National Heritage Area Designation
Eastern Kentucky is a great opportunity for National Heritage Area designation by the National Park Service.
National Park Service's National Heritage Areas are "places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important landscapes."
Unlike national parks, National Heritage Areas are large lived-in regions focusing on community-led conservation and development. NHAs are not federally owned, though they may feature federally owned properties.
Benefits of being declared a National Heritage Area can include:
Sustainable economic development – NHAs leverage federal funds (NHAs average $5.50 for every $1.00 of federal investment) to create jobs, generate revenue for local governments, and sustain local communities through revitalization and heritage tourism.
Healthy environment and people – Many NHAs improve water and air quality in their regions through restoration projects, and encourage people to enjoy natural and cultural sites by providing new recreational opportunities.
Improved Quality of Life –Through new or improved amenities, unique settings, and educational and volunteer opportunities, NHAs improve local quality of life.
Education and Stewardship – NHAs connect communities to natural, historic, and cultural sites through educational activities, which promote awareness and foster interest in and stewardship of heritage resources.
Community Engagement and Pride – By engaging community members in heritage conservation activities, NHAs strengthen sense of place and community pride.