Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act

The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act would direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal study of coastal communities in Central California. The research would focus on Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties to determine if their combined cultural, historical, and natural resources are of significant national importance. This study is a required legal step before Congress can officially designate the region as a National Heritage Area.

If the study finds the area eligible and the designation is eventually granted, the region could receive federal technical assistance and matching funds to support local preservation and tourism efforts. Proponents aim to use the designation to highlight the area's unique maritime history and ecological diversity while fostering economic growth through heritage tourism. The bill emphasizes that the study must be conducted in consultation with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as private organizations like the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership.

For local residents and landowners, a National Heritage Area designation is distinct from a National Park. It would not result in federal ownership of land or impose new federal regulations on private property. Instead, the program is designed to support community-led conservation and education projects while allowing local authorities to maintain control over land-use and development decisions.