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An area has an assemblage of natural , historic , or cultural resources that together represent distinctive aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition , conservation , interpretation , and continuing use , and are best managed as such an assemblage through partnerships among public and private entities , and by combining diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities .
A study area must contain a “ strategic assemblage ” or concentration of resources within a clearly defined geographic area that together form a cohesive landscape and convey a distinct aspect of American heritage . This assemblage forms what is called a “ nationally distinctive landscape ” and must enable efficient , comprehensive and quality interpretation of a nationally important story .
The American heritage story conveyed through the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area is about the natural resources which enabled humans to thrive in a rugged environment over millennia , and how these resources provided raw materials for development of the growing American nation . It is also about how these abundant and valuable resources enabled European settlement of the Downeast region , which influenced key events that ultimately defined the political boundaries of the eastern United States .
The history of this region ’ s role in the American nation ’ s formation remains visible because of the uniquely unspoiled character of Downeast Maine , and the lightly developed rivers , coastline , lakes , forests , and wild blueberry barrens . The coastline and inland waterways that provided travel routes for the Wabanaki and enabled European exploration remain
Civilian Conservation Corps Plein Air Artist - The Civilian Conservation Corps ( CCC ) was designed to bring together what was considered wasted resources - young men and the land . Franklin Delano Roosevelt called 73rd Congress into Emergency Session to hear and authorize his program in 1933 . The CCC brought many young men to Downeast Maine to develop trails and carriage roads at Acadia National Park . The natural beauty inspired this CCC worker to paint the Bubbles and continues to inspire both art and awe . Photo courtesy of Acadia National Park .
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