The Corridor Commission

What is the Future of the National Heritage Corridor?

In 2003 the Commission established a “Futures Committee” to formulate a strategy for addressing the 2006 sunset and a future management framework.

Following a series of meetings, focus group discussions, and workshops over the last year, the Futures Committee initiated a request to the Rhode Island and Massachusetts congressional delegation representing the Blackstone Valley to pursue legislation directing the National Park Service to conduct an analysis of the sustainability of the Blackstone National Heritage Corridor. To date, identical Senate and House Bills have been filed.

To see the pending current legislation click here and type S 1387 into the search engine.

Pending legislation calls for evaluating the following four components:

1. Evaluate the progress that has been made in accomplishing the strategies and goals set forth in the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan,as amended, including historic preservation, interpretation and education, environmental recovery, recreational development and economic improvement;
2. Identify further actions and commitments that are needed to protect, enhance and interpret the National Heritage Corridor based on the above information;
3. Undertake an analysis of the National Park Service investment and determine how these funds have leveraged additional funds; and
4. Evaluate the Commission form of authority and management structure defined by the enabling legislation and identify and evaluate options for a permanent National Park Service designation, or alternately, another framework to achieve the national interest of the Blackstone Valley.

Study Process and Coordination

Senator Lincoln Chafee requested assistance from the National Park Service in preparing legislation for the development of a sustainability study. The draft legislation suggested that the study be coordinated with the National Park System Advisory Board that was in the process of undertaking an analysis of the National Park Service’s role with national heritage areas.

The Advisory Board is a congressionally chartered body of citizens appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Established under the Historic Sites Act of 1935, it is charged to provide advice on matters relating to operations in the parks and management of the National Park Service. A recent report published by the NPS Advisory Board, Rethinking the National Parks for the 21st Century called for greater collaboration in stewardship for our natural and cultural heritage. The report states… “The diverse ethnic groups and nationalities that worked the farms and factories of a growing nation have also created cultural landscapes worthy of preservation. These special places, formed by traditional land use or the legacy of early transportation systems, bind residents together through shared stories, traditions, and pride in local accomplishments. Visitors looking for authenticity in America treasure them. Communities looking for a way to save their special places have worked across jurisdictional boundaries and joined together to plan for a future that embraces the past. Many have sought National Park Service recognition and assistance to validate the significance of their heritage to the nation. The Service should welcome such efforts.”

The National Park System Advisory Board’s Subcommittee on Partnership has voted to utilize the Blackstone as a case study for the National Park System Advisory Board report. The Blackstone Sustainability Study will also produce a “stand-alone” report that will serve the needs of the Blackstone Commission as it seeks to evaluate the Corridor’s future and the Commission’s pending legislative sunset in November 2006.

To find out more about other National Heritage Areas click here.

The Study Team and Public Engagement

The Commission felt a need to have the Sustainability Study report drafted with the assistance of a multidisciplinary, independent group of professionals, scholars, and experts who can evaluate the activities of the Commission and provide creative strategies for the Corridor’s future. The National Park Service Conservation Study Institute (CSI), a program of the National Park Service (NPS) established to enhance leadership in the field of conservation is the project manager for the Sustainability Study, with participation by the NPS National Heritage Areas office, the consulting firm of Phil Huffman; and Cause & Effect, Inc.,on particular aspects.

Click here for the final report.

Join us at our next public meeting.

Helpful Web Links:

Heritage Areas
www.cr.nps.gov/heritageareas
www.nationalheritageareas.com

National Park Service Advisory Board
www.nps.gov/policy/advisory/advboard.htm

“Rethinking the National Parks for the 21st Century” Publication
www.nps.gov/policy/futurereport.htm

National Park Service Conservation Study Institute
www.nps.gov/mabi/csi/index.htm