Alternatives Comparison
Alternative 1 Maintain Status Quo
• The region remains unchanged .
• No funding provided by National Park Service for development purposes .
• Hinders the ability of the Downeast Maine to reach its true potential
• Hinders citizens ability to value their heritage and the surrounding landscape that helped shape them .
Alternative 2 Local / State Management
• Lack of local capacity to manage yet another program without dedicated staff and funding .
• “ The Maine DOT and National Scenic Byways programs do not alone provide the breadth and depth of technical and financial assistance needed to advance heritage preservation beyond its current status in a meaningful way .
Alternative 3 NHA Designation
• Provides resources to aid development of programs and infrastructure .
• Builds collaborations across interest groups .
• A managing entity would be responsible for maintaining a relationship with the National Park Service
• Reduced competition and duplication of local efforts .
and promotion of the program . The managing entity would be responsible for maintaining a relationship with the National Park Service . Any federal funding for the NHA would come to the management entity for administration and distribution of the program activities .
The National Heritage Area would be operated locally by a collaboration of community members from organizations , municipalities , businesses , educators , and individuals . Improved coordination and collaboration between heritage groups will improve regional strategies for heritage education and preservation , reduce competition between heritage groups , and reduce duplication of efforts . Improved coordination and collaboration through co-management is an opportunity to more effectively organize and deliver programs regionally rather than just locally , and jointly rather than independently .
The NHA program is an important tool to develop a sustainable tourism industry founded in local culture and outdoor heritage . Heritage-based tourism and outdoor recreation are large and growing economic industries for Maine and for DownEast Maine . DownEast Maine already attracts people interested in outdoor recreation and small communities , and we anticipate this will continue into the future .
Designation would bring national recognition to the region ’ s heritage and attract more people interested in connecting with the people and the place . With NHA Designation , museums , interpretive centers , historical societies , and other heritage venues would likely attract more
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