Last week, the National Park Service concluded that the Fingers Lakes region of New York state, which includes Schuyler and Yates counties, does meet the criteria to be designated a national heritage area (NHA). This decision comes after the park service completed a feasibility study, a process that began in 2019. The next step is to seek federal legislation to officially establish the NHA.
“If the region is officially established by federal legislation, it can become an economic driver,” said John Warren, communications specialist, from the National Park Service, noting that NHA status typically attracts more people to the designated region. Other benefits of NHAs include improved education and stewardship, community engagement, improved quality of life, and a healthy environment.
During the feasibility study, the National Park Service evaluated themes of national significance represented by natural, cultural, and historic resources; ongoing customs and traditions related to the landscape and people; the potential for future conservation, educational and recreational opportunities; local support for a potential NHA designation and its boundary; and the identification of a potential local coordinating entity. Throughout the process, those conducting the study consulted with representatives in the region.
NHAs are different from national parks in that they are not federally owned property. Instead, ownership covers lived-in communities that may include parks and federally-owned property. The Finger Lakes region included in this national heritage area is a 14-county region. In addition to Schuyler and Yates, the region also includes Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Wayne.