Nevada Preservation Plan

Number of Pages:  27
Approval Date:  February 12, 2004
Planning Cycle:  8 years

Contact Information:

Alice Baldrica
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
Nevada Historic Preservation Office
100 N. Stewart Street
Carson City, Nevada 89710
(702) 684-3448; fax (702) 684-3442
E-mail: ambalcri@clan.lib.nv.us
Website:  http://dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/shpo/pdf/HPPPlan03.pdf

Mission/Vision Statement:
We envision a Nevada in which an educated and caring citizenry respects traditional lifeways and works to protect Nevada's archaeological heritage. We see Nevada as a place where historic properties are preserved, interpreted and reused for their economic and intrinsic values and for future generations to appreciate.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The State Historic Preservation Office
The Planning Process

Nevada's Heritage Resources

Archaeological Sites Recorded in Nevada
National Register
Accomplishments During the Last Planning Cycle
Challenges for Historic Preservation in Nevada
Vision
Goals and Objectives for 2004-2011

Time Frame
Bibliography
Appendix A: Preservation Partners
Appendix B: Nevada Historic Preservation Office Staff

PLAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Public Participation Strategies:

• Five public meetings
• Questionnaire survey of public and professional opinion

• Preservation Plan Steering Committee

ISSUES, THREATS, & OPPORTUNITIES

• Archaeological survey coverage is incomplete;
• Newly established Comstock Archaeological Center provides opportunities for the public to get involved in archaeological projects;
• Newly established statewide non-profit, Preserve Nevada;
• Newly established Nevada Rock Art Foundation provides site steward services;
• State bond funding for historic structure rehabilitation;
• Development of GIS-based archaeological resource database improves access to resource information;
• Significant population growth in urban counties, yet major population decrease in rural counties;
• New residents know little of Nevada's history;
• Urban growth has increased pressure on neighboring public lands for recreation;
• Excessive use of all-terrain vehicles;
• Increasing vandalism to rock art, historic mining districts and buildings;
• Illegal "pot-hunting" of previously inaccessible archaeological sites;
• Public support for creating an archaeological site stewardship program, but lack of funding has prevented its establishment;
• Redevelopment of inner cities, exemplified by the loss of the Mapes Hotel in Reno and historic casinos in Las Vegas;
• Depopulation of rural areas results in abandonment of historic commercial buildings, homes, and mining districts;
• Small communities suffer from absentee landlords and lack of funding to care for historic buildings.

1. Increase opportunities for public education and public involvement in Nevada's archaeological and historic heritage.
2. Discover, preserve and wisely use Nevada's historic properties.
3. Identify and designate Nevada's historic, archaeological and cultural resources to National and State Registers of Historic Places.
4. Expand federal and state agency capabilities in fulfilling their historic preservation responsibilities.
5. Expand the statewide network of organizations and individuals engaged in historic preservation.

1. Public education and public involvement.
   • Establish a site stewardship program;
   • Create opportunities for internships;
   • Maintain historic marker program;
   • Distribute information in print and electronically;
   • Hold historic preservation conferences;
   • Broaden archaeological awareness/historic preservation week;
   • Conduct workshops in local communities;
   • Increase children's awareness of historic preservation.
2. Discover, preserve and wisely use historic properties.
   • Reauthorize sale of state bonds for preservation projects;
   • Encourage local governments to become CLGs;
   • Fund CLGs to conduct preservation activities;
   • Promote heritage tourism;
   • Publicize the use of the federal tax credit as a tool for redevelopment;
   • Serve on local boards and commissions related to preservation;
   • Form partnerships to improve tourism-based economy.
3. Identify and designate historic properties.
   • Identify historic properties in high growth areas;
   • Identify, preserve, and interpret historic trails;
   • Identify 20th-century architecture;
   • Nominate properties of cultural and religious significance to the National Register;
   • Assist the public in nominating properties;
   • Update state guidelines for National Register listing;
   • Nominate properties to the State Register;
   • Nominate archaeological sites to the National Register.
4. expand federal and state agency preservation capabilities.
   • Develop guidelines to expedite Section 106 review;
   • Assist federal agencies in determining effects;
   • Update SHPO procedures and make available on-line;
   • Expand the GIS database and make it available on-line;
   • Establish means to support the GIS database.
5. Expand the statewide network.
   • Strengthen Preserve Nevada and other preservation groups;
   • Use technologies to improve communication;
   • Enhance programs that promote preservation.