NOTICE OF INTENT: Implementation of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Management Plan

Description

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Background: The National Heritage Area Act of 2006 (hereafter ⿿Act⿝) Public Law No. 109-338, 120 Stat. 1783, established the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (hereafter ⿿NRGNHA⿝) and directs the Secretary of the Interior (hereafter ⿿Secretary⿝) to enter into compact with the NRGNHA⿿s management entity, the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Inc (hereafter ⿿Management Entity⿝). This cooperative agreement is the required compact. STATEMENT OF WORK The objectives of the heritage area are to recognize the role of the cultures and history, including Eight (8) Pueblos, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the descendants of Spanish ancestors, who settled in the area of northern New Mexico in 1598, and of other cultures that have contributed to the cultural and historical mix in the NRGNHA. Interpret and preserve the combinations of cultures, languages, folk arts, customs, and architecture that make northern New Mexico unique. Promote continued consensus-based planning, long-term local and state commitments, and a network of long-term partnerships to achieve meaningful progress. Foster a close working relationship will all levels of government, the private sector, and the local communities in the NRGNHA and empower them to conserve their heritage while continuing to pursue economic opportunities. Promote, interpret, and develop the cultural, natural, scenic, and recreational resources of the communities in the NRGNHA. Improve the ability of the NRGNHA Management Entity to serve visitors and enhance the local economy through the completion of the major projects identified within the NRGNHA. Approach to Conservation and Interpretation: The management plan proposes a variety of approaches to conserving and interpreting the NRGNHA. The approaches include the promotion of resource conservation; development of interpretive themes; strengthening of partnerships within NRGNHA; development of a plan to link the resources together; and encouragement of growth of a regional tourism economy. Protection Measures: The management plan proposes a variety of actions to be undertaken to protect the resources of the NRGNHA. It lists specific existing and potential sources of funding to protect, manage, and develop the NRGNHA and it includes an inventory of the resources contained in the NRGNHA which should be protected because of its natural, cultural, historic, recreational, or scenic significance. Description and Roles of Management Entity: The NRGNHA Management Entity is a ⿿not for profit⿝ corporation chartered under the laws of the State of New Mexico. As such, the Management Entity is responsible for developing and implementing the management plan, outlined in the Act. The Role Department of the Interior, National Park Service: The Department of the Interior, National Park Service (hereinafter ⿿NPS⿝) may, upon request of the Management Entity and subject to appropriations, provide technical, financial and operational assistance to the NRGNHA Management Entity, units of government and other public entities, nonprofit organizations and other persons to develop and implement the management plan; assist the NRGNHA Management Entity in coordinating other federally supported activities in the heritage area; and facilitate the management plan⿿s approval by the Secretary. The NPS in general will give priority to actions that assist in conserving the significant natural, historic, and cultural resources which support its themes and providing educational, interpretive, and recreational opportunities consistent with its resources and associated values.

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