National Heritage Area legislation typically requires the development of a management plan within three years of designation. National Heritage Area management plans include long-range policies, goals, strategies, and actions; an implementation plan with short, mid and long range actions and performance goals; a business plan for the heritage area coordinating entity; and an interpretive plan.
The NPS provides assistance to Heritage Area entities on the development of management plans to ensure that they address all Federal requirements.Management Plan Guidance
- Interpretive Planning for Heritage Areas. Many National Heritage Area Management Plans also include interpretive plans. If required, interpretive plans are included as a stand-alone chapter of the overall management plan, and identify themes and messages; target audiances; visitor experience ojectives; and recomended interpretive actions.
- Business Planning Toolkit for Heritage Areas. Many National Heritage Area Management Plans also include business plans for the coordinating entity. If required, business plans are included as a stand-alone chapter of the over management plan, and identify an organization's purpose, intended audiance, services and/or products; how, where and to whom an organization will provide services and/or products; and why an organization will be able to attract funding and from whom.
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Guide for National Heritage Area Management Plans. NHA management plans are approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Approval by the Secretary is a Federal action, and, therefore, NEPA and other federal environmental laws must be followed.
Approved Management Plans
Below are three example management plans. Each Heritage Area has a unique authorizing law, therefore, management plan requirements often differ. If you are looking for a specific heritage area plan, please visit that heritage area's website or contact the National Heritage Areas Program Office in Washington D.C.
Last updated: September 26, 2024