Preservation Planning and Review

The Preservation Planning and Review Program identifies and inventories DCR’s cultural resources, evaluates their significance, guides their treatment, and oversees the associated regulatory compliance processes

Inventory and Evaluation

DCR’s Office of Cultural Resources (OCR) surveys and evaluates the significance of cultural resources throughout the state parks system. The resulting inventory is a critical tool for assessing the impact of DCR projects, identifying opportunities for interpretation and education, and developing Resource Management Plans.  OCR is improving its inventory by creating a GIS-based cultural resource database and map layer. Still in development, the database currently covers roughly two-thirds of the DCR system. Past inventory efforts include a statewide survey of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) resources on DCR properties.

The Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS)--searchable in database or mapping formats--is the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s source for information on historic properties and areas in the Commonwealth and provides access to state inventory forms and National Register of Historic Places forms.  Many DCR historic resources, although not all, have been included in MACRIS. Archaeological site locational information is not available to the public, consistent with state and federal historic preservation regulations.

Treatment Guidelines

OCR provides guidance on the sensitive treatment of its cultural resources, including assisting DCR design, engineering, and operations staff in the planning and implementation of capital improvement and maintenance projects in the parks. Repairs, rehabilitation, and other historic preservation activities on DCR property follows the guidelines in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

OCR has prepared several Best Management Practices documents to assist park stewards in the appropriate management of DCR cultural resources.  These include recommendations for the approach to common resources and issues, including archaeological sites, stone walls, disaster response, graffiti removal, and many others. 

Review and Compliance

Cultural resources are protected from state and federally funded, permitted, or approved activities under various regulations. Working closely with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, indigenous tribe representatives, local historical commissions, and other interested parties, OCR coordinates DCR’s regulatory compliance with these laws and regulations that govern cultural resources on state-owned lands in Massachusetts.

Contact Us

Address 
State Transportation Building 
10 Park Plaza, Suite 6620 
Boston, MA 02116 
Directions

Phone 
DCR Main Office 617-626-1250 
Open M-F 9 am - 5 pm

Online  
[e-mail]

Please contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for information about cultural resources outside of DCR's properties and for statewide preservation regulations. DCR’s Office of Cultural Resources only stewards cultural resources that are within the care, custody, and control of the DCR.