For Immediate Release Contact: Vanessa Gulati
DCR AND HERITAGE CORRIDORS SELECT 14
COMMUNITIES
FOR REGIONAL HERITAGE LANDSCAPE SURVEY
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the John H. Chafee
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission (JHCBRVNHCC) and
the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc.
(QSHC) today announced the selection of 14 communities to participate in the
Heritage Landscape Inventory Program.
The program is part of DCR’s Historic Landscape Preservation Initiative,
which involves several initiatives that provide technical assistance and
training in support of the preservation of historically-significant landscapes
throughout Massachusetts.
Started in 2001, the Heritage
Landscape Inventory Program gives direct technical assistance to help
communities identify, document and plan for the protection of the heritage
landscapes that are vital to the history, character and quality of life in the
region. Participating communities this
year are: Brimfield, Douglas, Dudley, Grafton, Hopedale, Leicester, Mendon,
Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Oxford, Sturbridge, Sutton and Uxbridge.
“The Heritage Landscape Inventory Program will provide an opportunity
for these communities and the heritage corridors to work together to
proactively protect resources and assist in smart growth planning efforts,”
said DCR Commissioner Stephen H. Burrington. “Through this initiative, DCR and
our partners will be able to provide these communities with technical
assistance in the protection of the landscapes that shape the Last Green Valley
and the birthplace of the American industrial revolution.”
DCR has worked with 67
communities to date through the Heritage Landscape Inventory Program, partnering
in the past with the Essex National Heritage Commission, the Taunton River Wild
& Scenic Study Committee, and the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association. DCR’s most recent partnership with JHCBRVNHCC
and QSHC marks the first time these two adjoining heritage corridors have had
an opportunity to work together.
For more information on the
Heritage Landscape Inventory Program, please visit DCR’s website at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/histland/Inventoryprog.htm. For more information about the National
Heritage Corridors Reconnaissance Survey, please contact Jessica Rowcroft at 617-626-1380.
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