DNP ENJOY DARTMOOR 2024 digital - Flipbook - Page 47
What is a Sister Park?
There are currently 69 National Parks and
protected areas in more than 30 countries
already enjoying Sister Park status with US
National Parks. These agreements usually last
five years.
They’re a good way of fostering international
relationships, learning from each other, and
sharing expertise in areas such as nature
conservation, tackling climate change and
making tourism more sustainable. These are
issues that affect all protected landscapes, no
matter where they are in the world.
The Sister Park agreement doesn’t come
with funding commitments; much of the
collaborative work will be carried out in online
workspaces – time difference permitting!
About Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park nestles in rural
north-east Ohio between the cities of Cleveland
and Akron. It was originally designated as a
National Recreation Area in 1974 before being
redesignated as a National Park in 2000.
Like Dartmoor, Cuyahoga is an important place
for its range of flora and fauna. Its central
feature is the 22-mile stretch of the Cuyahoga
River – meaning ‘crooked’ river, which
indigenous Americans used as an important
trade route for thousands of years. It is home
to raptors such as the bald eagle, mammals
including the coyote and mink, and 11 species
of snake.
Dartmoor and Cuyahoga both boast miles of
trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. The
agreement means staff on both sides of the
Atlantic can share knowledge on recreation
and resource management and learn from one
another.
As one of the UK’s first National Parks,
Dartmoor has a long history of working with
others. Examples of this include restoring
peatlands, which are vital for carbon capture
and clean water, and slowing the flow of rivers
so flooding is reduced; and advocating for the
care and preservation of common land.
Passing on our learnings when it comes to what
works well – as well as what is less successful –
can help inform our international colleagues’
approach to seizing opportunities and dealing
with challenges that may come their way.
Badger’s Holt on the East Dart River, Dartmoor
dartmoor.gov.uk
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