The Deep River Heritage Corridor will be a special type of state park located in a region of over half a million acres located within eight counties in central North Carolina. When designated by act of the North Carolina General Assembly the Corridor will preserve and interpret for present and future generations the unique and significant cultural heritage value of the Deep River watershed region. The cities, towns, villages and almost one million residents of the region share a cultural identity, shaped by a common past. The geography and natural environment of the Deep River watershed, its patterns of settlement and economic development, its religious and cultural traditions, unify these communities on a level deeper than the political boundaries that separate them.

While some parts of Piedmont North Carolina possess a strong and growing commercial and industrial base, the only significant assets found in other small communities are historic sites, natural areas or cultural features which they lack the time, effort and expertise to identify and capitalize upon. Management tools such as historic properties commissions and watershed authorities are often difficult to create and maintain, and the necessary ordinances can be controversial and hard to enforce. Yet without such tools the very assets providing the cultural foundations and character of these communities are at risk. Cooperative planning, interlocal agreements and joint ventures among individuals, groups, anultural features which they lack the time, effort and expertise to identify and capitalize upon. Management tools such as historic properties commission

Mission Statement
The mission of this project is to assist the communities, organizations, and individuals along the corridor in combining sustainable development programs with responsible conservation plans that both utilize and protect the natural and heritage resources of the river for economic growth and cultural diversity.