The Heritage Initiative Process

Ice climbing in Sandstone, MN

The Heritage Initiative kicked off a Feasibility Study in 2012 to consider if National Heritage Area designation for the St. Croix region is an idea worth pursuing. Before designation is even considered, people will discuss what makes the region special, possible strategies, and the potential benefits and challenges of designation.

The Initiative task force has been convened by the St. Croix Valley Foundation. The task force and the foundation are neutral on the idea of designation, but feel the stories and places that tie the region together deserve thoughtful consideration.

Even if designation is ultimately not pursued, the conversations should be useful to help communities identify their strengths and discuss making the most of them.

The Feasibility Study involves several steps:

• Fall 2011
  Launch the Initiative and the website
• Winter/Spring 2012
  Ten Heritage Discovery Workshops held in communities all around the region.
• Fall 2012
  Four Regional Gatherings
• Spring 2013
  Region-Wide Heritage Summit
  Draft written document summarizing all public meetings available for public review and comment

Learn more about the steps of the Feasibility Study and designation process from this fact sheet (PDF). Visit the National Heritage Area website for more information.