EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Patapsco River Valley has served for more than two centuries as the focal point for historical events and scientific advances that have transformed the state and the nation. At the heart of the Valley's history is a scenic river that has united communities, commerce, industry and recreation. From 1995 there has been an active effort to establish strategies for preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the valley, from Ellicott City to Elkridge. With the creation of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) and its Heritage Preservation and Tourism Areas Program in 1996, this effort began to take shape through a structured process. The process included the establishment of a partnership between Howard and Baltimore Counties, local leaders from the area's communities and businesses, and the MHAA. As a result of this collaboration, the Patapsco Heritage Greenway Area was, in 1997, designated by the state as a Recognized Heritage Area. The current report summarizes the next step in the process to become a Certified Heritage Area: the completion of a study that considers the elements that should be included in a management plan for the area.

Work began on the Patapsco Greenway Management Plan in May 1998. Phase I involved the compilation and assessment of existing natural, historic, interpretive, market/economic, and regulatory conditions, as well as proposed projects and programs for the area. A preliminary vision for the Greenway was established, and possible interpretive themes and resources identified. Issues regarding environmental stewardship, cultural resource preservation, and linkages were also defined. Finally, through discussions with the business communities and local residents, a need was identified to establish a strategy for encouraging regional residents and visitors to remain in the area for extended periods of time, and to visit the area through the week and not simply on weekends.

In Phase 2, the ideas generated as a result of this analysis became the basis for creating several alternative concepts for the Greenway. When these plans were reviewed at a public meeting in October 1998, considerable concern was expressed about the state's heritage program in general, and the impacts of the proposed Greenway concepts on existing communities within the Greenway area. As a result, meetings were held with representatives from the Greenway's communities between November 1998 and March 1999 to discuss concerns and to delineate potential programs and projects that could be included in a Greenway plan. In the spring of 2000, with the formation of the new, not-for-profit entity of the Friends of Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway, Inc., it was decided that the work accomplished to date should be summarized in a report that could be presented to various communities in the area. These groups will include community organizations, environmental groups, historical societies, business groups, elected officials, and county and state agency representatives. In addition, county support will ensure that the plan is also made available to the public in libraries throughout the area. It was felt that these steps in building ?grass roots? understanding of and support for the plan would be critical before proceeding any further. This will ensure that the best possible plan will be implemented.