National Heritage Areas and Large Landscape Conservation

National Heritage Areas are a model for landscape-scale heritage and natural resource conservation efforts.  Working as public-private partnerships, heritage areas support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, educational projects and economic development within the large landscape context.  The areas are designated by Congress and coordinated locally based on a public process of management planning.   National Heritage areas leverage a limited amount of federal funds to create jobs, generate local revenue, and sustain local communities through revitalization and heritage tourism.  Many areas improve water and air quality in their regions through restoration projects, and encourage people to enjoy natural and cultural sites by providing new recreational opportunities. Areas connect communities to natural, historic, and cultural sites through educational activities, promoting awareness and fostering interest in and stewardship of heritage resources.  By engaging community members in heritage conservation activities, areas strengthen community pride.  Through new or improved amenities, unique settings, and educational and volunteer opportunities, they improve local quality of life.  The presentation will focus on the collaborative nature of heritage area coordination.