Historic Preservation Summit Report. Summit Convened By: Wyoming State Historical Society December 5, 2008

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1 Historic Preservation Summit Report Summit Convened By: Wyoming State Historical Society December 5, 2008

2 Executive Summary A Historic Preservation Summit, sponsored by the Wyoming State Historical Society in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office and Wyoming Main Street, was held December 5, 2008 in Casper. The purpose of the Summit was to continue the conversation started at the Preserve Wyoming 2008: Main Street and Beyond conference held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 15-17, 2008 and to develop goals and action plans for preservation efforts at the local and statewide levels. The State Historic Preservation Office and Main Street staffs cannot act as advocates or lobbyists; these entities co-sponsored the Summit as a means to hear the concerns of Wyoming residents. This report processes the thoughts, suggestions, and action items Summit attendees addressed, combining overlapping issues and action items, and summarizing the multiple conversations that took place during the meeting. The action plan items addressed four main topics: Education, Outreach, and Advocacy Establish a state-wide advocacy group and promote preservation mentality Funding Needs and Sources Establish historic preservation funding sources and easement program Historic Preservation as Economic Development Complete a study of the economic values of historic preservation and heritage tourism Preserving Resources Complete historic context initiatives and evaluate impacts of wind development projects by stakeholder group These items are considered to be current and critical as the residents of Wyoming integrate historic preservation into the state and local government agenda and realize progress. The recognition of the need for a state-wide advocacy group, by extension, suggests that we need a statewide effort to pursue the action items identified at the summit. The Summit sponsors will be reaching out to friends of preservation to research topics, join task forces and attend meetings. Please consider where your interests and efforts can best be put to use. Contact Linda Fabian, Wyoming State Historical Society Executive Secretary, and let her know how you can participate in Summit follow-up projects. Linda can be contacted at linda@dancewyoming.com or by phone at **This report relates the concerns and suggestions of the Historic Preservation Summit attendees and does not reflect the views of the State Historic Preservation Office or Main Street Program.**

3 Introduction A Historic Preservation Summit, sponsored by the Wyoming State Historical Society in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Wyoming Main Street, was held December 5, 2008 in Casper. This important meeting was a follow up to discussions that took place at the Preserve Wyoming 2008: Main Street and Beyond conference held in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 15-17, The purpose of the Summit was to continue the conversation started at the conference about historic preservation in Wyoming and develop goals and action plans for preservation efforts at the local and statewide levels. The State Historic Preservation Office and Main Street staffs cannot act as advocates or lobbyists; these entities co-sponsored the Summit as a means to hear the concerns of Wyoming residents. The challenges presented in On the Road to Preservation: Wyoming s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan served as the starting point for the Summit discussion. The Plan can be found at This Summit Report serves several purposes. First, it provides an overview of the meeting process and details the outcomes of the day s work. Secondly, the report highlights the participants consensus on critical issues. And, thirdly, it points to how citizens in the state can foster and take action on historic preservation issues. This report relates the concerns and suggestions of the Historic Preservation Summit attendees and does not reflect the views of the State Historic Preservation Office or Main Street Program. The Historic Preservation Summit Nearly 100 attendees of the Summit spent several hours identifying, analyzing, and summarizing topics of interest. The Summit participants included business people, members of preservation organizations, city employees and members of the interested public. The interrelationships of these groups, whether characterized as the spokes of a wheel, a group of cogs, or a layer cake, are critical in Wyoming. The Summit agenda can be found in Appendix A of this document. Appendix B is a list of Summit participants and their affiliations. Appendix D is a list of Departmental Contacts. Attendees were asked to consider, discuss, and confirm whether or not, any or all of the challenges identified in Wyoming s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan are still considered the most pressing historic preservation needs at state and local levels. The seven challenges that organized the conversations at the Summit are: Challenge 1: Strengthen historic preservation programs and initiatives to augment existing preservation efforts. Challenge 2: Increase public education and outreach efforts. Challenge 3: Preserve and protect cultural resources from the impacts of energy development, population growth, and sprawl. Challenge 4: Unify heritage tourism efforts between agencies at a statewide level. Challenge 5: Strengthen local community capabilities to identify, evaluate, nominate, protect and interpret historic and cultural resources. Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 1

4 Challenge 6: Strengthen site stewardship, artifact curation, and record preservation capabilities. Challenge 7: Identify and protect cultural landscapes. Summit participants selected one of these seven topics to address in a small working group. Each group defined specific issues related to the challenge and then brainstormed possible solutions. Specific actions were then identified that would be the steps in the solution. Finally, each group selected two of the most important first steps for the challenge. Many attendees committed to working on these most critical action items at the conclusion of the Summit and thereby affirmed their commitment to implementing the Summit agenda. Appendix C, a report of the working group results, captures the content of the day s conversation. The Summit Report This report processes the thoughts and suggestions that Summit attendees addressed and summarizes the multiple conversations that took place during the meeting. The action plan items sorted themselves into four main topics: education, outreach, and advocacy; funding needs and sources; historic preservation as economic development; and preserving resources. The summary of these action plan items are described below and then presented in a table that adds a priority ranking of 1 or 2. The Action Items, as identified in terms of the seven challenges in Wyoming s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan, are also presented. These items are considered to be current and critical as the residents of Wyoming integrate historic preservation into state and local government planning processes and realize progress. Summaries of Action Plan Items Education, Outreach, Advocacy The need for education, outreach, and advocacy were considered carefully. The need for a new and expanded program of historic preservation advocacy and lobbying in Wyoming was front and center in this topic. The establishment of a state-wide group or network, and the value of one strong partner working with existing groups were noted, as well as the need for a website and forum. We need to promote a new preservation mentality and make sure local government staff, appointed boards, and elected officials at all levels of government consider historic preservation as one of the best tools in community management. Historic preservation should be considered as a best management practice and part of the community planning toolbox. The most pressing area for awareness is the adoption and interpretation of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), which has provisions for historic buildings. Education of city building officials and others in the treatment of historic structures using the IEBC is needed in Wyoming. The celebration of the National Trust for Historic Preservation s historic preservation month in May could be a venue throughout the state to heighten general awareness of preservation opportunities and programs. The economic benefit of historic preservation is a critical educational topic for adults, while the development of curriculum for younger citizens was also proposed. Overall, more education targeted to government Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 2

5 officials and the public is a high priority and should be a coordinated effort by all historic preservation entities in the state. Funding Needs and Sources The need for increased funding for historic preservation projects bricks and mortar work was also highlighted. Crucial steps include establishing an historic preservation fund and identifying its funding mechanisms. Linking a new tax on energy produced by the wind industry was suggested as a way that Wyoming could replicate the success that other states have had with dedicated funding sources and the use of historic preservation easements. Funding sources and incentives are not equitably or easily available to for-profit, non-profit, public, and private property owners for historic preservation. The group expressed the desire to even the playing field and aid all groups to tap into assistance to protect and preserve these properties. Property tax relief for historic properties was suggested as a solution. For examples of some existing funding opportunities, please see Appendix E. Historic Preservation as Economic Development Summit attendees noted that preservation is not just a nice idea; it is an economic engine. Evaluating and publicizing the economics of historic preservation and heritage tourism are needed. Such studies could be tools for advocacy groups to convince community leaders, legislators, and other Wyomingites that historic preservation is an economic development tool. Preserving Cultural Resources Some of the cultural resources in the state need to be better understood and protected. A priority list for site stewardship regular monitoring of vulnerable sites needs to be developed. The existing SHPO/Bureau of Land Management site stewardship program is poised to expand, and should do so first with the most vulnerable sites on federal and state lands. The on-going SHPO project to develop historic contexts that can be used to more efficiently identify and evaluate cultural resources throughout the state is an initiative that should be supported and completed. The availability and completion of contexts was noted to be a critical first step in understanding the cultural landscapes in the state. The public needs to be introduced to the presence and concept of historic and prehistoric cultural landscapes in the state as a significant resource category. A better understanding of the relationship between wind energy projects and cultural resources, particularly cultural landscapes, would be beneficial to both the energy industry project proponents and cultural resource managers. The consideration of project placement and visual effects, as well as possible mitigation, should be a collaborative effort of a group that represents all interests. Table 1 further summarizes these action items and adds a priority ranking; the resources and some specific actions that need to take place are also noted. The interrelationship of many of these items highlights the importance of working on various items at the same time. Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 3

6 Summit Initiative Priority Advocacy, Outreach, Education Establish State-wide 1 Advocacy Group Promote Preservation Mentality Implement more specific projects, i.e. May Historic 2 Preservation Month and Curriculum Development Funding Needs and Sources Establish Historic Preservation Fund, 1 Funding, and Easement Program 1 Table 1. Action Items with Priority Indicated Relationship to other Initiatives Needs Comments Needs to be in place to realize other actions. Strong leaders, wide participation The most widely cited need Needs economic data on preservation and heritage Steering Committee and support from A state-wide effort; needs to sell economic as tourism CLG Board members and others well as other benefits Supports other initiatives Plan could be first cause of advocacy group Identify Funding Sources 1 Critical for establishment of a fund Explore Property Tax Part of larger financial and 2 Relief investment picture Historic Preservation as Economic Development Execute and publicize study of economic value of 1 Will provide data for historic preservation advocacy efforts Execute and publicize study of economic value of heritage tourism Preserving Resources Evaluate impacts of wind development projects 1 Complete historic context initiative 1 Identify vulnerable sites and provide stewardship 2 Initiate study and promotion of concept of cultural landscapes 2 1 Will provide data for advocacy efforts Sponsors, coordinators, volunteers Legislation; task force to plan and coordinate Perhaps legislation; task force to study and make recommendations Legislation; task force to plan and coordinate Funding, consultant Funding, consultant Build on existing programs; curriculum supports long-term thinking about Wyoming s history and environment Task Force needs to study existing models and develop new possibilities Other states may provide models; need dedicated sources Tie to historic preservation funding and easement program Would provide data that Wyoming does not have Would provide data that Wyoming does not have Industry impacts cultural and natural landscapes Task Force to study and make recommendations Strong, diverse task force to include all stakeholders Would provide information for other educational efforts Funding, consultants Project initiated; needs to be completed Existing Archaeological Site Stewardship program Funding and specialist involvement Considered critical to long-term preservation A vulnerable resource; new development Vulnerable to modern Funding for state employee or components and impacts need to be carefully development and sprawl consultant study and evaluation considered

7 Summit Action Items by Challenges The following outline provides the action items identified by the working groups in terms of the seven challenges identified in Wyoming s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. As noted above, a more complete report on each group s conversation can be found in Appendix C. Challenge 1 1. Establish Historic Preservation Fund and funding mechanism(s) Develop tool box for property owners Develop grants, and various types of loans, match required for both, available to all types of owners: private/homeowners and for-profit, and non-profit entities Easements required upon receipt of grant/loan Fund is also easement holder Possible funding sources two funds, one from state funds, the other from endowments Private gifts Various taxes 2. Property tax relief system with easement required Challenge 2 1. Improve awareness of the value of Historic Preservation Expand and promote Historic Preservation month in all communities and within organizations i.e. Wyoming Archaeological Society (WAS), Wyoming State Historical Society (WSHS), etc. Developers and Realtors Create lesson plans with information readily available for teachers and librarians Centralized website Report on economic $ of Historic Preservation Who: State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and trickle down National Trust Historic Preservation (NTHP) Main Street, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming State Historical Society (WSHS), Chapters of Wyoming State Historical Society When: January 2009 and Work with established 501C3 (non-profit) or develop a new statewide organization to promote Historic Preservation advocacy, involving: National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Wyoming State Historical Society (WSHS) Alliance for Historic Wyoming (AHW) By May 2009 will know results of Alliance for Historic Wyoming s (AHW) strategic plan (go from there) Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 5

8 Challenge 3 1. Advocacy State Based Alliance Advocacy Group Approach Wyoming State Historical Society and the Alliance for Historic Wyoming to work in a cooperative effort Central point of contact for statewide group Need local groups to come together to agree to participate Each group chooses a representative to reach out to all partners Need robust membership list including members with expertise, political clout, technical knowledge, volunteers, to get a good knowledge base From membership list build network out 2. Increase Funding for Historic Preservation Projects Revenue Sources Possible tax on energy produced from wind projects, ask for a percent of tax to go to historic preservation fund State collected tax Use severance tax as model set aside for historic preservation Find legislation on appropriations and corporations Contact key Legislators Look for other interest groups with same ideas Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Committee Contact Marty Martin, Sweetwater County Need to do homework and research Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) - ASAP Make a business case with Main Street and State Historic Preservation Office Goal to have this in the budget session in 2010 This plan is dependent upon Advocacy Group Look for grant funding to: Develop website constant contact web developers Get word out alerts Respond by link- instant response on website Set up a forum (Bulletin Boy) National Trust for Historic Preservation- website, explore different web options Have registered members Challenge 4 1. Heritage Tourism Economic Impact Study Find Funding Check on what is already done Develop Scope of Work Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 6

9 Develop coalition (State Historic Preservation Office/Wyoming State Historical Society/University of Wyoming/Build the Wyoming We Want, Others) to support study Suggest Ashley Rooney as meeting coordinator Inquire with U.W. Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (Burk Granjean) Time frame for completion is 6 months to one year 2. Develop a statewide advocacy group Define potential partners Convene meeting of potential partners at May meeting in Sheridan Have a non-profit partner to convene meeting and recruit attendance at meeting. Suggest: Wyoming State Historical Society (Linda Fabian) or Alliance for Historic Wyoming (Barb Dobos) Advocacy Coalition to use Economic Impact Study results Challenge 5 1. Get a preservation mentality into the codes and day-to-day thoughts of staff, appointed boards, and elected officials Adopt International Existing Building Code Train building codes officials Compile case studies of successful rehabilitation projects Create preservation ordinances 2. Form a committee that is statewide and comprised of representatives from Certified Local Governments. Possibly utilize the National Trust and/or their funding to initiate the committee formation. Challenge 6 1. Stewardship priority list. (Coordinate with SHPO stewardship team-joe Daniele, Responsible parties the stewardship time and those who signed up to help with this action item). Resource needed is State Historic Preservation Office Stewardship coordinator. Identify the 10 most threatened sites in Wyoming. Identify the 10 most sites most compatible with cultural heritage tourism. Of the site matrix developed with steps 1 and 2, prioritize them based on their affordability to implement stewardship, ease of access issues, and level of community interest. All communications probably could be done via once addresses are distributed from the meeting. Time frame for completion is one year. Challenge 7 1. Develop the 7 priority Historic Contexts already identified by State Historic Preservation Office Contexts will provide: Identification of relationships between landscapes/properties Evaluation of property types Defining boundaries Management guidance Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 7

10 Ensure landscapes are a component of all contexts! Resources Needed Funding Community support Community action Coordinated management Landowners Legislators Advocates Timeframe Spring 2009 Building Community Support Presentations/meetings by preservation organizations Wyoming Archaeological Society meeting, Preservation interest groups, outreach Summer/Fall 2009 funding proposal to legislators; use plan already in place Spring 2010 funding passes legislature 2. Education and Outreach (knowledge of cultural landscapes as a preservation issue and a better understanding of the issues were identified as some of the biggest challenges) Educate Government Agencies (federal, state, local) Management of landscapes Identification of landscapes Determine landscape management needs specific to Wyoming Meetings/Public Presentation Funding Wyoming Archaeological Society Conservation Districts Education on management Outreach to landowners Utilize Centennial program? Resources Needed $ people to present/educate private party partnerships Agency: Cultural Resources personnel State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA) Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 8

11 Moving Forward The Historic Preservation Summit resulted in initiatives that will extend the recent upsurge of interest and momentum in this area that exists throughout our state. The involvement of Wyoming citizens in moving the historic preservation agenda forward is critical. In Wyoming, neither discussions, nor their implementation, should be, or even could be, a top-down effort. In terms of lobbying the Wyoming State Legislature and advocating for historic preservation initiatives, citizens must take the lead. Our legislators take action based on constituent interests. The recognition of the need for a state-wide advocacy group, by extension, suggests that we need a statewide effort to pursue the action items identified at the summit. The Summit sponsors will be reaching out to friends of preservation to research topics, join task forces and attend meetings (in person or via telephone). Consider where your interests and efforts can best be put to use. Please contact Linda Fabian, Wyoming State Historical Society Executive Secretary, and let her know how you can participate in Summit follow-up projects. Linda can be contacted at linda@dancewyoming.com or Appendices: Appendix A - Agenda Appendix B Participant List Appendix C Working Group Results Appendix D Departmental Contacts Appendix E Financial Resources Historic Preservation Summit Report Page 9

12 Appendix A Wyoming State Historical Society in cooperation with Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office and Wyoming Main Street AGENDA for HISTORIC PRESERVATION SUMMIT DECEMBER 5, 2008 CASPER, WYOMING 10:00 COMING TOGETHER Welcome, introductions, housekeeping Why are we all here? What is the purpose of today s meeting? 10:30 The State of Preservation in Wyoming Presentations by Mary Humstone (past preservation efforts) Mary Hopkins (state/federal perspective) Linda Fabian (relationships between preservation organizations) 11:00 BREAK 11:15 On the Road to Preservation I Vetting the Challenges Review challenges highlighted in the statewide plan and discuss if others should be added DEFINING THE ISSUES Breakout groups relate challenges to issues and report PROPOSING SOLUTIONS Breakout groups relate issues to solutions 1:00 Buffet Lunch 2:00 On the Road to Preservation II CONVERTING SOLUTIONS TO ACTIONS Breakout Groups work on action plans and report 3:30 A Summit Action Plan Summit attendees identify the most important next steps 4:00 ADJOURN SAFE TRAVELS HOME!

13 Appendix B Last Name First Name Participant Affiliation Albanese John Natrona County Certified Local Government/Geoarchaeologist Anderson Kevin W History Center, Casper College, Western History Archivist Applegate Dave Anadarko Petroleum Beardmore Richard AE Design Becker Rory Natural Resources Conservation Service Bennington Les President Nat'l Pony Express Association Berglund Patrice AE Design Bishop Susan Cadoma Foundation Bittner Eric National Archives Blankstone Alicia City of Buffalo, Planning Blumenshine Deborah Riverton Certified Local Government & City Planning Commission Bovee Renee Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Bower Chris WY State Historical Society Bradley Betsy State Historic Preservation Office Broumley Robin Trails Center Buddenborg Jennifer Nat'l Trust Denver Regional Office Capps Mary Weston County Chapter Care Linda Council Member Town of Glenrock, Historical Commission Collins Gary Arapaho Tribal Liaison Costin Ginger Gillette Historical Society Cronin Vaughn Author/Pioneer Association Disney-Caldwell Debbie Historic Plains Hotel Dobos Barbara Alliance for Historic Wyoming Dumbrill Lucille WY Historical Foundation & Weston Earnst Arlene State Parks & Cultural Resources/Douglas Certified Local Government Eiserman Fred Previous Oil & Gas, Concerned Citizen Ellis Jackie Natrona County Historical Society, Oregon California Trails Association Ellis Pinky Oregon California Trails Association Ericson Robin Lyn Fundraising and Public Relations in Historic Preservation

14 Last Name First Name Participant Affiliation Fabian Linda Executive Secretary, Historical Society Fuller Jeff Build the Wyoming We Want Garrett Richard Wyoming Outdoor Council Green Milt Facilitator/ Community Assessments Greer John Greer Services Greer Mavis Greer Services Hahn Kara State Historic Preservation Office Hein Randy Main Street/Architect Herbst Della Sheridan Heritage Center Hines Ann Casper Historic Preservation Commission Hopkins Mary State Historic Preservation Office Johnson Marlin Planner Platte County, Town of Wheatland Kaumo Tim Mayor of Rock Springs Keck John National Park Service Kennell Edna Oregon California Trails Assoc., National Trails Center, Natrona County HS Lanham Chuck Tracks Across Wyoming/WY State Historical Society Longfield Katherine Consultant Lucas Bill State Parks & Cultural Resources Commissioner Maier Edre Sheridan Heritage Center Mattern Allen Natrona County Preservation Board Miller Mark State Archaeologist, OWSA Morton Tom Casper Star Tribune Mueller Lisa Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency Mullinnix Sherri City of Douglas, Planning Needles Sara State Parks & Cultural Resources Nowlin Laura State Historic Preservation Office Pastor Jana President RS Urban Renewal Agency Phillips Scott SWCA Environmental Consultants, Principle Investigator Prater Dana Sheridan County HS & Museum, Landmark Commission Rea Tom Author/WY Humanities Council Reynolds John WY State Historical Society Reynolds VirJean WY State Historical Society

15 Last Name First Name Participant Affiliation Rooney Ashley State Historic Preservation Office/State Parks & Cultural Resources Susan Sheridan Historical Preservation Ross "Sukey" Commission Ruonavar Patty Pioneer Association Shosky Daniel SWCA Environmental Consultants Strombeck John Cadoma Foundation Thibodeau Todd Planning Tisthammer Thomas HP Consultant Ullery Patricia Big Horn Mountain Coalition Varner Clara Weston County Chapter Warfel Bill Historic Plains Hotel Wolf Judy Chief, Planning York Audrey State Historic Preservation Office

16 Appendix C WORKING GROUP RESULTS Challenge 1 : Strengthen historic preservation programs and initiatives to augment existing preservation efforts. (Green Light Building Preservation, make it easier) I. Issues Needing good plans Getting started and getting started correctly Historic status of properties Non-profit VS for-profit funding Property tax relief Need for non-profit incentive(s) for rehab projects Need for tool with same effect of designate and regulate Funding for bricks and mortar projects and for historic building maintenance Easements need and need a state-wide holder Preservation grant fund needed Business council grant criteria broadened II. Solutions Recognize differences in needs, etc. of for-profit, non-profit, and private and homeowners for help and incentives Need for good consultants Need for planning grants and guidance in planning for private property owners Discussed various approaches to historic status for use with incentives Discussed need of a determined eligible status program Discussed need for state register, which could be initially fed by local designations Decided that National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listing was best to start with for access to incentives and easements Discussed need for a non-profit organization, a Preservation Fund Functions of this would be to provide grants and loans for bricks and mortar projects and to hold easements We should use existing models; could be an advocacy group Need to get it funded potential to use a wind energy tax, severance tax, hotel tax Projects should provide match Property tax relief Revolving loan fund

17 Develop a program/private group to purchase, rehab, and resell properties as a (slightly) for-profit entity Facilitator Comments The broad nature of Challenge 1 prompted the group to focus its discussions right away on the need to realize more building rehabilitation projects in the state and accordingly adopted the theme Green Light Historic Building Rehabilitation. The issue of providing grants, loans, and other incentives prompted an extensive discussion of the need to establish which properties would be eligible for these benefits. The pros and cons of establishing a state historic register of historic places, as several other states have, were considered. The possibility of using determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as the critical status for new incentives was also discussed. The group decided that NRHP listing was probably the most logical status to use initially, considering the fact that any newly funded grant and loan program would probably initially have limited funds. The various challenges of non-profit, for-profit, public, and private property owners were noted. All sources of funding have limitations based on the type of ownership. The group agreed that the state should work to provide funding sources for all types of owners. The main action items for this group are mutually reinforcing and complete a conceptual model for realizing more historic property rehabilitation projects in the state. As more investment dollars are brought to the rehabilitation of historic properties, the more benefits can be provided to property owners and investors, as well as the citizens of Wyoming. The use of easements is considered a key aspect of the benefits. Easements will ensure the long-term preservation of rehabilitated properties, an aspect of historic preservation that has not had a strong presence in Wyoming. The group hoped that property-owner initiated easements would be more acceptable in Wyoming that the practices used widely elsewhere government initiated designation of historic districts and regulation through design review. Challenge 2: Increase public education and outreach efforts. (Increase public education, outreach and advocacy efforts) I. Challenges: Getting people hooked, especially younger people, want broad involvement Teachers Museums Earlier than 4 th grade Statewide curriculum- 3 rd grade Awareness You don t know what you don t know Develop programs

18 Desire Learn to look ahead (more than 50 years) What we re building today Values; throw-away society Negative- $ to destroy, but not to save Reactive vs. Proactive No inventory Always on the back-end Include and develop stories of building Educate owners/tenants about the value of their building Who else? Pressure? Innovative uses Limited statewide advocacy Need to identify a statewide 501C3 (non-profit) advocacy group Cohesiveness Need to broaden our constituencies Developers, Realtors, etc. Economic monetary advantage to renovate rather than tear down Money available for heritage tourism Synopsis of Group 2 Challenges Education (one-way communication) Resources Teachers Local museums o get students involved earlier than 4 th grade o students = more broad involvement o statewide curriculum Add Value Educate owners and tenants at to the value/story of their building Volunteers create history talks for local groups Teach value of renovating rather than destroy, $ involved Cultural Heritage Tourism Identify creative and alternative uses of existing buildings Awareness (two-way communication) Proactive vs. Reactive Create building inventory Work with local leadership one person at a time Developers/Realtors Build for the future, adds value

19 Statewide Advocacy Create or identify a statewide 501C3 organization Work with established 501C3 II. Solutions: Education, Awareness, and Advocacy What Resources Who Economic advantage of Historic Preservation State of WY, SHPO, Business Council May HP Month State of WY, SHPO All community development programs Curriculum Retired Teachers Challenge 3: Preserve and protect cultural resources from the impacts of energy development, population growth, and sprawl. I. Issues: Protect the Wide Open outsiders are wowed by our landscape and heritage Skylining- protect our views county and city planning, need better/tighter plans of development Develop Up, rather than out low maintenance, worry free living, walking downtowns, reuse old buildings Wind Impact (Wind Mills) highly visible and permanent need responsible planning and development need city and/or county authority to shape development- where do they get the authority? Educate legislators to help pass a favorable legislation Sprawl- need to get ahead of this issue (but feel may already be behind) No cohesive county planning in Wyoming- elected officials don t want to address, but cannot ignore any longer Infrastructure and maintenance costs Subdivision costs Water infrastructure problem Back tracking on permitting Tax revenues are not distributed where impact occurs Why do we always feel we need to entice industry to the state? Keep historic resources authentic and real Non-authentic resources can detract

20 Stay true to our roots Stringent building requirements so new buildings fit Don t look phony Old stays old New stays new, but fits Address the Economics of Preservation Correct code guidance- can bring building back (reuse) Tax base is so low it drives neglect Schools renovation- less expensive than new construction Need to find a new use for the building Educate legislators Adopt International Existing Building Code at local/city level Educate on codes II. Solutions: Tax on Wind Tie it to the historic component Resources just like oil and gas Trust Fund identified for Historic Preservation only with a percentage of tax back to Historic Preservation Criteria Development for Wind Development Environmental, cultural and social criteria Address development, identify suitable areas where development could occur- need to do NOW Educate legislators/ leaders/elected officials Educate planners and contractors on codes Develop a method to lobby- through advocacy group Cross section group for education efforts, include tourism Internet based umbrella group Strong advocacy, point of contact, we all need to buy in Innovative communication- web based newsletter on this group Wyoming State Historical Society (WSHS), Alliance for Historic Wyoming? State-based alliance advocacy Improved website with auto-connect, link to comment Web links to alerts from State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Get with Main Street on building codes Go through Mayor Urge consolidated energy development Multiple well pads

21 Directed drillings Water development Reinjection of water back into wells Easements for Historic Preservation Insure Benefit from Section 106 projects Resources are being ignored and under addressed by federal agencies Challenge 4: Unify heritage tourism efforts between agencies at a statewide level. I. Issues: The need for Communication/Partnerships Eliminating the competition between like organizations Authenticity Education on concept of Heritage Tourism (creating the desire for Heritage Tourism) Balancing the needs for Access and Protection Need for Identification/signage Need for initial tourist info to get the visitor to your site Money Recognition and elimination of our Inferiority complex Becoming a planned stopping point or destination Need for Promotion Creating loop tours (recognizing difference between theme oriented and destination oriented visitors) Need for visitor infrastructure at sites Need to capture the attention of the visitor in their planning stage Need to work with State, County and Local tourism efforts Need to work on the visitor experience at sites II. Solutions: Site passports (such as some museum associations have put together to encourage visitor ship and eliminate competition fears) Create a state-run Historic Tourism office Create a state level advocacy group Use Building the WY We Want to help organize the effort Use the State Historic Preservation Office to facilitate effort Work with existing private organization as an advocacy group Need to have the money, grant dollars, staff, etc. to make group effective Cross state lines/jurisdictions to create Alliances

22 Partnerships with existing organizations with resources Funding Sources: Wyoming Community Foundation Private Foundations like True, Haliburton, McMurry Corporate Foundations like Walmart Preserve America (promotion, marketing and planning grants available) Scenic Byways (signage and bricks & mortar grants available) Cultural Trust Fund (administrative, project, promotion, planning and bricks & mortar grants available) Generate revenue: Vanity plates, registration fees Heritage Tourism Economic Study (need to find out how other states have conducted them) Energy companies might supply $ to help with study? Check on what studies have already been done by WY Tourism Wyoming Business Council Use Funding Sources already identified Challenge 5: Strengthen local community capabilities to identify, evaluate, nominate, protect, and interpret historic and cultural resources. I. Issues: Is it beneficial to list a property on the National Register? Public opinion people are scared of listing The preservation/rehabilitation processes are difficult. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance Too much paperwork involved Need for public education It s too expensive to rehabilitate Need a handout from State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to explain the benefits of preservation Lack of bricks and mortar funding Should this be a state/federal issue or a local issue? Lack of city involvement Need for local preservation-friendly rules/regulations/policies Easily understood regulations/outcomes Too few people Tax credits are difficult to get How do you get the local government interested? Technical assistance is too expensive

23 Planning needs to be done early on in the process It s difficult to work with building codes Difficult to find the potential/future uses for buildings in need of rehab Hard to find the correct fit for rehab projects Need to do a better job of explaining the benefits of preservation Need incentives or different/new programs at the city/local level Need a state commitment to help local governments (financially) The network is too small II. Solutions: Funding Opportunities Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Develop program to earmark properties for state/foundation funding Establish list of properties to target efforts Round-Up program people have the option to round-up utility bill and the extra goes to preservation projects. License plate to fund preservation (like the one for UW) Inventory of what other communities have established Waive/defer fees for building projects Education of city officials and general public Train the correct people on how the building codes work with historic buildings Get preservation into land use planning Define how building codes assist preservation Do an initial project for reference/promotion Invite building inspectors to see preservation projects Bring technical expertise to communities Hire experts to educate community Vote wisely Local trade and craft training How to explain the benefits of preservation Use the green initiative Relate preservation projects to the total project cost Demolition costs A series of state lectures to show successful projects Appeal to local people on an emotional level Articles in the newspaper Awards program Involve the historical society Dump of the Month to spur vacant property owners TV series

24 Emphasize that preservation is labor intensive, which makes a large local impact Hold contests with high school students will get parents involved, too Similar to history day State and local contests Statewide training for city officials Work with heritage tourism Forming a larger network Work with existing organizations Tourism Statewide preservation groups Leadership Wyoming Planning Building Codes Tours of historic resources as part of conferences Utilize the Certified Local Government (CLG) network better Create a listserv Lobby How to explain the benefits to the project proponent/building owner/developer Waive city/utility fees/property tax Public relations/advertising Provide predictable outcomes to projects Increase taxes and set aside for preservation projects Work with the Main Street program Mandatory training for city/county officials Public forums Hire lobbyist Training on building codes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, etc. Real life/practical training Get organizations to work together/communicate Use the Internet Get involved with city/county meetings Use one voice and not 100 voices to make the argument more concise/planned Priority: Get a preservation mentality into the codes and day-to-day thoughts of staff, appointed boards, and elected officials Responsibility: Form a committee that is statewide and comprised of representatives from Certified Local Governments. Possibly utilize the National Trust and/or their funding to initiate the committee formation. Topics that need more/further explanation/promotion:

25 It is not always less expensive to build new as opposed to rehabilitating an existing structure. The federal tax credit process How to establish a preservation ordinance (restrictive) A more useful listserv Challenge 6: Strengthen site stewardship, artifact curation, and record preservation capabilities. General discussion: A point was made that complex artifacts have components. For example there may be component parts to historically valuable farm tractors scattered among several ranch dumps. It might be useful to have a clearinghouse similar to Craig s List, or a directory, so museums and others wishing to have a piece of equipment can find the necessary components from several sources. A network of information and availability. Colorado-Wyoming Association of Museums (CWAM) and Professional organizations may be partners. I. Issues Stewardship: 1. Should Stewardship focus just on sites, or also on landscapes? 2. Need to address site ownership and site security. 3. What to do about managing the leaving of memorabilia at sites like the Medicine Wheel where the accumulation of prayer bags, etc. can disrupt the public viewing of site? 4. What is the amount and type of use a site under stewardship can sustain? 5. Can formal and informal partnerships develop that may help get resources for stewardship? 6. With so many sites in Wyoming, it might be important to prioritize sites for stewardship selection. 7. Concern was expressed regarding the industrialization of the Wyoming landscape and its impact on sites worthy of stewardship. Curation of artifacts and paper records 1. What would be involved to seek greater access of information online for research and other public benefits? 2. Who can be identified that would provide referrals to researchers inquiring about collections and collections policy? 3. How should the Freedom of Information Act be addressed at all levels where collections may reside, local, state and nation? 4. Inadequate funding available to address the dangers facing managed collections.

26 II. Solutions: 5. Concern over ethical issues in the use of artifact and paper records. Need for recognition of intellectual property. Stewardship: Address on-site security issues by having a superintendent present, which may be a Retiree in a community. Involve local law enforcement as partners in a stewardship program. Consider site stewardship as a mitigation measure in 106 process. Develop guidelines for leaving personal objects at sites like Medicine Wheel. Select sites for stewardship by addressing the most threatened, most valuable for cultural heritage tourism, and those most likely to receive resources for protection. Curation of artifacts and paper records: Acquire funding to develop or expand online databases. Complete inventory, and design options for using databases. Resolve the rights and permissions questions through guidance, e.g., copyrights and intellectual property. Fund a clearinghouse to resolve issues. With appropriate funding, put FAQs about collections issues on web sites. With appropriate time and funding, develop a directory of contacts, who to see about what. Address implications of accession and de-accession policies as funding is available. Challenge 7: Identify and Protect Cultural Landscapes. I. Issues Landscapes comprise a variety of properties linear resources (National Historic Trails, roads, highways, ditches, etc) Traditional Cultural Properties Agricultural Properties Landscapes can be looked at from a variety of angles Primary resources (those that are essential to the character defining features of the landscape) Secondary resources (those that support the primary) Challenges to Preservation Defining Boundaries Wind Turbines Being mindful of both sides of the issue Landownership Patterns

27 Mitigation should not be the first option (avoidance should) No State regulations Visual Resource Management Is visual simulation a better tool? Defining viewshed boundaries Currently based on: o Scale of development o Topography o Sensitive to context The above seem to be working Historic Contexts provides guidelines and boundaries What to Protect? Integrity (feeling and association) Local (state) importance How do we AVOID? Ranches Add a Preservation Component to the Centennial Program or do we want this program to remain a no-strings-attached program? Maybe just provide a Centennial Ranch Preservation Packet Money? where can money come from? Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) easements Easements Other needs: How to determine what parts of the landscape are eligible? Need for consistent guidance Boundaries Communication with landowners Outreach and Education II. Solutions: Working with federal and local planners Coordinated Management Communication Who? Contact points Prioritize landscapes for preservation Foster a preservation ethic Education of all involved

28 Create flexible options Case-by-case basis Open to landowner suggestions Easements With this we need to: Develop processes, documents Define the legalities Education Within this we need to: Positive Promotion Foster a preservation ethic Historic Contexts Will provide us with: Property and boundary definitions Property evaluations (determinations of significance) Trail Certification Better communication/relationships with landowners Positive Promotion Determine all players and their roles Education Create incentives $ Defining Properties (one of the biggest challenges) LIDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) Technology Landscape in data points (vegetation is taken off) 3D High resolution imagery Identify Trails and Ditches (other landscape features) Data for site maps Site distribution models THIS NEEDS TO BE ACCESSIBLE Prioritize Landscapes

29 Appendix D Cultural Resources Department Contact Information Name Title Phone E Mail Location Bovee, Renee Cultural Trust Fund Administrator Rbovee@state.wy.us Cheyenne Bradley, Betsy Architectural Historian/Tax Credit Coordinator BBradl@state.wy.us Cheyenne Currit, Richard Senior Archaeologist RCURRI@state.wy.us Cheyenne Daniele, Joe Archaeologist JDanie1@state.wy.us Cheyenne Hahn, Kara National Register Coordinator KHahn@state.wy.us Cheyenne Hopkins, Mary Interim SHPO hopkins@uwyo.edu Cheyenne/Laramie Laughlin, John Archaeologist JLaugh@state.wy.us Cheyenne Lenz, Natalya Administrative Assistant NLenz@state.wy.us Cheyenne Miller, Mark State Archaeologist mmiller@uwyo.edu Laramie Needles, Sara Cultural Resources Department Administrator sneedl@state.wy.us Cheyenne Nowlin, Laura Monuments & Markers Coordinator LNowli@state.wy.us Cheyenne Rooney, Ashley Historical Society Liaison/SHPO Intern aroone@state.wy.us Cheyenne Weidel, Nancy Historian/Interim CLG Coordinator NWEIDE@state.wy.us Cheyenne Wolf, Judy Chief of Planning/Historic Context Development jwolf@state.wy.us Laramie Wyoming Main Street Contact Information Name Title Phone Location Medley, Evan State Program Manager evan.medley@wybusiness.org Cheyenne Randolph, Mary Wyoming Rural Development Council/Main Street mary.randolph@wybusiness.org Cheyenne Wyoming State Historical Society Name Title Phone Location Fabian, Linda Wyoming State Historical Society Executive Secretary linda@dancewyoming.com Wheatland

30 Appendix E Financial & Grant Resources Cultural Resources Department/State Historic Preservation Office 1. Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund The Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund supports Wyoming s heritage through grant funding of innovative projects for the enjoyment, appreciation, promotion, preservation and protection of the State s arts, cultural and historic resources. An annual deadline of May 1 st is in place for projects that begin in July. For more information contact the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund Administrator, Renee Bovee at , or rbovee@state.wy.us. Please see the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund link located at: 2. Wyoming Travel and Tourism Signage Grant Program The Wyoming Travel & Tourism (WTT) receives $1 million each biennium to fund turnout construction and signage projects along Wyoming s highways. The purpose of the grant program is to nurture Wyoming s tourism industry by creating a more visitor friendly and easily accessible destination. The grant program is an annual program with nomination forms available in July with a deadline date of mid- August of each year. For more information contact Laura Nowlin, Monuments and Markers Program Coordinator at lnowli@state.wy.us or or Leslie Kedelty, Industry Services Manager, at or or via at Leslie.Kedelty@visitwyo.gov. 3. Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits The Federal Tax Incentive program offers two federal tax credits are available, a 20% credit and a 10% credit. The 20% program can be used for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of an historic district. Rehabilitation projects must meet the Secretary of Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation. SHPO staff can assist property owners who want to know if their project is eligible and with the paperwork for applicants. The Federal Preservation Tax Incentives Program Coordinator is Betsy Bradley. She can be contacted at and at bbradl@state.wy.us. This link will take you to the National Park Service Tax Credit web site: 4. Certified Local Government Grants The Wyoming SHPO offers matching reimbursement grants to Certified Local Governments (CLG) approved by SHPO and the National Park Service. The CLG must provide 40% of the total project cost with either cash or in-kind contribution. The CLG must pay for the entire project before a complete reimbursement can be issued. As set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act, the SHPO must transfer a minimum of 10 percent of Wyoming s annual apportionment of HPF funds to CLGs for eligible activities. Application deadline is November 1 of each year. Please contact the Interim CLG Coordinator, Nancy Weidel with any questions at or at nweide@state.wy.us. This link will take you to a link with more information: