National Heritage Partnership Act

H.R. 760, the National Heritage Partnership Act, establishes a formal process for the Department of the Interior to designate and support National Heritage Areas across the United States. These areas are regions where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape.

For everyday citizens, this bill provides a clear roadmap for local communities to seek federal recognition and technical assistance to preserve their regional history and environment. It allows local organizations to receive federal funding for conservation and educational projects, provided they develop a comprehensive management plan that meets national standards. Importantly, the bill protects private property rights by explicitly prohibiting the use of these federal funds to acquire land.