Project Links
The Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study evaluates the feasibility and suitability of a Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in Texas. Beginning in 1984, National Heritage Areas were created by Congress as a vehicle by which a region, through collaboration and partnerships, could conserve and promote its natural, cultural, and historic resources, linking resource conservation, tourism and economic development. National Heritage Areas do not require, create or permit any regulatory layers or restrictions on private property.
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Authorizing Legislation: 2002
Step 2. NPS Start of Project: 2005
Step 3. Expansion of Study Area: 2006
Step 4. Public Meetings - 2007
Step 5. Newsletter #1, Additional Invitation for Public Comment - 2007
Step 6. Newsletter #2, Summary of Project Status - 2009
Step 7. Completion of National Heritage Area Study - April 2010
Step 8. Public Review of National Heritage Area Study - April 21, 2010 *
Step 9. Analysis of Public Comment - June 2010
Step 10. Transmittal to Congress - Summer 2010
Step 1: On December 16, 2002, Congress passed the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study Act, Public Law 107-337, which authorized the National Park Service (NPS) to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area.
Step 2: Funding for the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study became available in 2005.
Step 3: When Congress authorized the study in December 2002, the initial focus was on the urban core of Houston. Eventually, groups along the bayou asked that the study area be expanded to include additional important natural, cultural, and historic resources. In 2006, Congressman Gene Green requested that the study area be expanded from Houston into Baytown, Texas, which would include the Houston Ship Channel and the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, to which the NPS agreed.
Step 4: In 2007, the NPS held meetings to seek the public's reaction and ideas concerning the potential National Heritage Area. Three meetings were held: in Houston on September 24, 2007; in Jacinto City on September 25, 2007; and in La Porte on September 26, 2007.
Step 5: A newsletter, which included a self-mailer comment form, was released in winter 2007-2008.
Step 6: A second newsletter, which provided a project summary, was released in July 2009.
Step 7: Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study completed in April 2010.
Step 8: Public review of the study began on April 21, 2010.
Step 9: Analysis of Public Comment - June 2010
Step 10: Transmittal to Congress - Summer 2010
Note: The NPS will transmit the final study and summary of public comments to the Secretary of the Interior, Washington D.C. The Secretary will use the study and comments in formulating a recommendation. The Secretary will submit the study findings and recommendation to the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the United States House of Representatives.
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Authorizing Legislation: 2002
Step 2. NPS Start of Project: 2005
Step 3. Expansion of Study Area: 2006
Step 4. Public Meetings - 2007
Step 5. Newsletter #1, Additional Invitation for Public Comment - 2007
Step 6. Newsletter #2, Summary of Project Status - 2009
Step 7. Completion of National Heritage Area Study - April 2010
Step 8. Public Review of National Heritage Area Study - April 21, 2010 *
Step 9. Analysis of Public Comment - June 2010
Step 10. Transmittal to Congress - Summer 2010
Step 1: On December 16, 2002, Congress passed the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study Act, Public Law 107-337, which authorized the National Park Service (NPS) to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area.
Step 2: Funding for the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study became available in 2005.
Step 3: When Congress authorized the study in December 2002, the initial focus was on the urban core of Houston. Eventually, groups along the bayou asked that the study area be expanded to include additional important natural, cultural, and historic resources. In 2006, Congressman Gene Green requested that the study area be expanded from Houston into Baytown, Texas, which would include the Houston Ship Channel and the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, to which the NPS agreed.
Step 4: In 2007, the NPS held meetings to seek the public's reaction and ideas concerning the potential National Heritage Area. Three meetings were held: in Houston on September 24, 2007; in Jacinto City on September 25, 2007; and in La Porte on September 26, 2007.
Step 5: A newsletter, which included a self-mailer comment form, was released in winter 2007-2008.
Step 6: A second newsletter, which provided a project summary, was released in July 2009.
Step 7: Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area Study completed in April 2010.
Step 8: Public review of the study began on April 21, 2010.
Step 9: Analysis of Public Comment - June 2010
Step 10: Transmittal to Congress - Summer 2010
Note: The NPS will transmit the final study and summary of public comments to the Secretary of the Interior, Washington D.C. The Secretary will use the study and comments in formulating a recommendation. The Secretary will submit the study findings and recommendation to the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the United States House of Representatives.