Cultural Resources Management in the

USFWS

What Are Cultural Resources?Archaeological sitesPlaces associated with historical events and peopleCultural & sacred areasBuildings & structuresMuseum collections, objects & documents

Cultural Resources Management in the USFWS

Why Do We Deal With Cultural Resources?

It’s the LawPart of overall ‘habitat resources’ to be considered during habitat managementImportant non-renewable resources

for which USFWS is accountable

Cultural Resources Management in the USFWS

What Value Are Cultural Resources to the USFWS?

Cultural resources can & have been used by FWS biologists to provide historical information on species distribution patterns & locations.Cultural resources can be used to develop educational programs at refuges across the country.Cultural resources can be used to describe the history of events on refuge property that still occur today (e.g., types of prehistoric hunting evidence found on refuge property).Cultural resources assist USFWS in attracting new visitors interested in habitat history.Cultural resources assist USFWS in building partnerships with tribes & local communities.

Cultural Resources Management in the USFWS

Scope of FWS Cultural Resources Program

Identified over 12,000 cultural resources on Service lands to date (2003)Review thousands of projects annually to consider potential impacts to historic propertiesResponsible for 4.4 million museum objectsManage over 1,000 buildings or structures that are at least 50 years old

Cultural Resources Management in the USFWS

What Is FWS & the Refuge System Doing for Cultural

Resources?

Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997

Develop comprehensive conservation plans that identify & describe the archaeological and cultural values of the planning unit.

Develop FWS planning guidance to:Develop CRM overviewIntegrate CRM info into CCP processIdentify objectives & prioritiesCRM step-down plans

What is FWS & the Refuge System Doing for Cultural Resources?

National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnerships Act of 1998

Authorizes partnerships with organizations that promote the conservation of cultural & historical resources of a refuge

Encourages the use of refuges for outdoor classroom opportunities that include curricula on understanding & protecting cultural & historical resources

What is FWS & the Refuge System Doing for Cultural Resources?

THANK YOU