ased on information gathered during the Bartram Heritage Study (including that received through public information meetings and workshops, field research, technical studies and correspondence), the following conclusions have been drawn:ased on information gathered during the Bartram Heritage Study (including that received through public information meetings and workshops, field research, technical studies and correspondence), the following conclusions have been drawn:
1. William Bartram, because of his pioneering role in the study of natural history, his international influence in the field of literature, his extensive explorations of the southeastern part of the North American continent, and his many other contributions to America’s heritage, is worthy of national recognition.
2. William Bartram’s expedition of 1773–1777, while of considerable national (and international) significance, is of major regional significance to the Southeast and should be so noted.
3. The Bartram Heritage effort proposed in this report is fully compatible with (and complementary to) the "National Heritage Program" currently being developed by the US Department of the Interior.
4. William Bartram’s many accomplishments are an important and noteworthy part of America’s heritage and should be brought to the attention of a wider segment of the American public by whatever means deemed effective and appropriate. Methods for doing so are described elsewhere in the concept plan.
5. The identification, registration and preservation of natural and cultural resources associated with William Bartram are important activities and appropriate ways in which to commemorate Bartram’s accomplishments and honor America’s heritage.
6. Bartram memorializing methods can serve present and future recreational and educational needs that go beyond the specific Bartram interest.
7. Many of Bartram’s activities, scientific observations, and cultural accomplishments require interpretation which can best be accomplished through the establishment of Bartram Heritage Centers and the recognition of Bartram Heritage Collections.
8. Bartram‘s many important contributions to the field of horticulture can be commemorated through the establishment of Bartram Heritage Gardens.
9a. The creation of a continuous Bartram Trail would be impractical, but a segmented trail would be both practical and well-suited to a Bartram Heritage Program.
9b. There is a need for a broad interpretation of the Bartram Trail idea, recognizing that Bartram used several modes of travel and taking into account various recreational and educational needs. (There is wide support for the creation of many kinds of trails bearing the Bartram name, these include: hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing and others.)
9c. An entirely accurate historical routing of the Bartram Trail is neither practical nor always desirable. Recreating a Bartram-like experience may be preferable to scrupulously following his eighteenth century route.
10. Ownership of property by the federal, state or local government or the Bartram Trail Conference need not be a prerequisite for the establishment of Bartram Heritage Trails, Centers, Gardens, and other memorials.
11. Parts of the Bartram Heritage Program, especially the establishment of national trails and memorials, can best be accomplished by the federal government.
12. Parts of the Bartram Heritage Program, especially the establishment of state trails, memorials and Heritage Centers, can best be accomplished by political groups other than the federal government (i.e., state, county/parish, city, and other political subdivisions).
13. Parts of the Bartram Heritage Program, especially the distribution of information, the planning of educational programs, and the coordination of other Bartram activities, can best be accomplished by private (nongovernmental) entities.
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