Rancho De Las Cabras: Cultural Landscape Report, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, National Park Service

Oculus, Contractor

Based on the scope of work prepared by the National Park Service titled "Cultural Landscape Report and Cultural Landscape Inventory for Mission Espada: Rancho de las Cabras, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park," and dated August 20, 1997, OCULUS and its consultants have undertaken the following tasks to prepare this report: • research of primary and secondary source materials relating to all cultural landscape elements of Rancho de las Cabras, with an emphasis on known resources; • preparation of a site history, organized into a cultural landscape chronology, that identifies notable periods of landscape development based on historical research of primary and secondary source materials; and identification of key characteristics and components of the landscape during each historic period. • preparation of a graphic cultural landscape chronology using base maps of the site to create a series of overlays representing what is known about the landscape during each historic period; • preparation of a clearly-labeled existing conditions plan based on field surveys that identifies key landscape features such as boundary lines, topography, structures, vegetation, walks, drives, and views and viewsheds; • preparation of existing conditions documentation that describes the landscape using narrative text and photographs. Presentation of the information was based on the landscape characteristics identified by the National Register of Historic Places, including overall landscape organization, responses to natural features and systems, cultural traditions, land uses and activities, circulation systems, views and viewsheds, buildings and structures, archeological resources, small-scale features, patterns of spatial organization, and boundary demarcations. The sensory/aesthetic characteristics of the landscape were also taken into consideration; • preparation of a site analysis and evaluation that identifies, from an analysis of the historical text, elements which are significant and contributing to the integrity of the cultural landscape, and which are character-defaming. In support of the analysis, graphic analyses, such as diagrams or cross sections, that clearly identify these elements were also undertaken, and existing and potential threats to the integrity of the cultural landscape were identified; • preparation of a statement of significance, using National Register Criteria; • assessment of the condition of extant landscape components and characteristics and • identification of problems and issues associated with resource protection and interpretation, including threats, hazards, and visitor, NPS, and community use; • preparation of design guidelines for site development and maintenance that address significant landscape components and provide for continued local community and visitor use, accessibility, interpretation, enhancement of visitor understanding of land use changes, and the highlighting of significant cultural features; identification of the types and degrees of changes that can occur without adversely impacting the landscape's physical and visual character-defining features; illustration of guidelines using text and graphics that provide a coherent and accepted method of evaluating future changes and their effects on existing landscape resources; • preparation of design alternatives and a treatment plan to direct future site maintenance that address interpretation of the ruins; development of circulation systems and a parking area; development of the entire area to establish such modem infrastructure as a ranger office and comfort facilities; identification of landscaping issues such as site development, preservation of existing plant materials or restoration of historic ones, clearing, screening, hardscape, and irrigation; and preservation and enhancement of historic and existing viewsheds;

Rancho De Las Cabras: Cultural Landscape Report, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, National Park Service

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