National Heritage Area Letter of Support Approved by Commissioners

April 27, 2023 |

Photo – Map of proposed National Heritage Area – Courtesy Haas & Lovejoy Protected Area Advisors

Carbon County Commissioners approved a letter of support for a proposed National Heritage Area.

During last Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Travis Moore called for a motion to sign a written letter of support. This letter expresses the board’s desire to investigate the creation of a federally recognized cultural heritage site.

Last month, Bigfoot99 reported that Commissioner Moore has been working with Haas and Lovejoy Protected Area Advisors to see if it is possible to create a National Heritage Area in Carbon County. Dr. Glenn Haas is working with Vernon Lovejoy on the project. Speaking to Bigfoot99 last month, Dr. Haas explained why Carbon County is worthy of the national heritage moniker.

The proposed national heritage site would be called Pathways to the West. It would be the first of its kind in Wyoming. Federal recognition would bring with it increased tourism to the area. Dr. Haas said the only problem he sees with the project would be too many tourists.

Commissioner Moore brought the idea of creating a national heritage site to the board during their March 21^st meeting. At that time, the commissioners were reluctant to sign the letter of support because they weren’t fully aware of how much federal intervention a national heritage site would bring with it. The board asked Commissioner Moore to bring their concerns to Haas and Lovejoy. Dr. Haas said the entire project would be overseen by a locally elected board of directors. The site’s operation would be largely independent from the federal government.

Commissioner Moore delivered his amended letter of support to the board last week. Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones asked for a vote to approve Commissioner Moore’s motion to have the board sign the letter. The motion passed.

The board will pass the letter of support on to the Natrona Board of Commissioners for their signature as well. With the signed letter of support, Haas and Lovejoy will continue to research the feasibility of establishing a National Heritage Area in our county.