Historic Preservation

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Public Law 89-665 U.S.C. 300101) requires federal agencies take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. It is the responsibility of the federal agency involved in the project to initiate consultation with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and fulfill the requirements of Section 106.

Established in the spring of 1970 by the Vermont Legislature, Act 250 is Vermont’s Land Use and Development Act. The Act 250 program provides a public, quasi-judicial process for reviewing and managing the environmental, social and fiscal consequences of major subdivisions and developments in Vermont.

Section 248 of Title 30 requires companies to obtain a Certificate of Public Good from the Public Service Board (PSB) before beginning site preparation or construction of electric transmission facilities, electric generation facilities and certain gas pipelines within Vermont.

The Vermont Historic Preservation Act was established in 1975 by the Vermont Legislature with the passage of Title 22 V.S.A. Chapter 14: Historic Preservation. The Act requires that state agencies take measures to preserve any historic resources under its ownership.

Profile/Introduction

To be on the Qualified Consultant Lists, a consultant must submit a resume showing he/she meet the minimum qualifications of the Professional Qualifications (36 CFR Part 61) and attend Annual Consultant Training directed by the Division for Historic Preservation.

The Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (VCNAA) is a nine-member commission, appointed by the Governor. The VCNAA is charged with recognizing the historic and cultural contributions of Native Americans in Vermont, protecting and strengthening Native American heritage, and addressing needs in state policy, programs, and actions. The Commission provides technical assistance on the application process for state recognition of Native American Indian tribes and reviews the documentation of applicants.

The Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is a seven-member state review board, appointed by the Governor. The ACHP, created by the Vermont Historic Preservation Act, augments the efforts of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) and serves as the State Review Board as required by the National Historic Preservation Act.

Vermonters and visitors alike care about our historic resources. Volunteers, craftspeople, businesses, organizations, and agencies work to identify, restore, preserve, and utilize these resources. All are essential partners in Vermont’s preservation movement.