The Heritage Area American Heritage Areas Partnership Program (HR 3707) (1994)

National Heritage Area – defined A region where natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity, shaped by geography. (1994) Other names Urban cultural Parks and corridors Partnership Parks

The Living Landscape Feel good about heritage, combines preservation, recreation, education, and economic development Represent a “sea change” for parks and historic preservation. Positive consequence is the opportunity to enlarge the dimension of specialized skills by linking up disciplines. Heritage areas are orphan without one specialized profession able to claim as its very own. Move from a “feature” to the entire setting. Park is not to be an isolated activity supported by a pastoral myth.

Outgrowth of the environmental age Preserve entire ecosystems of cultural and natural resources. Idea combines urbanism with cultural and natural resource preservation – What do areas have in common? – Creative nexus based on partnership agreements between private individuals and organizations, and local and state governments to manage and come to terms with modern urban landscapes. – Heritage Planning is holistic, resource based. Vision more than reality but a way to carry forward principles. Response to sprawl. Response to despair of the discarded industrial landscape. The heritage area movement is a special and interesting place movement.

Home Rule vs regionalism What’s the difference? Bottom up desire for greater voice and recognition of regional character. Environmental age factor, local playing field is defined by natural and cultural heritage and is therefore frequently regional.

Heritage Area Preservation Defined by a distinctive large-scale resource, such as Lowell Massachusetts. Preserve entire eco-systems of cultural and natural resources for the enjoyment and benefit of the American People. Commonality to these areas is that they are based on partnership agreements between individuals, organizations, as well as local and state governments. – In New York begins in 1977 with Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area Act.

The Heritage Area Phenomenon Sarah Pekin speaking to international conference in Ferrara Italy Characteristics of U. S. National Parks. A. Sacredness of private property. (but is it?) B. Lands for parks set aside for natural beauty (she says) despite their economic potential. C. Park system was designed to be dynamic (Pekin says in relation to growth)

Heritage Area Parks A place designated by Congress where natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography.

Elements 1. They originate from grass roots political activism which continues into management. 2. Include historic buildings, cultural landscapes, there is considerable involvement by the private sector and non-profit organizations. 3. Stories, music, foodways, walking tours, boat rides and celebrations are used rather than regulations to encourage care for special places. Heritage areas are fun. 4. Important landscapes are kept in private ownership—land trusts, etc. for public access 5. Regional economic development is a goal and localities work on a larger regional scale. 6. National Park service is involved for a finite period of time, in planning, organization of a management entity, helping to identify unifying themes for interpretation and furnishing of grant monies.

Competition for funding By 2001 funding at approximately 1 million dollars Parks compete with local agencies for funding from Congress.