NYAC Website
The New York Archaeological Council (NYAC) was founded to raise awareness of archaeology and archaeological issues of New York State: to provide information of general interest on the history and prehistory of New York as well as about the field of archaeology that provides insight into that history, to provide educational resources about archaeology, to provide information on the conduct of professional archaeology in New York, to serve as a point of reference for anyone that needs to consider archaeological resources in compliance with various laws and regulations that often come into play during construction projects, and to increase the awareness of New York Archaeology to the general public.
NYSAA Website
The New York State Archaeological Association (NYSAA) is composed of avocational and professional archaeologists primarily within New York State, though some of its members can be found throughout the world. NYSAA stands to promote archaeological and historical study, and research covering the artifacts, rites, customs, beliefs and other phases of the lives and cultures of the American Indian occupants of New York State up to and including their contact with the Europeans. Recently, the Association has expanded its focus to include research upon Euro-American archaeological sites post-dating European Contact.
- Changes that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is proposing to Federal Section 106
To all our NYSAA members,
We are sending this email to make you aware of changes that the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is proposing to Federal Section 106. Section 106 is the regulation that protects historic properties of all types (buildings, structures, battlefields, archaeological sites, underwater resources, historic and Native landscapes and more) when a construction project is proposed that requires federal funds, a federal permit, or is undertaken by a federal agency.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is advancing a sweeping and damaging proposal to rewrite the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). If implemented, these new rules would dramatically diminish the effectiveness of the NHPA and the current legal protections for historic and cultural places.
Most of the proposed changes would allow federal agencies to determine at their discretion, if Section 106 applies to a project, of if a project could be excluded from review (for many reasons enumerated in the proposed new rules). More importantly, it makes public participation, and Tribal participation “optional” and at the discretion of the federal agency.
Since the enactment of NHPA 60 years ago, Section 106 has been the foundational requirement for federal agencies to “take into account” the effects of their actions on historic properties and places, enabling public participation and comment in the process, empowering state and local governments and Tribal communities to have a voice in the process, and often improving the project and enhancing the outcome.