National Heritage Areas | Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance

The proposed boundaries of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area encompass approximately 3,325 square miles.These boundaries mark an area that is a source of identity for residents, is a coherent natural and cultural landscape, and has sufficient nature and heritage resources to support a National Heritage Area designation.

The boundaries of a National Heritage Area are not regulatory, and designation will not affect private property rights, land use zoning, property taxes, or government jurisdictions. Participation is completely voluntary. An analogy for a National Heritage Area is an “enterprise zone,” in which an area has been designated for voluntary participation for benefits.

Download a printable version of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area map.