Home News ACHP Releases Upper Missouri River Corps of Engineers Historic Preservation Report

For more information, contact Bruce Milhans at bmilhans@achp.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2003, Washington, DC—The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) today released a Status Report on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Historic Preservation Program for the Missouri River Mainstem System. [Read Status Report (in PDF)]

"I am encouraged by the recent positive steps taken by the Corps of Engineers to improve management of its historic holdings along the Missouri River," said John L. Nau, III, chairman of the ACHP.

"I commend Brigadier General David A. Fastabend, Northwestern Division Engineer, for his leadership and initiative in working with the tribes, the states, and interested parties. While there is still work to be done, we are very pleased with the continued progress and look forward to the creation of a Programmatic Agreement with the Corps."

The Missouri River status report recognizes the challenges facing the Corps of Engineers along nearly 6,000 miles of shoreline in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Nebraska. It estimates that erosion alone is causing the loss of between 40 and 80 historic sites annually. Vandalism and looting, reservoir operations, recreational use and other land management activities also endanger historic sites.

Historic resources along the Missouri River include forts, ranches, trails, graves, and both prehistoric and historic village sites. Many of these places were vitally important to the cultures of more than 30 Indian tribes. As the Nation commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, it is important to remember and preserve the places along the Missouri River that played such a pivotal role in the formation of the United States.

"Preserving these places will foster heritage tourism which will result in economic and cultural benefits to the region," said Nau. "We look forward to working in partnership with all involved to better protect and appropriately share our historic treasures."

An independent federal agency, the ACHP promotes historic preservation nationally by providing a forum for influencing federal activities, programs, and policies that impact historic properties. It also advises the President and Congress about historic preservation matters, advocates preservation policy, protects historic properties, and educates stakeholders and the public.

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Updated April 17, 2003

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