CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Valley National Park has formed a “sister park” agreement with Dartmoor National Park in the United Kingdom, CVNP announced Monday.
Leaders from both parks sealed the partnership at a signing ceremony on June 6. CVNP said the sister park arrangement is meant to give park officials an opportunity to exchange ideas and trainings to benefit both parks, discuss common challenges and share “cultural and social values” between the United States and United Kingdom.
“This arrangement will strengthen preservation, protection and research in both parks as well as bring attention to the benefits of national parks regardless of the distance between us," Lisa Petit, Cuyahoga Valley National Park superintendent, said in a news release. “We look forward to exchanging knowledge and ideas with Dartmoor, our new sister park across the pond.”
Dartmoor officials were in Northeast Ohio last week to tour CVNP, ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and go to the farmer’s market, as well as visit other Cleveland landmarks including James A. Garfield National Historic Site and First Ladies National Historic Site.
CVNP said the park is similar to Dartmoor in that both are "open and lived-in spaces" near metropolitan areas — Dartmoor is situated within 30 miles from cities Plymouth and Exeter in southwestern England — and offer recreational activities like biking and kayaking.
“Both also work with partners and local communities on environmental restoration projects and to create and improve welcoming spaces for all visitors,” CVNP said. “Dartmoor leaders were especially inspired by the environmental comeback story of the Cuyahoga River and the philanthropic support of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”