Little Colorado Designation Heating Up This Summer

NORTHERN ARIZONA ­ "Things are really cooking now," comments Linda Marie Golier, coordinator of the Little Colorado River Valley National Heritage Area designation effort. "I've met lots of dedicated and motivated people during the first round of meetings in communities all throughout the proposed Area. It's exciting to see it starting to take shape." The second meeting for the Winslow-Holbrook region will be Thursday, June 7 at 6:30pm in Rm. 112 of Northland Pioneer College, 1400 E. Third St., Winslow.

National Heritage Area designation, which is being proposed for the entire Little Colorado River watershed, would route federal dollars into the region for heritage tourism development, education, and for care of natural and cultural resources. National Heritage Areas are sometimes confused with National Parks, but the two designations serve very different purposes and Areas and Parks operate in very different ways. Parks are comprised entirely federal, public land and managed by National Park Service staff. National Heritage Areas are usually managed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit made up of local residents. Furthermore, land ownership, zoning, grazing permits and other types of land use regulations are not affected.

To achieve National Heritage Area designation, a feasibility study that details the region's unique natural and cultural qualities must be completed. "Community input into the feasibility study document is one of the requirements of designation. But more than that, local residents who really know and love their specific region can give wonderful details regarding the history and natural treasures of their community," recognizes Golier. The National Heritage Area, once designated, will build upon, promote, and protect the unique character of communities throughout the Little Colorado River watershed.

Golier is hosting a series of 4 ­ 5 community meetings to gather input for the feasibility study in a number of locations throughout the proposed Area. The first round of meetings has already been completed for most locations. This summer will see the second round of meetings. The second round will focus specifically on discovering the elements of the region's history and heritage. Newcomers are welcome at any time. "It's never too late to join in," assures Golier. "Everyone has perspectives or experiences slightly different from anyone else. The more diversity that goes into the feasibility study, the stronger it, and the future National Heritage Area, will be." The second round of meetings will focus specifically on discovering the history and heritage of the region.

Golier also welcomes and questions or comments directly and can be reached via email at lmgolier@cdarc.org or by phone (928) 523-8259.

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