NPS Mission - National Park Service

National Park Service FY 2013 Budget Justifications
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (2003) works to preserve the spectacular beauty of the Appalachian
and Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and to interpret traditional mountain music, folk life
traditions, arts, culture, and influences of the Cherokee Indians, Scots-Irish, and African heritage of the 25
county region. Out of the mountains grew a rich cultural heritage as the birthplace of the Cherokee's
advanced early civilization, a fertile meeting ground for European and African music traditions, and over
time these traditions melded to create the unique music of Appalachia. Today, the region is home to the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians which preserves many facets of traditional Cherokee culture as well as
the center of handmade arts and craft in America. Projects that will utilize NPS Heritage Partnerships
Funding in 2012 include:
• Develop a new website and other interpretive and marketing efforts for the Blue Ridge Music
Trails.
• Award matching grant awards to support key management plan objectives locally and across the
region.
• Develop group heritage tours.
• Implement entrepreneurship training for craft artisans.
• Continue efforts to raise in-region awareness of the heritage area designation and market the
region to visitors.
Cache La Poudre River Corridor (2006) was established to commemorate the story of water law and
water development in the West. The primary emphasis of current programs is on interpretation and
education. The area extends 45 miles and includes the lands within the 100-year flood plain of the Cache
la Poudre River, beginning in Larimer County at the Roosevelt National Forest, and ends east of Greeley.
The legislation calls for private landowners to voluntarily adopt measures for the preservation and
restoration of significant resources along the Corridor. Projects that will utilize NPS Heritage Partnerships
Funding in 2012 include:
• Continue to work on completion of management plan. Estimate completion in 2013.
Cane River National Heritage Area (1994) was established to assist in the preservation and
enhancement of the cultural landscape and traditions of the Cane River region, complementing the role of
Cane River Creole NHP. The 116,000 acre area in northwestern Louisiana is a largely rural, agricultural
landscape known for its historic plantations, its distinctive Creole architecture, and its multi-cultural
legacy. It is home to a unique blend of cultures, including French, Spanish, African, American Indian, and
Creole. Many people of these cultures are descended from early Cane River families who have interacted
with each other for nearly 300 years. Projects that will utilize NPS Heritage Partnerships Funding in 2012
include:
• Plan and develop implementation strategies for the commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of
the Civil War and Red River Campaign; possible projects include a traveling exhibit and
symposium through partnerships with Louisiana State Museum System and Cane River Creole
National Historical Park.
• Develop and coordinate the commemoration of the tercentennial of the founding of Natchitoches
to include a web-based exhibit highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the area.
Possible partners include international agencies through French and Spanish diplomatic contacts.
• Renovate and adaptively reuse the Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot in partnership with the City
of Natchitoches.
• Continue dialogues and planning in the renovation and adaptive reuse of the Old Bermuda Bridge
as a pedestrian walkway linking Cane River Creole National Historical Park with a public
recreation area in partnership with Natchitoches Parish Police Jury, the National Center for the
Preservation Technology and Training, and Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
• Continue the planning process for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Old Natchitoches
Parish Courthouse in partnership with Natchitoches Parish Police Jury, Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency.
• Fund a Heritage Ranger to assist with Cane River Creole National Historical Park tours, special
events and public relations.
NR&P-62