Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Plan Development

The Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor is the newest of the States 17 Heritage Areas. The region contains all or parts of Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, and Wayne counties. An 18 member planning commission will oversee the writing of a management plan for the heritage area over the next three years. While each heritage area has its own organization, actions and theme, they all strive to promote preservation and recreational use of natural and cultural resources, local and regional heritage education and economic revitalization. The Lake Plains RC&D supported the development of the Planning Commission in a letter dated May 28, 1999. We also offered the assistance of the RC&D staff and members to support the development of the plan. The Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission is currently setting up Task Force meetings to help with the development of the plan. The Lake Plains RC&D will participate as a Task Force member and assist with development of the plan as needed.

Western Erie Calan Heritage Corridor Plannig Commission www.eriecanalheritage.com

Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor Planning: The Erie Canal was recently designated the 23^rd National Heritage Corridor in the United States, the 175 year-old canal is now part of this program administered by National Park Service. "Few historic resources in the United States are equal to the Erie Canal in their impact on the creation of the American nation" Marie Rust, Northeast regional director for the National Park Service (Democrat and Chronicle Dec. 18, 2000). The National Park Service is just beginning the process of developing a management plan for the Canal. The Erie Canal has played an important role in our nations history and the identity of the local communities that have grown up around the canal system. This initiative along with other recent initiatives such as the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor Planning Commission has enormous potential to help in the revitalization of our communities. The development of the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor plan provides a way to connect, protect, and promote the Canal’s significant resources while also preserving the uniqueness of our communities.

Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor administered by the National Park Service www.eriecanalway.org

Frank Dean, Program Director
Erie Canalway National Heritage Cooridor
c/o Pebbles Island Resource Center
P.O. Box 219
Waterford NY 12188
Phone: (518) 237-8643 x 3272
Fax: (518) 235-4248

Web Site: www.nps.gov/erie
www.eriecanalway.org

Marcia Kees, Director of Planning & Program Development
Erie Canalway National Heritage Cooridor
c/o Pebbles Island Resource Center
P.O. Box 219
Waterford NY 12188
Phone: (518) 237-8643 x 3272
Fax: (518) 235-4248
E-mail: marcia.kees@oprhp.stat.ny.us