Appendix B: Massachusetts Coastway
Massachusetts has a beautiful and varied coastline rich in history and natural resources. The geographical configuration of the coast has been a catalyst for the development of commercial centers, coastal defenses, transportation networks, and rural settlements. A Massachusetts Coastway could preserve, protect, and interpret diverse historic and cultural sites, recreation areas, and natural areas by providing public access to the water along the full length of the coast via water and land transportation systems and a public information program. In addition, such an approach would make connections among important Massachusetts sites by emphasizing historical themes, providing environmental education, encouraging recreational opportunities, promoting tourism, guiding public development, and supporting preservation efforts.
The North Atlantic Region of the National Park Service is involved with a number of special resource studies in cities located along the Massachusetts coast. Although there are nationally significant resources in most of these cities, not all merit National Park status or long term NPS assistance. However, when the cities are put in the larger context of the Massachusetts coast, the sites could work together with existing National Parks to tell the story of New England's rich maritime history.
Each site could benefit by being part of a larger Coastway network through shared information materials, signage, educational programs, and a coordinated transportation system. The concept of "welcome centers" along the coastway could be developed as places for visitors to get information, find out about the specific sites, assess what transportation options are available and learn about featured programs. Possible welcome centers might be located in Fall River, Boston, and Gloucester. Other cities, like New Bedford, could be incorporated into the Coastway and as a result could attract more visitors because of the concept.
The Massachusetts Coastway could be an approach where existing privately-owned historic and natural resources could be greatly enhanced by a comprehensive planning effort which might involve the National Park Service. The NPS is recognized for its leadership in resource management and interpretive planning including expertise in developing quality visitor information could set the design standards and plan the visitor services. Planning for state-wide tourism and the management of local sites would best be accomplished by the state, cities and towns and by private institutions. These activities could be coordinated by the NPS in cooperation with the state of Massachusetts and the cities and towns along the coast. State funds may not be essential to undertaking this project, but it is important that there is a sizeable commitment from state government in the form of staff time and general support for the concept.
