Rivers of Gold Heritage Area?
Re "Elk Grove pictures itself in California's history," Feb. 18: The history of Elk Grove complements that of the entire region, whose rich history is due primarily to the global excitement the Gold Rush generated and the extremely bountiful land beckoning settlers prior to that.
The rich regional history underlies our organization's suggestion that local and congressional leadership consider applying for a National Heritage Area designation for the American River watershed, central to the history of the gold rush and the land's bounty.
This designation, under our suggested name of Rivers of Gold National Heritage Area, would be similar to that obtained by Pennsylvania for its Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area designation, and would provide the national attention our region deserves.
The National Heritage Area program is part of the National Parks Service and while compromising none of the local ownership or policy control now existent, would provide funding and technical assistance with the designation to ensure our region continues to treasure and share our important heritage with the nation.
- David H. Lukenbill, Sacramento
Senior Policy Director,
American River Parkway Preservation Society
