State of South Dakota Ten Year Historic Preservation Plan 1995-2005: A Vision Document for Statewide Historic Preservation Efforts

Bedeau, Michael

From Introduction and Methodology: "In order to receive historic preservation funds from the National Park Service, a state historic preservation program must conduct a variety of preservation planning activities. One such activity is the production of a long-term statewide historic preservation plan. The document you are now reading is the long-term plan for the State of South Dakota. Two primary objectives have been identified for this plan. The first goal is to establish a general vision or philosophy for the development of future historic preservation activities in the State of South Dakota. We have attempted to set the direction for both the internal activities of the State Historical Preservation Center (SHPC) and for the broader universe of historic preservation across the state. Second, we have crafted this document to serve as a public resource which explains, in general terms, each of the programs operated by the SHPC. There continues to be so much confusion and misinformation as to the role of the State in historic preservation issues and the functions performed by the SHPC. It is hoped that this document will serve to clarify our mission in the minds of the interested public. The process involved in preparing the 'State of South Dakota Ten Year Historic Preservation Plan' is outlined in the State Planning Process Document, or PPD, which was written in 1994 and subsequently approved by the National Park Service. In brief, the PPD called for the creation of a draft document by the SHPC staff to be based on input and priorities generated both in house and through extensive participation by historic preservation constituents throughout the state. The draft document was then reviewed by a Planning Review Group made up of knowledgeable individuals from a variety of backgrounds including the constituent groups included in the public participation process. The Review Group's comments, along with the SHPC staff and National Park Service's input resulted in the document you now possess. ...Responses to general inquiries regarding the benefits of historic preservation were overwhelmingly positive. Historic preservation is important to the people and institutions of the State of South Dakota. Two aspects of preservation feature strongly in the majority of responses. One is that historic sites are highly important as educational resources. 96% of all respondents indicated that historic resources should be retained because they are able to teach people about the past. The other is that historic preservation is a vital element in supporting tourism, which is second only to agriculture in contributing to the South Dakota economy. 78% of respondents stated that historic resources provide a substantial economic contribution to the tourism industry. It is these established strengths on which the future of preservation in South Dakota must be built. ...All of the constituent groups also emphasized two basic statewide historic preservation needs. One is the great need for additional financial support for heritage preservation, including grants, loans and tax incentives. Grant funding for 'brick and mortar' was the need most often cited by all respondents. In addition to funding, public education was consistently discussed. There is a great need on the part of constituent groups statewide for more information on all aspects of historic preservation. In a similar vein, respondents often stated directly that there is a terrific need for more publicity for successful historic preservation projects - reinforcing similar conclusion based on raw survey data. These broad needs have been incorporated into the scope of this document." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office, South Dakota Historical Society, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

State of South Dakota Ten Year Historic Preservation Plan 1995-2005: A Vision Document for Statewide Historic Preservation Efforts

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