Title:  Wisconsin Historic Preservation Plan, 2001-2005

Wisconsin Preservation Plan

Number of Pages:  24
Approval Date:  December 15, 2000
Planning Cycle:  5 years

Contact Information:
     Chip Brown
     Historic Preservation Division
     Wisconsin Historical Society
     816 State Street
     Madison, Wisconsin 53706
     608) 264-6508; fax (608) 264-6504
     E-mail: chbrown@whs.wisc.edu
     Web site: www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/docs/HP_Plan_01-05.pdf

Mission/Vision Statement:

Mission: In partnership with communities, organizations and individuals, we will work to identify, interpret and preserve ancient and historic places for the enrichment of the present and the benefit of future generations.

Vision: The people of Wisconsin will recognize that the preservation of ancient and historic sites offers state residents and visitors a special sense of place and a feeling of continuity and association with the past. Such a contribution is invaluable at a time when urban sprawl and market forces are leading to the increasing homogenization and standardization of American life. As Wisconsin communities plan for growth, they will know that preserving ancient and historic places, from rural landscapes to urban neighborhoods, provides aesthetic, educational and economic benefits that will continue to define and improve our quality of life.

Table of Contents:

Message from the State Historic Preservation Officer Acknowledgement of Support
Executive Summary
Introduction
Preservation Partners in Wisconsin
History of Historic Preservation in Wisconsin
The Ancient and Historic Resources of Wisconsin
How This Plan Was Developed
Issues
Opportunities
Wisconsin Historic Preservation Plan: January 2001-
        December 2005
Bibliography
Appendix A: History of Historic Preservation Legislation
        in Wisconsin
Appendix B: Planning Questionnaire Results

• 5,000 questionnaires distributed by mail and posted on the Society's web site;
  
• Listening sessions held in 7 communities, were announced in questionnaire mailing and press releases;
  
• Two day-long planning retreats held for partners and stakeholders.

• Planning retreat held for Division staff.
  
• Preservation plan development coordinated closely with development of Wisconsin Historical Society strategic plan.

ISSUES, THREATS, & OPPORTUNITIES

• Four major challenges identified:
  1. Lack of funding for historic preservation.
  2. Lack of awareness of preservation issues by government     officials and public.
  3. Lack of planning, resulting in urban/suburban sprawl.
  4. Lack of understanding.
  
• Important to complete computerization of resource inventories, incorporate into GIS, and make them accessible;
• Major gaps in survey coverage of the state continue to exist;
• Quality of survey data varies from survey to survey, and older survey information needs verification;
• Increased attention needs to be focused on little-known resource types;
• Urban decay and sprawl are greatest threats to archaeological sites and inner-city historic buildings;
• Expansion of transportation system and bridge replacement threaten neighborhoods, archaeological sites, and out-dated transportation facilities;
• Inadequate financial resources and incentives for preservation, despite two state tax credits for building rehab;
• Increased public awareness and support is needed to counter misperceptions about preservation;
• New "smart growth" planning legislation provides a statewide forum for historic preservation issues;
• "Wisconsin Heritage Trust Program," which would provide matching grants for preservation, has widespread legislative support;
• Increased opportunities through partnerships to advocate preservation concerns at all levels;
• Expanding numbers of websites make historic preservation information more accessible.

1. Increase the financial resources available for preservation activities throughout the state.
2. Assist Wisconsin communities in integrating cultural resources into their required comprehensive community planning efforts.
3. Reach out to groups that have been traditionally under-served by the preservation community.
4. Develop educational and outreach tools that will assist with identifying, interpreting, preserving, protecting, and promoting cultural resources.
5. Promote the important role that ancient and historic sites play in the state's economy and quality of life.

1. Increase financial resources.
   • Develop a variety of funding mechanisms;
   • Increase contact with state legislature;
   • Work toward establishment of fund for bricks-and-mortar grants.
2. Integrate cultural resources into planning efforts.
   • Encourage effective cultural resource planning;
   • Provide historic, architectural and archaeological data to planners;
   • Include cultural resource planning in informational materials;
   • Identify and inventory historic and archaeological resources.
3. Reach out to under-served groups.
   • Target youth audiences;
   • Develop educational programs and materials for rural areas;
   • Collaborate with Native Americans;
   • Support efforts to obtain Tribal Historic Preservation Office status;
   • Use technology to reach under-served audiences.
4. Develop educational and outreach tools.
   • Develop plan for publishing educational materials;
   • Tailor subjects and delivery methods to specific audiences;
   • Develop electronic components;
   • Collaborate with funding partners.
5. Promote role of historic sites in economy and quality of life.
   • Develop consistent message;
   • Target specific groups, including the legislature;
   • Employ a variety of media to deliver message.