Cultural Resources Regulations – What to Know When You Begin a Project

Blogs

106 Group provides guidance through the cultural resources requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other state and federal regulations. This work begins with knowing the regulatory requirements at project start and what actions may be needed through project development to address these requirements. A strategic approach to addressing regulatory requirements saves time, money, and keeps your project moving forward.

When do cultural resources
regulations apply?
Usually required if a federal/state agency is involved, and some municipalities.
  • On public land
  • Funding
  • Permitting
  • Insuring loans
  • Land conveyance or transfer
What are cultural resources?
Know the difference between what is old and what is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Architectural history
  • Archaeology
  • Community/tribally significant resources
  • Burials and human remains
Does my project need to comply with cultural resource laws?
  • Ask yourself, is there any government involvement in my project?
  • If so, then likely there are cultural resources laws you need to comply with.
  • We can help! Give us a call.

Best Practices for Addressing Cultural Resources

  • Start planning early.
  • Don’t underestimate cost and time to do this work.
  • Know the stakeholders, laws, and agencies involved.
  • A staged approach enables cost management.
  • Communication, communication, communication!

Steps to Addressing Cultural Resource Regulation

A staged approach to understanding the basic framework and context for your project area.

A strategic approach to addressing regulatory requirements saves time, money, and keeps your project moving forward.  Reach out to 106 Group to ensure your project is set up for success.

Download the guide
Saleh Miller

Saleh is an experienced architectural historian and resourceful project manager at 106 Group. Saleh has extensive knowledge in completing reconnaissance and intensive architectural history surveys, historical research, eligibility evaluations, historic context development, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and assessment of effects studies.

Adam Kaeding

Adam’s experience in archaeology spans North America, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East. He has excellent professional relationships with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), Offices of State Archaeologist (OSA), Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, and many Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.

Related Projects
106 Group recently presented “Best Practices for Partnering and Collaborating with Tribes” at the National Association of Environmental Professionals Virtual Conference. Together, with Paul Backhouse (Seminole Tribe of Florida), we shared best practices for tribal consultation and engagement and successful tools for building long-term relationships with Tribes.
Best Practices for Partnering and Collaborating with Tribes
If you suspect there are burials in or near a project area, there are a handful of key things to understand and address as you navigate next steps.
Are there Burials in your Project Area? What you Need to Know.
Through our documenting work in archaeology and history, we see that the story of a place is so much more than what is written in a regulatory report. The history of a place, written and unwritten, and the stories told through archaeological and architectural resources can contribute to the future design of a place and enhance its uniqueness.
CRM + Architecture: How Resources Can Inspire Design