An underlying goal of the NHA program is to support communities & economy by providing tools for community guided planning that supports community priorities . Another goal is to strengthen community pride and stewardship through education and engagement in cultural and natural heritage . The program helps communities to build collaborations across interest groups , build their capacity , and expand opportunities . Finally , the program hopes to help communities develop a sustainable tourism industry that values and preserves our heritage stories , past and present .
NHA designation brings federal dollars to match local dollars 1:1 . That money is distributed in the region via a grant program planned and administered by the local management collaboration . These funds allow organizations and communities to receive matching funds to advance education , conservation , and outdoor recreation projects that highlight local heritage and local priorities .
Establishing a National Heritage Area includes four phases . First is the Feasibility Study , which establishes regional capacity and commitment for the long term . Next is developing a Management Plan to lay out regional priorities for heritage preservation and education programs and infrastructure . Management planning is funded by the Department of the Interior for up to three years . The third phase is implementing the Management Plan ; this process is overseen by a collaboration of local organizations , municipalities , business owners , and interested citizens . The final stage is developing long-term program sustainability to eventually become independent of federal funding .
The Feasibility Study is led by a team of 13 representatives of our collective heritage stories . Wild blueberries , fisheries , forestry , habitat conservation , outdoor recreation , tourism , economic development , history and culture are all represented . This team has met since September 2020 to guide development of the Study and conduct extensive outreach within their communities . A public update on outcomes of the Feasibility Study to date is scheduled for February 3 and 4 . This event is an important opportunity for the public to provide their input and to address any concerns or uncertainties people may express .
I welcome and encourage your participation in one of the two events . If these times are not compatible with your schedule , I also welcome and encourage your questions , comments , ideas , and more . I ’ m happy to set up a Zoom call , talk on the phone , or communicate by email at your convenience . I also welcome and encourage you to share information about the National Heritage Area initiative with anyone you feel should be aware of it or who might want to directly participate in the process .
Here is a link to register for these events ( both will be the same , but with different participants ) and find more information about the process : https :// sunrisecounty . org / national-heritage-area-program /
Thank you for your time , and I do hope to talk with you again soon . Sincerely ,
Crystal Hitchings , Sunrise County Economic Council – Community Infrastructure and Promotion DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism – Programs & Grants Coordinator
W-207-255-0983 C-207-707-2057 7 Ames Way , Machias , ME 04654
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