HIstoric Preservation
Low Number of Historic Resources Designated for Preservation
Why is it important?
Preserving and enhancing a region’s irreplaceable historic values, as a matter of public interest, provides a vital legacy of cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic, economic, social, and environmental benefits. These benefits maintain and enrich a community for present and future generations.
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was enacted in 1966, creating the National Register of Historic Places, a list of historic landmarks with the intent of managing important sites in the face of development projects. It requires evaluation of the impact of any government-funded construction project on historic resources. 10
How are we doing?
Less than half of the Sierra's known historic resources are designated for preservation. The North Sierra has the highest percentage with just less than 60 percent, while the East subregion has the lowest with fewer than 35 percent of known historic resources designated for preservation. These numbers do not match the magnitude of the cultural and historical richness of the region.
10 http://encyclopedia.worldvillage.com/s/b/National_Historic_Preservation_Act (see text of NHPA at http://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/nhpa1966.htm)
