Please Take Action Now. Urge your representative to support HR 1349 to establish Santa Cruz Valley as a National Heritage Area below.
A message from Patagonia Area Resource Alliance
Support HR 1349: To establish the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area.
National Heritage Areas are created by Congressional legislation. Their purpose is to preserve America’s unique cultural landscapes and historic traditions while stimulating economic growth. This designation has been proven to significantly strengthen local economies through increased tourism and availability of federal grants. These areas are creating partnerships that include government agencies, philanthropic organizations, educational institutions, non-profit groups and private citizens – all working toward preserving, protecting and improving the economic vitality of local communities. Projects are locally designed, implemented and sustained. Aside from economic benefits, the designation supports an improved quality of life for residents through preservation of the places, landscapes, and traditions that make a region unique.
The designation of a heritage area will empower local stakeholders in our efforts to preserve historical sites, natural habitat for wildlife and other activities that make the valley such a special place to live. This legislation will also furnish the mechanism for providing funding for these efforts.
Situated along an ancient and still vital trade route, the Santa Cruz Valley is home to numerous diverse cultures and communities whose relationships with each other are linked by geography. The stories of these communities form the fabric of a cultural and natural heritage that has the power to shape our future.
We need to preserve and advance the region’s living heritage so that landscapes, sites, livelihoods, traditions, values, and stories. Knowledge and respect for this heritage contributes to a sense of place and improves the quality of lives.
Efforts in the Santa Cruz Valley also contribute to the character and future of the American Southwest, especially in the face of rapid growth, by keeping all aspects of our Western heritage and position as a major trade corridor alive and relevant.
Read more at: Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance
