National Heritage Area

National Heritage Area. The concept of a National Heritage Area is rooted in the National Park Service's efforts to preserve and protect the nation's cultural and natural heritage, as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This initiative has been supported by various organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. The program has been influenced by the work of notable preservationists, such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Stewart Udall, who have advocated for the protection of historic sites like the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty.

Introduction

The National Heritage Area program was established by Congress in 1984, with the passage of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act, which designated the Illinois and Michigan Canal as the first National Heritage Area. This legislation was sponsored by Senator Paul Simon and Representative Henry Waxman, and it has since been amended and expanded to include over 50 National Heritage Areas across the United States. The program is administered by the National Park Service, in partnership with local communities, state governments, and non-profit organizations, such as the National Heritage Area Association and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas. Notable National Heritage Areas include the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, and the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, which commemorate significant events and figures, such as the American Civil War and the Underground Railroad.

Designation_and_Management

The designation of a National Heritage Area involves a rigorous process, which includes the submission of a feasibility study and a management plan, as required by the National Heritage Area Act of 2006, signed into law by President George W. Bush. The management plan must be developed in consultation with local stakeholders, including county governments, city councils, and tribal governments, such as the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. The plan must also be approved by the Secretary of the Interior, who is advised by the National Park Service and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Once designated, a National Heritage Area is managed by a local coordinating entity, such as the National Heritage Area Commission, which is responsible for implementing the management plan and coordinating with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Types_of_National_Heritage_Areas

There are several types of National Heritage Areas, including National Historic Landmarks, National Historic Sites, and National Scenic Byways, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great River Road. Some National Heritage Areas are focused on specific themes, such as the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, or the American West, and commemorate significant events and figures, such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the California Gold Rush. Others are focused on the preservation of natural resources, such as the Chesapeake Bay and the Everglades, which are protected by laws like the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Notable examples of National Heritage Areas include the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area, the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area, and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, which are located in Alabama, Alaska, and Tennessee, and are near significant cities like Birmingham, Anchorage, and Nashville.

Benefits_and_Impacts

The National Heritage Area program has numerous benefits and impacts, including the preservation of historic sites and cultural landscapes, such as the Acadia National Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. National Heritage Areas also support local economic development, through tourism and heritage tourism, which can generate significant revenue for local communities, as seen in New Orleans and San Francisco. Additionally, National Heritage Areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and biking, and support environmental conservation efforts, such as the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System. The program has been recognized for its contributions to the preservation of American history and cultural heritage, and has been supported by notable figures, such as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who have visited significant National Heritage Areas like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Cesar Chavez National Monument.

List_of_National_Heritage_Areas

There are currently over 50 National Heritage Areas designated across the United States, including the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois, the Arizona Pioneer National Heritage Area in Arizona, and the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in Louisiana. Other notable National Heritage Areas include the Baltimore National Heritage Area in Maryland, the Cache La Poudre National Heritage Area in Colorado, and the Cane River National Heritage Area in Louisiana. These areas commemorate significant events and figures, such as the American Revolution and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and are located near significant cities like Boston, Denver, and New Orleans. The full list of National Heritage Areas can be found on the website of the National Park Service, which provides information on the program and its benefits, as well as the National Heritage Area Association, which represents the interests of National Heritage Areas across the country. Category:National Heritage Areas