EP 1130-2-540
15 Nov 96
CHAPTER 6 - CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
6-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance for the management of collecting, preserving and
curating archeological and historical materials at civil works water resource projects, as well as
establishing a Historic Preservation Program for construction, operations, and maintenance
activities at these locations. It unifies Corps historic preservation activities by the consistent and
uniform application of policy administered for the public benefit.
6-2. Applicability.
a. This chapter applies to all USACE commands having responsibility for civil works
functions, including construction.
b. USACE requirements for the protection of historic properties in the Regulatory
Program are found at 33 CFR Part 325, Appendix C. This engineer pamphlet also applies to all
elements and offices involved with the construction, operation, and maintenance of civil works
projects under the jurisdiction and control of the Corps of Engineers. This guidance is not
applicable to the Corps regulatory program.
6-3. Background.
a. The Congress and the President, as expressed through various statutes and
administrative actions, have declared that the protection and preservation of significant
archeological and historic resources is in the broad public interest. In carrying out the provisions
of law and policy the Corps investigates, evaluates, and recovers data and material from historic
properties that could be impacted as a result of civil works undertakings. The historic
preservation process does not conclude with the recovery and interpretation of archeological and
historical data, but includes long-term curation and management of collections and associated
documentation. Unless collections are accessible for scientific research and other appropriate
uses, the resources themselves have not been properly managed.
b. Historic preservation is an equal and integral component of resource management at
operating civil works projects. As such, historic preservation should be given just and equal
consideration along with other resource objectives in preparation and implementation of Master
Plan and Operational Management Plan (OMP) documents. It is the responsibility of all Corps
elements to coordinate the historic preservation activities outlined in this guidance and other
regulations to ensure an integrated natural and historic resources management program. The
Corps of Engineers will manage federally owned, administered, or controlled historic properties in
a spirit of stewardship for the inspiration and benefit of present and future generations.
c. The recovery of archeological and historic data has generated vast amounts of material
remains and associated records. These collections often comprise the only remaining evidence of
past human lifeways and will become more valuable for future generations. Preservation of this
cultural heritage requires that these recovered materials and their associated records be properly
curated and managed. In past years, universities, museums, and other publicly and privately
owned institutions have accepted storage and curatorial responsibilities for federally-owned
collections at no explicit cost to the government. However, because of plant, personnel, and
financial constraints, many institutions can no longer continue to accept these unfunded
responsibilities.
6-1
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