Alternatives to Federal Heritage Areas

All Federal Agencies with oversight of land have heritage programs USDA Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System National Park Service Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service - Agritourism U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration Office of Travel and Tourism Industries U.S. Commercial Service U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Recreation One-Stop

National Scenic Byways Program The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has funded 3,049 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. America's Byways® is the umbrella term we use for marketing the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America's Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. The National Scenic Byways (NSB) Program was established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, and reauthorized in 1998 under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Under the program, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. There are 150 such designated Byways in 46 states. The Federal Highway Administration promotes the collection as the America's Byways®. This program is founded upon the strength of the leaders for individual Byways. It is a voluntary, grassroots program. It recognizes and supports outstanding roads. It provides resources to help manage the intrinsic qualities within the broader Byway corridor to be treasured and shared. Perhaps one of the underlying principles for the program has been articulated best by the Byway leader who said, "the program is about recognition, not regulation."

Development districts The Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) is a membership organization of the 73 Local Development Districts (LDD's) serving the 420 counties of the Appalachia Region. The DDAA works to strengthen LDDs and their member governments and to provide leadership to support the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) federal-state-local partnership. Local Development Districts (LDDs) are multi-jurisdictional planning and economic development organizations that provide administrative, professional and technical assistance to local governments and citizens throughout Appalachia. Appalachia is a federally designated geographic area covering parts of twelve states and all of West Virginia. An LDD is the Appalachian Regional Commission's (ARC) name for the multi-county planning and development organizations which from State to State may be otherwise known as regional councils, councils of governments, area development districts, regional development centers, or regional planning commissions. LDD's are the local partner in the ARC's Federal-State-Local partnership, and they serve the member counties and municipalities within their designated regions in efforts aimed at achieving the goals of the ARC.

Principals of LDDs - Local governments and communities can accomplish more by working together than individually -Promote a regional and holistic approach to community and economic development Common Missions of LDDs - Serve as effective catalysts in fostering partnerships, progress and prosperity throughout the 13-state Appalachian region. - Help public and private sector leaders develop and implement programs and services that build strong regional economies and communities Organizational Structure Specific programs and activities vary from District to District and State to State Each LDD is governed by a locally appointed Board of Directors that typically includes: - Two-thirds local government officials and/or appointees - One-third academic, business and non-profit sectors, as required by various federal and state guidelines

National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)NARC The national voice for regionalism by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC’s member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities - large and small, urban and rural. Mission Shape federal policy that recognizes the increased value of local intergovernmental cooperation Advocate effectively for the role of regional councils in the coordination, planning and delivery of current and future federal programs Provide research and analysis of key national issues and developments that impact our members Offer high quality learning and networking opportunities for regional organization through events, training and technical assistance

The National Trust for Historic Preservation Distinctive Destinations National Trust Distinctive Destinations are a group of diverse historic sites across the country that help illustrate the breadth and depth of the American story. From house museums to working farms, these places can add memorable moments to your off- the-beaten-path road-trip, new educational opportunities for a family vacation, or even become your new favorite gift shop.

Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority Formed to market, promote, expand and develop tourism opportunities in the far southwestern Virginia coalfield counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise and the City of Norton. The Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority promotes the spectacular Heart of Appalachia Region. There many opportunities for personal and family enjoyment.

The Crooked Road The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, winds through the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Here, the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Traditional Country music is as beautiful and rugged as the landscape itself. Mission Supporting economic development by promoting Heritage Tourism and Blue Ridge and Appalachian culture. Eight major venues: Ralph Stanley Museum, Country Cabin II Carter Family Fold Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Rex Theater & Old Fiddler’s Convention Blue Ridge Music Center Floyd Country Store & County Sales Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College.