Management Plans

Ohio and Erie
Family biking in the Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area
Management Plans

National Heritage Area legislation typically requires the development of a management plan within three years of designation. National Heritage Area management plans include long-range policies, goals, strategies, and actions; an implementation plan with short, mid and long range actions and performance goals; a business plan for the heritage area coordinating entity; and an interpretive plan.

The NPS provides assistance to Heritage Area entities on the development of management plans to ensure that they address all Federal requirements.

Management Plan Guidance
  • Interpretive Planning for Heritage Areas. Many National Heritage Area Management Plans also include interpretive plans. If required, interpretive plans are included as a stand-alone chapter of the overall management plan, and identify themes and messages; target audiances; visitor experience ojectives; and recomended interpretive actions.
  • Business Planning Toolkit for Heritage Areas. Many National Heritage Area Management Plans also include business plans for the coordinating entity. If required, business plans are included as a stand-alone chapter of the over management plan, and identify an organization's purpose, intended audiance, services and/or products; how, where and to whom an organization will provide services and/or products; and why an organization will be able to attract funding and from whom.

Approved Management Plans

Below are three example management plans. Each Heritage Area has a unique authorizing law, therefore, management plan requirements often differ. If you are looking for a specific heritage area plan, please visit that heritage area's website or contact the National Heritage Areas Program Office in Washington D.C.

Last updated: December 13, 2016