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Deval L. Patrick
* Lt. Governor
Timothy P. Murray
* EOEA Secretary
Ian A. Bowles

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Publications

DCR’s Historic Landscape Preservation programs have resulted in several publications that are available to the public. All are available free of charge – however we are requiring the submission of a self-addressed, 10”x13” stamped envelope for some of the heavier items - please check the order forms for details.

Terra Firma: Putting Historic Landscape Preservation on Solid Ground is a new series of publications aimed at municipal staff, historic commission members, friends groups and others involved in the stewardship of historic landscapes. The first issue, Terra Firma #1- An Introduction to Historic Landscape Preservation provides an overview of landscape preservation practices and strategies, as well as resources for further information, technical assistance and relevant funding sources. This is an excellent resource for those who care for and about historic landscapes.

Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.

 
Terra Firma #2- Caring For Mature Trees in Historic Landscapes provides guidance on the identification, care, and replacement of trees that add significance and character to historic landscapes. Special topics related to mature trees in historic landscapes such as balancing preservation with public safety, tree removal and appropriate replacement, and caring for trees in historic burial grounds provide the public with the basic tools for caring for these often overlooked historic resources.

Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.

 
Terra Firma #3- Identifying and Protecting Historic Roads ushers us through the process of identifying historic roads, documenting their characteristics, and protecting them through legal avenues available within the Commonwealth. In this edition, recognizing threats such as inappropriate zoning, is paired with discussions about liability and protections such as the Scenic Roads Act; while a series of success stories from Provincetown to Mount Greylock illustrates the resources, methodologies, and results of preserving historic roads.

Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.

 
Terra Firma #4- New Models of Stewardship: Public/Private Partnerships, guides historic landscape advocates through the basic issues involved with establishing partnership efforts between municipal and private entities. Guidance on developing private partnerships, encouraging volunteers through these arrangements, incorporating volunteer and philanthropic organizations, as well as a number of case studies of successful partnership efforts in Massachusetts is provided.
Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.
 

Terra Firma #5 draws attention to often ignored or forgotten resources of the cultural landscape of Massachusetts - historic stone features.  Topics covered include introductory information on: methods for identification, threats and protection, engaging the public, debunking myths, basic research methods, and resources for further inquiry.  Through this introduction, the reader will gain the basic tools for planning the future of historic stone features on private and public lands - empowering them to protect these important resources through local action and advocacy across the Commonwealth.

Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.
 

Terra Firma #6 Common Wealth: The Past and Future of Town Commons traces the history of these resources and presents their character-defining features, research methods, and planning priorities. Case studies and resources are also provided.

Free - Download PDF File now or Order Form for hard copy.

 
Reading the Land – Massachusetts Heritage Landscapes: A Guide to Identification and Protection is a step by step guide to the identification, documentation, evaluation and protection of heritage landscapes in your community. A product of DCR’s Heritage Landscape Inventory Pilot Project in southeastern Massachusetts, the guide draws on examples from the pilot project area to illustrate larger themes. Reading the Land is a vital tool for communities that are planning cultural resource surveys or undertaking any integrated planning efforts.
Postage $2.50. Download Order Form.
 

Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and Cemeteries (Second Edition) includes a history of cemetery development in Massachusetts, preservation planning guidelines, treatment and management recommendations, and case studies of historic burial grounds across the Commonwealth. The first edition of the guidelines, published in 2000, received awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects.

Postage $4.60. Download Order Form.



Share your enthusiasm for landscape preservation with others!

 

• 1 set of the Historic Landscape Preservation Grant Program postcard series – a set of nine sepia-toned historic and current photographs of historic landscape grant recipients.


• 1 copy of Celebrate the Legacy – 20 years of Landscape Preservation in Massachusetts, a foldout poster timeline.

Download the Order Form