The National Park Service and Historic Preservation: Historic Preservation beyond Smokey the Bear

Abstract

1. In this article, the national historic preservation program means the activities of identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties conducted for the Secretary of the Interior by the state historic preservation officers pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended in 1980. To participate in the federal preservation program, each state must appoint a state historic preservation officer and establish a professionally qualified staff to run the federal program in the state. Section 101(b)(3) of the act sets out the responsibilities of the SHPOs: (3) It shall be the responsibility of the State Historic Preservation Officer to administer the State Historic Preservation Program and to(A) in cooperation with Federal and State agencies, local governments, and private organizations and individuals, direct and conduct a comprehensive statewide survey of historic properties and maintain inventories of such properties; (B) identify and nominate eligible properties to the National Register and otherwise administer applications for listing historic properties on the National Register; (C) prepare and implement a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan; (D) administer the State program of Federal assistance for historic preservation within the State; (E) advise and assist, as appropriate, Federal and State agencies and local governments in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities; (F) cooperate with the Secretary, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal and State agencies, local governments, and organizations and individuals to ensure that historic properties are taken into consideration at all levels of planning and development; (G) provide public information, education and training, and technical assistance relating to the Federal and State Historic Preservation Programs; and