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ACHP Member News | September 2016Important Dates
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
MARCH 2017 Preservation50 Update 
Since the ACHP meeting on July 14 and the discussion forum for the members about P50 and the future of the national historic preservation program, the P50 Steering Committee (Chairman Donaldson, Brad White, Bob Stanton, Department of the Interior, the National Trust, and NCSHPO) has met twice by conference call. The Steering Committee has reviewed revised versions of a policy discussion outline document that includes three major goals, five strategies to address each of those goals, and a series of possible implementing actions based on the member and public comments the ACHP has received so far. An introduction has also been added, based in part on the original Challenges and Opportunities statement that was the subject of two rounds of public input in the winter and spring. Read more please! Guidance on Using the NHPA to Protect Sensitive Information About Historic Properties 
The ACHP has issued a “Frequently Asked Questions” guidance document on protecting sensitive information about historic properties under Section 304 of the NHPA. Historic preservation stakeholders in the Section 106 process often ask how sensitive information about historic properties can be protected from public disclosure. Among other things, this new guidance answers questions about the type of information that is subject to protection and how Section 304 works to protect such information and thereby prevent harm to historic properties. In developing this guidance, the ACHP coordinated closely with the NPS’ Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places to ensure these FAQs identify the most commonly asked questions and provide helpful guidance to stakeholders. Vice Chairman Leger de Fernandez in the News 
Vice Chairman Teresa Leger de Fernandez was recently published in La Herencia (a publication of Latinos in Heritage Conservation) with an article focusing on the ACHP’s efforts to build a more inclusive preservation program. She specifically mentioned the outreach to Latino and Hispanic audiences. Read the article here. Native Youth Program Update 
In July and August, Native American Affairs Committee Chairman Leonard Forsman hosted two teleconferences with tribal leaders. The purpose was to seek their advice on how the ACHP should interact with Native youth about historic preservation and create opportunities for them to have a voice in historic preservation. In August, Office of Native American Affairs staff hosted a call with tribal preservation staff to seek their input, as well. The discussions were lively and resulted in concrete recommendations and interesting ideas for further development. One outcome was unequivocal support for the ACHP’s Native youth efforts. With that, staff has developed some basic information for youth about historic preservation, how to become involved, and careers in preservation. There is also a fact sheet for adults who work with Native youth. These will be posted on the ACHP website and distributed via e-mail and social media on Sept. 26 in conjunction with the White House Tribal Nations Conference. Another outcome was an invitation from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) to develop a partnership to offer presentations to the high schools that serve the reservation; reinstitute youth culture camps; and, to explore opportunities at Sitting Bull College. The THPO and the ACHP are currently drafting an agreement to outline goals and responsibilities. Lac du Flambeau, Wisc. Bear River pow-wow (a Preserve America Community) First Lady Designates Two Stewards 
Since the July 2016 business meeting First Lady Michelle Obama has designated two new Preserve America Stewards–the Gault School of Archaeological Research and Dunn Gardens. The Gault School of Archaeological Research in Florence, Texas, is dedicated to research and education regarding the earliest peopling of the Americas. Since its founding in 2006, more than 2,000 volunteers have participated in excavations and laboratory analysis at the Gault Site and other archaeological sites. The Gault Site is famous for its concentration of artifacts from 11 archaeological cultures dating back 15,000 years. Dunn Gardens in Seattle, Wash., was designed by the Olmsted Brothers landscaping firm in 1915 for businessman Arthur Dunn. Now open to the public, the gardens are interpreted by volunteer docents, who help visitors understand both the historic context of the gardens as well as the challenges posed by current climate change. Other volunteers are instrumental in maintaining the gardens and researching their history. Dunn Gardens Action Plan for Building a More Inclusive Preservation Program During the July 2016 business meeting, ACHP members voted unanimously to adopt final recommendations that will institutionalize the goals of a multi-year initiative to build a more inclusive national preservation program. The 2016 recommendations fall into two categories: those directed to the ACHP and those the ACHP recommends to members and partners. ACHP staff have been looking at areas where the “agency facing” recommendations will fall naturally under the ACHP’s strategic plan. Staff are developing an action plan for carrying out ACHP responsibilities, and one to support the areas directed to other federal agencies. The adopted recommendations dovetail well with the strategic plan, and will complement the agency’s mission. The action plan will lead to ideas for steps to take in FY 2017. Expect to see more deliverables such as the recent La Herencia publication, featuring an article from Vice Chairman Leger de Fernandez. ACHP staff will keep members apprised of progress as the action plan is developed. White House Tribal Nations Conference The eighth and final conference hosted by President Obama has been scheduled for Sept. 26-27. The plenary sessions will be Sept. 26 while the breakout sessions will take place on Sept. 27. Details and the agendas are still being developed by the White House Council on Native American Affairs, but sacred sites protection will be part of the discussions. The ACHP is planning to host a tribal leaders’ meeting on Sept. 28 to solicit input on Preservation50 recommendations regarding tribal historic preservation. Come to the Capitol’s Preservation Day! 
ACHP members, staff, and colleagues are invited to attend a day-long celebration of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on Sept. 23. The “Preservation Day” event, sponsored by the office of Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, will include a menu of activities that highlight the roles played by the many professionals who care for the Capitol and preserve our nation’s history. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., will feature interpreters using artifacts to demonstrate preservation efforts within the Capitol, a tour of the Brumidi Corridors, and a talk on a 19th century congressionally funded expedition to preserve historic plants. Speakers will include Ayers and Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds Ted Bechtol. ACHP members and staff also will be on hand during the event to engage with visitors and talk about the significance of the NHPA, as well as efforts to build more diversity and inclusiveness into the modern-day preservation movement. For more information, contact Susan Glimcher. A Busy August for Expert Member Bob Stanton 
Expert Member Bob Stanton has been featured in several broadcasts recently regarding the centennial of the National Park Service and the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. Watch his interview on C-SPAN. As well, watch Stanton on the Smithsonian Channel (the password is parks1). On Aug. 27, Stanton spoke at an NPS Centennial event at Massachusetts’ New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park that dedicated a walkway honoring the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The outfit was one of the first federally recognized African American regiments, and many of its recruits enlisted in New Bedford. In his keynote remarks, Stanton referred to retired Gen. Colin Powell, who forcefully and eloquently acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in defense of the country from 1641 to today, as well as former NPS Director George B. Hartzog Jr., who encouraged Americans not to default on their immutable obligation to protect national parks for the benefit of future generations. Stanton was also the keynote speaker for an Aug. 25 National Park Service Centennial event at the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Washington, D.C. Small Federal Handles in Section 106 Reviews The interagency Small Federal Handles (SFH) Working Group established by the ACHP earlier this year continues to consider ways to clarify federal agency responsibilities for compliance with Section 106 when an agency has limited federal involvement in an undertaking. The Working Group is comprised of representatives from agencies within the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Defense, Homeland Security, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development; NCSHPO; National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers; and the National Trust. Additional federal agencies, including the Tennessee Valley Authority, have indicated interest in participating. Thus far, the Working Group has reviewed the definition of undertaking in the Section 106 regulations and how that relates to federal actions, jurisdiction, and involvement in a project subject to Section 106 review. Members of the group have discussed the issues and difficulties encountered by federal agencies and Section 106 consulting parties when trying to address the implications of SFH. ACHP staff have suggested there is flexibility in the Section 106 regulations that may facilitate calibration of an agency’s responsibility to identify historic properties and resolve adverse effects relative to the nature of the agency’s jurisdiction and relation to the undertaking. The Working Group has endorsed the plan to develop guidance on the issue and is considering circumstances where a program alternative may be appropriate. They hope to provide further clarification of the best approach to address the issue, and draft a working outline, to share at the November Federal Agency Programs Committee meeting. Broadband Standard Treatment for Land Managing Agencies The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to consult with federal land managing agencies regarding the development of a Standard Treatment for the deployment of broadband. A standard treatment is a type of program alternative available under the Section 106 regulations that provides for standard methods to address the effects of broadband development on federal lands. DHS is currently engaged in outreach to consulting parties to introduce the proposed program alternative. Following attendance at the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Conference in August, DHS will conduct a webinar for SHPOs and THPOs to review the draft Standard Treatment and to explain that the ACHP will do further outreach to consulting parties once it receives a formal request to review the Standard Treatment from DHS. It is anticipated that the standard treatment will be presented to the members for consideration this fall. Climate Change 
In July, ACHP staff met with officials from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss how preservation of cultural resources is integrated into the New Urban Agenda, an international planning document scheduled for adoption at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) scheduled to take place in Quito, Ecuador, in October. ACHP staff provided comments on the second draft of the document, and HUD extended an invitation for the ACHP to work with the agency in eventual implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Read more. Policy Statement on Historic Preservation and Community Revitalization 
ACHP staff has developed a comment matrix which addresses all the comments submitted in response to the Federal Register Notice informing the public of the ACHP’s proposed Policy Statement on Historic Preservation and Community Revitalization. In addition, a group of SHPOs is consulting with HUD to negotiate acceptable language for the principle HUD proposed at the July business meeting. Once the provision is determined to be acceptable to HUD, NCSHPO, and the ACHP, staff will distribute a revised Policy Statement along with the comment matrix for member review and comment on this latest version. PastForward Plans 
ACHP members and staff will have a significant presence again at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s annual PastForward conference in Houston, Texas, Nov. 15-18. PastForward is a premier educational and networking event. This year, attendees will consider the role preservation can play in securing healthier and more sustainable, just, and attractive cities as the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act is celebrated. Office of Preservation Initiatives Director Ron Anzalone is organizing a panel entitled “Preservation 50–Striking Gold.” This interactive session will provide attendees an opportunity to discuss the ACHP’s draft policy recommendations to the challenges and opportunities facing the national preservation program, as well as strategies for implementing them. The recommendations will form the basis for a preservation policy agenda that would be carried out in 2017 and beyond in cooperation with the incoming presidential administration, Congress, and the preservation community. ACHP Members Brad White and Bob Stanton will also participate in the session. ACHP staff will be offering the Section 106 Essentials class, which will be taught by Jaime Loichinger and Chris Daniel. ACHP staff will host a booth in the exhibit hall and will be available to engage with attendees. Staff and members also will be attending sessions and workshops. Click here for more information on the conference. Legislative Update 
Following up on resolutions passed by the ACHP at its July meeting, Chairman Wayne Donaldson has sent letters to Congress regarding the proposed authorization legislation for the Department of Defense and spending bills for both the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior and related agencies. Congress returned to Capitol Hill on Sept. 6 after a seven-week summer break. Funding the government for the next fiscal year before the close of FY 2016 on Sept. 30 will be a major priority. The ACHP amendments, which provide for a full-time chair and a voting seat on the ACHP for the General Chairman of NATHPO, continue to progress as part of the House NPS Centennial bill. Negotiations on the primary bill continue, with the goal for floor action in the House by the end of September. The path forward in the Senate is less clear, but there is hope that a final NPS Centennial bill will clear the Congress this year and that the ACHP amendments will be included. Read more here. NPS Tribal Preservation Program 2016 Annual Report This year’s annual report includes an interview with Office of Native American Affairs Director Valerie Hauser on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. The focus of the interview is the future of tribal historic preservation, and Hauser talked about the importance of involving Native youth and the ACHP’s work to build a program to introduce Native youth to preservation. Read the interview. Spring and Summer Interns Make Outstanding Contributions 
Four interns, supported by the generosity of the ACHP Alumni Foundation, helped advance important ACHP projects in 2016, including increasing the involvement of youth in historic preservation, building a more inclusive preservation program, and developing policy recommendations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. We thank them for their contributions and wish them great success in their future endeavors. Read about them here. From left, summer interns Saralyn Salisbury-Jones, Mariel Rodriguez, Corey Lentz For Your Information Remember, ACHP members have their own website to use as a resource to check dates, look up information, or review materials from past business meetings. Contact Kiani Morris if you need login information.
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