Preservation Activities
The National Park Service defines preservation activities as the following:
Federal Activities. Federal agencies are required by law to locate, inventory, and nominate to the National Register historic properties in Federal ownership or control. The Federal agencies also are responsible for preserving historic properties under their ownership or control and for assuring that any property that might qualify for inclusion in the National Register is not inadvertently transferred, sold, demolished, substantially altered, or allowed to deteriorate significantly. If, as a result of Federal action or assistance, a historic property is to be substantially altered or demolished, records are to be made for deposit in the Library of Congress or other agency designated by the Secretary of the Interior, for future use and reference.
Agencies proposing projects that may affect a property listed in or eligible for the National Register must allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment prior to funding, licensing, or granting assistance on such projects. The purpose of this review is not to impede or halt development, but rather to assure that the value of historic properties is given direct consideration in project planning decisions. Further information on the Advisory Council may be obtained by writing the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, The Old Post Office Building, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 809, Washington, D.C. 20004.
Consideration of historic values is also a part of the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit, in accordance with the Surface Mining and Control Act of 1977.
State Activities. Most nominations to the National Register are made by the states through State Historic Preservation Officers. State Historic Preservation programs must be approved by the Secretary of the Interior before the States nominate historic properties to the National Register.
In addition to nominating historic properties to the National Register, the State Historic Preservation Officer prepares and implements a comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, administers the State program of Federal assistance for historic preservation within the State, conducts a statewide survey of historic properties, and cooperates with Federal, State, and local officials and others to assure that historic properties are taken into consideration at all levels of planning and development. The State Historic Preservation Officer also provides public information, education and training, and technical assistance relating to the Federal and State Historic Preservation Programs.
Local Government Activities. The State Historic Preservation Officer also assists local governments become certified to participate in the Federal Historic Preservation Program, including the process for nominating properties to the National Register.
The Vermont Heritage Network
The University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program
Wheeler House, University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-3180
http://www.uvm.edu/~vhnet
E-mail To: vhnet@zoo.uvm.edu