Environmental Management

Renewable Energy and Cultural Resource Protection

2010-09-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Being excited about the proposed solar and wind power development is a good thing. Some of us waited our entire lives for the high level priority the renewable energy field is given now - from the President to new businesses. In some ways, it is akin to the discovery of gold and the accompanying rush - but what price is the American public paying for this rush? My career has been in preservation of cultural - I never thought I would see two of my value systems come crashing head to head. But that is exactly what happened in Cape Wind. Could it have been avoided? Yes, I think so. After nine years of environmental analysis, the tribes voiced their position late in the environmental analysis. There are a number of reasons as to why the situation unfolded as it did - ultimately ending with the Secretary of Interior's approval of our nation's first offshore wind farm. MMS did an adequate job of meeting, consulting and discussing the project with interested tribes. By the time the tribes stepped forward to voice their positions, the animated public and special interest groups opposing the project were well entrenched in the media, the Internet and other public forums. Too much publicity and politics for anyone participating in the legally mandated consultation process to be clear-headed about the cultural resource issues and the tribes' assertion of the significance of Nantucket Sound. The time for analysis of the cultural issues was nine years ago when the specific area was selected and proposed for offshore wind development.

Native American Sacred Lands

2010-03-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

If you are interested in learning about how to consult and protect Native American sacred areas under federal law, then join me in Seattle on April 28 & 29, 2010. Explore what is effective, how to produce better results in consulting with the federal land managing agencies and asserting your opinions into the legal framework.
to register, contact npi.org

NEPA & NHPA In Seattle, April 26 -27, 2010

2010-03-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

National Preservation Institute is offering a class in NEPA in downtown Seattle, within walking distance of Pike Street Market and Pioneer Square. Learn how to navigate the NEPA process and Section 106 of the NHPA for renewable energy projects. Recommendations for expediting both processes and take advantage of federal stimulus money.
to register, go to npi.org

Section 106 in San Francisco - September 21 - 23

2009-08-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Learn the intricate process of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act in beautiful San Francisco. Combine professional education with a vacation in the Bay area. The course will be at the Presidio, one of the few remaining open spaces in the Bay area with unique historic botanical plantings. During the day, learn what you need to know to accomplish your job and complete compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
At night take full advantage of the wonderful restaurants, theater and maybe a baseball game !

To register, call the National Preservation Institute at (703) 765 -0100 or email info@npi.org

American Indian rights for cultural property

2009-08-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Class in American Indian rights to their cultural property and the legal claims process is being offered in San Francisco September 24 - 25. Learn about the background that resulted in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act being passed by Congress in 1991. Follow the regulatory pathway as to how this law and its regulations are connected to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and what the federal agencies SHOULD be doing. As a tribal member, you will learn how to insert the tribe into the process and have a voice.

The class will be held in the historic Presidio - a beautiful former military installation that has some of the most unique flora and fauna in the Bay area as it is one of the last remaining areas of open space on the ocean.

To register, call National Preservation Institute at (703) 765 0100 or by email at info@npi.org
There are some scholarships available

Learn NEPA , TCPs in Honolulu this March

2009-02-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Classes held at the EAST/WEST Center, University of Hawaii. Combine professional development with seasonal recreation in Oahu.

NEPA Compliance and Cultural Resources
Honolulu, HI — March 23-24, 2009

Learn about environmental impact analysis, cultural resource management, and
historic preservation responsibilities and relationships. Assess practical
applications for effectively integrating the analyses required by the National
Environmental Policy Act, related environmental regulations, and the National
Historic Preservation Act. An agenda is available online at www.npi.org.

Identification and Management of Traditional Cultural Places
Honolulu, HI — March 25-26, 2009

"Traditional cultural places" (TCPs) are important for the roles they play in
community cultural traditions, beliefs, and activities. They must be
considered in planning under the National Environmental Policy Act, the National
Historic Preservation Act, Executive Orders 12898 and 13007, and other authorities.
This seminar explores definitions and methods of identifying and managing
impacts on TCPs. An agenda is available online at www.npi.org.

Instructor. Claudia Nissley, President, Nissley Environmental Consultants;
nationally recognized for her expertise in Section 106, the only individual in the U.S. who has served as Wyoming State Historic Preservation Officer, and Director, Western Office, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Registration. A registration form is available online at www.npi.org/register.html. Or call NPI at 703 765 0100. The advance registration rate is valid until February 11 — $375 (2 days– NEPA) / $375 (2 days - TCPs) / $675 (4 days – both seminars).

2009-02-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

C. Nissley Environmental Consultants www.cnec_inc.com

Get a better decision-making product & eliminate litigation by integrating assessment of impacts on cultural communities & practices. How ?
1. start both processes, EAs or EISs and Section 106, early & at the same time; especially if the cultural property is a National Historic Landmark, a significant historical community site, or a tribal area of traditional practice, i.e. plant, mineral, animal gathering areas
2. Is the landscape rural or urban ? Identify the group(s) that give meaning to the landscape.
3. What role does the cultural landscape play in keeping the group's cultural traditions ?
4. Consider writing a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA)

coming next week: CIAs and relationships of cultural landscapes and values...