CVNP Superintendent Lisa Petit and Dartmoor NP CEO Kevin Bishop sign a Sister Park arrangement on June 6, 2024/Aaron Self, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

 Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio recently hosted leadership of Dartmoor National Park in the United Kingdom. The highlight of last week's get together was a signing ceremony on June 6 for an international Sister Park arrangement.  

“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," said Cuyahoga Valley Superintendent Lisa Petit. “We look forward to exchanging knowledge and ideas with Dartmoor, our new sister park across the pond.”  

The purpose of the formal sister park relationship is to promote international cooperation for the mutual benefit of the parks, provide a forum for collaboration about shared challenges, enrich the experience and training of park personnel through international exchanges, and share the cultural and social values of both countries.   

The two parks are similar in that they are open and lived-in spaces near metropolitan areas that offer recreational activities such as 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. 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. 

During the visit, Dartmoor officials met with CVNP staff and toured the park, including riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and attending the farmer's market. They also went to other sites in and around Cleveland, including James A. Garfield National Historic Site, First Ladies National Historic Site, and Canal Basin Park.