The Challenge
Climate change poses threats to above-ground cultural resources statewide. Inventory and complete data about cultural resources is critical to plan and prioritize resilience efforts at historic sites.
Project Scope
The goal of this project is to integrate DCR’s Cultural Resource Inventory data with the Asset Management Modernization Program to assist the agency with planning and prioritization efforts. The expected resilience benefits through this effort consist in incorporating the identified threats and climate vulnerabilities into prioritization of cultural resource preservation efforts and agency-wide spending plans.
Metrics
Efficiency of the project can be measured in the number of resources inventoried and the quality of the data. Over time, the success of the project can be measured by the usability of DCR's GIS-based cultural resource inventory for planning, management, and operations related to park and resource management activities.
Results
This is a phased project.
From 2020 to 2021, DCR’s Office of Cultural Resources and GIS Office developed a GIS-based data layer and data collection app to enable DCR to inventory and map the cultural resources under its stewardship, with a goal of identifying those sites most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
During Phase One of this project (completed during FY22), the project added points to the GIS-based DCR cultural resource inventory and completed data entry for known above-ground cultural resources within DCR’s West Region, Lake District and South Region, Islands District. Work also included analysis of data collected for quality assurance and the preparation of a report at the completion of the inventory that identified issues encountered with the ArcGIS Online mapping platform and/or the Field Maps app, and recommendations for improving the usability of the cultural resource inventory.
During Phase Two in 2023, the project added points to the GIS-based DCR cultural resource inventory and completed data entry for known above-ground cultural resources within DCR’s Central Region, Central Valley District and North Region, Coastal District.
During Phase Three in 2024, the project added points to the GIS-based DCR cultural resource inventory and completed data entry for known above-ground cultural resources within DCR’s West Region, Connecticut River Valley District and the Boston Region.
A total of 941 cultural resources were inventoried, including 148 buildings, 488 structures, 163 objects, 138 landscapes, and 3 burial grounds.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Refinements to the data schema and resource definitions recommended by the project team, based on field implementation of the survey tool, has improved the dataset quality and simplified the inventory process for those conducting the work.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
This project addresses the 2023 ResilientMass Plan and 2022 MA Climate Assessment Priority Impact of Damage to Cultural Resources in the Human Health and Safety Sector. The project aligns with the 2023 ResilientMass Plan goal of Science-based and Informed Decision-Making.
In addition, this project contributes to the following SHMCAP priority actions:
1) Integrate programs and build institutional capacity,
2) Develop forward-looking policies, plans, and regulations,
3) Develop risk reduction strategies for current and future conditions.
Further Action
DCR secured FY25 SHMCAP ResilientMass funds to extend survey work into the West Region, Mountain District and Central Region, Central Highlands District. With the remaining three districts to be inventoried by in-house DCR staff in 2025, this will complete the cultural resource inventory of DCR parklands.