The Mission of The Long Island North Shore Heritage Area, Inc.

... is to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, historical and natural resources which define the North Shore of Long Island and to promote responsible economic development of the area compatible within the historical and natural environment.

This mission statement was adopted in December 9, 2002 by the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Planning Commission, which was charged with overseeing the preparation of a Management Plan, developing strategies and specific policy recommendations to plan the future of the unique historical, maritime and special environmental resources contained within the area. This Plan, through the coordination of cooperative and inclusive participation between private sector and government agencies, created an inventory of critical resources worthy of preservation as well as stimulate interest and excitement in the area.  Our intent is to:

  • preserve our heritage and historical resources
  • protect our environmental, natural and maritime resources
  • enhance the economic vitality and cultural life within the Heritage Area

We hope to retain the spectacular resources and unique character of the Heritage Area for the purpose of encouraging, promoting and ensuring public appreciation of all we enjoy about Long Island's North Shore.  We do this for all of Long Island, its residents, businesses and visitors; the people of New York; and for future generations yet to come. (From the mission statement adopted by the Planning Commission December 9, 2002)

This mission is expanded through the following Heritage Area Goals:

  • Protect... heritage resources through understanding and growth management
  • Connect... resources to build stories that advance identity and sense of place
  • Package... experiences so residents can come to know, connect to, and take pride in their region
  • Promote... increased visitation of heritage resources in order to support their viability and decrease the seasonality of our tourism, all within sustainable limits
  • Partner... to use heritage-based tourism as a revitalization tool for economically struggling portions of the Heritage Area.