By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
The first in a series of area meetings to discuss the proposed Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday in Hill City at the Frontier Stage, 305 E. Main.
Two previous meetings were held in Nebraska communities this week and will continue through next Thursday in locations in Kansas and Nebraska.
Norman Kincaide, member of the Southeast Colorado Private Property Rights Council and author of "Scammed? Canyons & Plains National Heritage Area Initiative for Southeastern Colorado," will lead the discussions.
While the meetings are designed to discuss the dangers of the proposal, proponents of the National Heritage Area believe the creation of the area will be beneficial to the region.
"The (partnership) a diverse, bi-state partnership of cultural, historical, economic development and tourism organizations and individuals, has formed in hopes of establishing a National Heritage Area within 49 counties between North Central Kansas and South Central Nebraska," according to a press release from the partnership. "The mission of the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership is to connect communities and attractions, instill pride of place, and promote immersive experiences for residents and visitors to enhance appreciation for the region’s unique landscape and nationally significant cultural history."
The organization believes tourism in particular could be bolstered with the creation of the area.
"KNHAP’s goal is to build a network for heritage sites, museums, CVBs, cities and counties that wish to participate in this volunteer effort," the release said. "This network would collaboratively work together in marketing the region’s existing attractions with unified themes. Matching federal funding can provide tourism professionals and organizations with professional development opportunities as well as funding for new marketing initiatives and projects related to the themes.
"In the future, the network aims to promote the entire region to tourists ranging from bird watchers on the Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska to the Pony Express Station in Marysville, Kansas to the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska, or the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia. As a network working together, the aim is to draw more people off of I-70 and I-80 that can help serve as a catalyst for economic development through heritage tourism."
The release also said supporters view the existing areas as generally more desirable than other types of land conservation, due to the local retention of ownership and administration.
The group also said, the proposed area is in no way related to a recent order by President Joe Biden that would study the viability of the 30x30 movement, which seeks to put 30 percent of the U.S. land and water under some level of conservation.
"With the change of administration and new policies being introduced, some may have confused National Heritage Areas as being tied to the 30x30 initiative," the release said. "These are not related in any way. With 55 designated NHAs over a span of 37 years, there is not a single case of any land rights being impacted. National Heritage Areas are not national park service units. An NHA designation does not affect private property rights or impose land use controls, nor can it assume any ownership of land inside its defined boundary. All individuals, organizations, and/or towns within the area have the choice to participate voluntarily to enjoy the benefits of an NHA or remain autonomous."
They also point out, the first heritage area was created under President Ronald Regan, and President Donald Trump also created six new heritage areas in 2019.
For more information about Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership, follow them at www.facebook.com/KNHeritage.