To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr., Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to extend the management plan submission deadline for certain National Heritage Areas to 4 years, and for other purposes.

This bill extends by one year the deadline for completion of proposed management plans for

• the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in West Virginia and Maryland,
• the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area in Washington,
• the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in Washington,
• the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area in California,
• the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona, and
• the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania.

Bill 117 hr 4087, also known as the National Heritage Area Extension Act, aims to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr., Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act by extending the deadline for certain National Heritage Areas to submit their management plans. The bill proposes to extend the deadline from the current 3 years to 4 years, giving these areas more time to develop comprehensive and effective management plans.

The National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as regions with unique cultural, historical, and natural significance. These areas receive federal funding and support to preserve and promote their heritage and resources. However, the current deadline for submitting management plans has proven to be challenging for some areas to meet due to various factors such as limited resources and complex planning processes.

By extending the deadline to 4 years, the National Heritage Areas will have more time to engage stakeholders, conduct research, and develop sustainable management strategies. This extension is intended to ensure that the management plans are thorough, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse needs and interests of the communities within these areas. Overall, the National Heritage Area Extension Act seeks to support the preservation and promotion of our nation's cultural and natural heritage by providing these areas with the necessary time and resources to develop effective management plans.