent visiting the park. It is unclear how this redesignation will impact visitation. In a report published last November 2023, the Congressional Research Service found that “[e]vidence is mixed as to the effectiveness of such redesignations as a way of increasing tourism at a unit and in surrounding communities.” Nevertheless, the Park will continue to work to attract a broad audience to connect to the park through a variety of narratives, recreational opportunities, interpretive stories, and educational eperiences that appeal to a wide audience and continue to demonstrate relevance. As Saratoga National Historical Park meets the standards, under our general criteria for designation, as either a National Historical Park or a National Battlefield Park, we defer to Congress on H.R. 8931.

If this redesignation legislation is passed, changing all the signs, displays, printed materials, and waysides, including the 72 new waysides just installed as part of the GAOA project, would be phased as these resources are replaced over time. All of these changes are extensive, require additional resources, and could not be completed before the 250th anniversaries to be celebrated in 2027. The National Park Service will continue to work to increase public awareness and understanding of the role Saratoga played in the founding of this country.

Chairman Tiffany, this concludes my statement. I would be pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the Subcommittee may have.