This planning effort began in 1999 and continues in the 20-year implementation of $45 million in physical target projects and heritage interpretive programs. DDR lead a heritage planning team of seven interdisciplinary sub-consultants in the preparation of the first National Heritage Management Plan implemented west of the Mississippi River. As a part of the process, DDR also prepared an environmental assessment.

The plan was officially approved by the Secretary of the Interior in December of 2002.