Did you know J-U-B ENGINEERS Inc. has a Cultural Resources Team within our Environmental Services Group (ESG)? Their mission is to preserve cultural heritage while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. From archaeological sites to historic buildings, our team works hard to safeguard cultural treasures for future generations.

What Is Cultural Resource Management (CRM)?

CRM is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the preservation, protection, and management of historic properties and includes research, planning, and stewardship. The CRM aims to protect our collective cultural heritage to ensure that cultural resources are not destroyed by development, neglect, or natural decay and can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations to come.

Historic properties can include a wide variety of resources such as archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures, cultural landscapes and sacred spaces, and other tangible items like single artifacts. Protection of cultural resources also extends to intangible elements and practices such as oral traditions, languages, rituals and ceremonies, music and dance, and craftsmanship. It is of the utmost importance to protect and document these resources as once they are lost, they cannot be replaced.

Why It Matters

The concept of CRM gained prominence and steam in the 1960s and 1970s with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and other related legislation such as the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act (AHPA) of 1974. These complimentary pieces of legislation form the backbone of historic preservation and make it national policy. The NHPA established three components:

• The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) which is an official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture.
• The Section 106 Review Process which requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their projects on historic properties eligible for listing or listed in the NRHP.
• The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) which is an independent federal agency that advises the government on historic preservation matters.

Our Role

At JUB, our primary team goal is to balance the needs of development and progress with the preservation of our cultural heritage while supporting and meeting our client’s needs. The cultural resources team is here to assist our project managers and clients by fulfilling project regulatory compliance and offering consultation and management guidance when coordinating with state and federal agencies or for due diligence efforts. The key components of our work involve:

• Identification and Documentation: This includes conducting desk-based reviews and/or surveys to locate and document sites of historical, archaeological, or cultural significance.
• Assessment and Evaluation: After cultural resources are identified and recorded, they are assessed and evaluated to determine their condition and significance.
• Mitigation and Preservation: Our mitigation efforts are project specific in implementing measures to protect and preserve cultural resources, including avoidance, excavation, restoration, and conservation.
• Compliance and Reporting: We ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and submit necessary documentation and reports to state and federal agencies.
• Public Engagement and Education: When applicable, we share findings with the public and involve communities in the preservation process as well as promote ongoing education for JUB employees and the public about the importance of cultural heritage.

Not only will the cultural team help us meet regulatory standards, but it also seamlessly integrates historic preservation with modern development and demonstrates our commitment to respecting and preserving the rich history of the communities we work in across our service region. Plus, by involving local communities and tribes in our efforts, we’re building stronger relationships and promoting sustainable development and stewardship of shared history.