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Management Plan
Overview The Congressional legislation that established the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area in 2006 requires that a management plan and environmental assessment be prepared for the heritage area for approval by the Secretary of the Interior. The management plan will guide partnerships and programs that implement the heritage area's mission and vision. A draft management plan is due in the spring of 2010 with approval of a final plan by early 2011. Feasible early actions identified during the planning process will implemented ahead of the plan's completion. It is essential that stakeholders and all interested people get involved in planning for the future of the heritage area. The Crossroads planning team will use our website to provide updates about schedule and activities, publish draft information for review, and solicit information and input. Periodic email bulletins and newsletters will let everyone know about links to updates and invitations to review draft documents and information. In addition, public meetings will be held at key points in the process to present and discuss aspects of the plan. Please let us hear from you! The Crossroads initiative depends on your involvement, initiative, and commitment. Background  Leading up to the preparation of the management plan a number of key steps were undertaken to create the heritage area and obtain information that will guide the planning process. These include preparation of the 2002 Special Resource Study and Feasibility Study, passing of the 2006 Congressional legislation establishing the national heritage area, vision workshops that were undertaken to assess themes and visitor experience, and a recent pilot study of the Morristown area. The Planning Process The outline of the management plan and the overall planning process is prescribed by the requirements of the legislation and the National Park Service in compliance with federal regulations. The planning process is composed of six major tasks. Assessment of Existing Conditions, Resources and Attractions The planning team has been reviewing background materials and inventories of resources, consulting with stakeholders, and doing fieldwork to assess existing conditions and resources. This resource assessment phase lays the groundwork for the development of alternatives and strategies for the heritage area. The task includes:
Survey of Stakeholders and Residents In order to assist the planning team in hearing from stakeholders and interested parties, The Polling Institute of Monmouth University prepared and conducted an online survey. The survey provided the team with information on organizations that are potential partners within the heritage area. Development and Analysis of Alternatives There are a wide variety of options open to a National Heritage Area - and in accordance with National Park Service planning procedure - the planning team and steering committee combine the most feasible options into "alternatives." These alternatives describe different "futures" that employ varying strategies and emphasis. They address possible ways to organize the heritage area's management and partnerships, interpret themes, enhance the heritage area's sites and communities, and conserve important historic, natural, and cultural resources. Each alternative can then be evaluated for their potential impacts and benefits, and likelihood of success. |
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