resources, and it is appropriate for these parks to participate in, assist with, and benefit from local heritage initiatives that conserve and interpret resources over a larger area beyond the park’s boundaries. (8) It is in the national interest, and will benefit future generations, to establish a system of National Heritage Areas to encourage natural and cultural resource conservation, interpretation, enhancement, and economic sustainability, and for full public understanding and appreciation of the many resources, places, events, and peoples that have contributed to the rich heritage of this Nation. (b) Purposes The purposes of this Act are to— (1) establish a system of regional and community-based National Heritage Areas to conserve, enhance, and interpret natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources that together tell nationally significant stories representing our country’s heritage