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Jun. 16, 2011
The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wisp Resort’s Morris Room, McHenry. The hearing will address a proposal submitted by Garrett County and the towns of Accident, Deer Park, Friendsville, Grantsville, Kitzmiller, Loch Lynn Heights, Mtn. Lake Park, and Oakland for the authority to approve the Garrett County Heritage Area Management Plan and designate the Garrett County Certified Heritage Area as a state certified Heritage Area.
The intent of state certified heritage areas is to bring together government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals in a partnership to preserve and promote a region’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage resources. The goal is to revitalize communities and promote sustainable economic development through heritage tourism while maintaining the quality of life desired by residents.
Designation of state certified heritage areas is a two stage process. Communities first prepare a recognition proposal summarizing the area’s unique heritage resources and themes, envisioned heritage area boundaries, the types of heritage tourism projects to be encouraged, and the organizational structure that will undertake the management plan development process required.
The Garrett County recognition proposal was completed and the state authority approved designation of the Garrett County Recognized Heritage Area in July 2004. Under the direction of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the process to develop a Heritage Area Management Plan was initiated in 2009, and a draft plan was completed in 2010.
The draft management plan describes the proposed boundaries of the certified heritage area and defines “target investment zones” within which certain state benefits are available, including grants, loans, and tax credits. It outlines the heritage area’s vision and goals and the area’s significance and resources, assesses relevant land use issues, and lists interpretive resources and programs. It provides a market analysis, and evaluates linkages between sites and appropriate organizations.
The mission of the GCHA is to work with stakeholders, partners, and businesses to implement the Garrett County Heritage Plan by offering technical and financial assistance for heritage-related initiatives that preserve valuable heritage resources and enhance tourism in the county.
The GCHA boundary is intended to encompass those portions of the county that were determined to include a concentration of resources which help portray and interpret Garrett County’s unique historical, cultural, and natural heritage. The draft Management Plan is available online at www.peterjohnstonassociates.com/garrett_hamp.htm.
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