Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Management Plan

The National Heritage Area Management Plan provides for the management, preservation, protection, and interpretation of the cultural, historic, natural, and recreational resources of the area for the educational and inspirational benefit of current and future generations. The Management Plan provides guidance to assist the NHA communities, organizations, and citizens in preserving the special historic identity of the region and fostering a close working relationship among all levels of government, the private sector, and local communities.

The Management Plan will strengthen the value of the Santa Cruz Valley as an asset by establishing a network of related natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources, protected landscapes, educational opportunities, and events depicting the landscape of the Santa Cruz Valley during significant periods in our nation’s history; and establishing partnerships between the NHA and other public and privately owned resources in the NHA that represent strategic alliances and leverage unique interpretive opportunities.

The Management Plan is required as per the NHA designation legislation, Public Law 116–9, John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. More than 70 potential partners and organizations were identified approached in the creation of the management plan and a series of webinars were held to gather input about its proposed content. The draft plan was available for public comment in March 2022, after which it was reviewed and approved by the National Park Service.

The management plan was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior in December 2022. Their approval grants support for our stewardship of the National Heritage Area for at least 15 years. You can read our management plan here.