Department of the Interior Grant for Implementation of Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Management Plan

The objectives of the heritage area are to:
1. Recognize the role of the Yuma Crossing in the development of the United States, with particular emphasis on the role of the crossing as an important landmark in the westward expansion during the mid-19th century.
2. Promote, interpret, and develop the physical and recreational resources of the communities surrounding the Yuma Crossing, which has almost 500 years of recorded history and outstanding cultural, historic, and architectural assets, for the education and benefit of present and future generations.
3. Foster a close working relationship with all levels of government, the private sector, and the local communities in the Yuma community and empower the community to conserve its heritage while continuing to pursue economic opportunities.
4. Provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Yuma Crossing and preserve natural resources within the YCNHA.
5. Improve the Yuma region’s ability to serve visitors and enhance the local economy through the completion of the major projects identified within the YCNHA.
6. Share resources, facilities, information, and expertise to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of National Historic Landmarks and National Heritage Areas.

Approach to Conservation and Interpretation: The management plan proposes a variety of approaches to conserving and interpreting the YCNHA. The approaches include the promotion of resource conservation; development of interpretive themes; strengthening of partnerships within the Yuma community; development of a plan to link the resources together; and encouragement of growth of a regional tourism economy.

Protection Measures: The management plan proposes a variety of actions to be undertaken to protect the resources of the YCNHA. It lists specific existing and potential sources of funding to protect, manage, and develop the YCNHA and it includes an inventory of the resources contained in the YCNHA which should be protected because of its natural, cultural, historic, recreational, or scenic significance.

Description and Roles of Management Entity: Yuma Crossing is a 501 (c) (3) “not for profit” tax-exempt organization that has established goals to preserve historic resources and places through education, advocacy, technical assistance, awards and partnerships with like-minded preservation groups and other organizations.