Arkansas State University's Heritage Sites office has announced the third and final round of public meetings to engage community members in the development of a proposed Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area. Residents, local leaders, and interested individuals are invited to attend the sessions, which will present findings from the draft feasibility study and allow for public input before the study’s completion.
The meetings, scheduled for Nov. 4–6, will take place at the following locations:
- **Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m.** in the Delta Eagle Room in Helena. - **Thursday, Nov. 5, at noon** at The ARTSpace on Main in Pine Bluff. - **Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m.** at the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Each meeting will feature the same content, and attendees are welcome to choose the location that best suits them.
The draft feasibility study examines the potential for creating a National Heritage Area encompassing 17 counties in the Arkansas Delta. It incorporates historical research, an inventory of heritage resources, and input from two prior rounds of public meetings, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and site visits. The study identifies stories and landmarks that highlight the region's national significance and recommends boundaries, organizational structures, and management strategies for the potential heritage area.
Dr. Adam Long, executive director of A-State Heritage Sites, emphasized the importance of public engagement throughout the process. “As we approach [the feasibility study’s] completion, we want to give communities another opportunity to review the findings, discuss the recommendations, and help ensure that the final study reflects the region's heritage and aspirations,” said Long.
National Heritage Areas are congressionally designated regions that highlight nationally significant cultural, historical, and natural resources. They are locally managed through partnerships that support conservation, heritage tourism, economic development, education, and historic preservation. Congress must approve the designation of new National Heritage Areas, which are evaluated by the National Park Service after feasibility studies are completed.
The current study, led by Point Heritage Development Consulting in partnership with A-State Heritage Sites and funded by the Delta Regional Authority, has focused heavily on community involvement. Earlier meetings collected input regarding the unique stories, landmarks, and priorities of the region, while a second round refined those ideas into draft recommendations.
The meetings are free and open to everyone. No prior involvement in the process is required.
Anyone seeking additional details can contact Dr. Adam Long at 870-972-2803 or via email at adamlong@AState.edu.