NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

What is the Future of AFHA?

The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area (AFHA) is seeking National Heritage Area designation. This will provide national recognition and credibility, and the opportunity for substantial funding for long-term development of the project. We will need YOUR help in supporting this effort.

What is a National Heritage Area?

A "National Heritage Area" is a place designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. Heritage areas offer the potential to ensure key educational and inspirational opportunities in perpetuity, while retaining traditional local control over, and use of, the landscape.

Congress has established 23 National Heritage Areas, in which interpretation, conservation, heritage tourism and other activities are managed by partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and the private sector. The National Park Service provides technical assistance as well as financial assistance for a limited number of years following designation. Up to $1,000,000 a year to a total of $10,000,000 in fifteen years may be made available as matching grants. The Heritage Area program is a grants and outreach program for the National Park Service, not a land management program. There are NO new regulations or management controls associated with designation.

The key features emphasized by the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area are economic development based on heritage tourism, appreciation of our vast forest-related assets, community development based on partnerships across geographic lines and diverse interest groups, and supporting the forestry industry through education and interpretation. If nationally designated, the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area will be managed by a non-profit organization made up of representatives from all counties and interest groups. Benefits of National Designation would include national recognition and visibility, and long term funding for project development.

For more information about National Heritage Areas: www.cr.nps.gov/heritageareas/

Steps toward NHA designation

The first step toward a National Heritage Area designation is completion of a Feasibility Study that includes assessing national significance of the Heritage Area story and assets as well as showing the public support for the project. Resolutions or support letters from local government entities, non-profit organizations, businesses and residents are a crucial way to show local support. Following the Feasibility Study, a designation bill specific to the Heritage Area must be passed by Congress. Strong local support is, of course, key to a successful effort.

AFHA Feasibility Study for National Heritage Area Designation

• Feasibility Study -- Note: very large file (8.57mB)
• Executive Summary

What are our Next Steps?

1. AFHA has completed our Feasibility Study to answer all of the National Park Service criteria for National Heritage Area designation. The National Park Service has reviewed and approved this document.
2. Demonstrations of local support. Local governments, non-profits, and residents throughout the area have sent their support letters and resolutions to demonstrate their interest in the AFHA. (Send letters to AFHA, Box 1206, Elkins WV 26241) Additional letters are welcome!
3. The completed Feasibility Study and support letters have been taken to our Congressional delegations and the National Park Service to support a bill designating Appalachian Forest Heritage Area as a National Heritage Area.  Letters, emails, or calls to your Senators and Representatives in support of National Heritage Area designation for AFHA will help move this forward.