Superior NF seeks comment on historic preservation agreement renewal

DULUTH — The Superior National Forest is asking the public to review its Programmatic Agreement with national and state agencies and local tribes.

The agreement governs the protection of historic, archeological and tribal cultural properties, according to a news release from the Forest. It streamlines the National Historic Preservation Act review and consultation, saving staff time and costs while ensuring compliance. The agreement has been used since 2005 "with positive results" and was renewed in 2015.

The public comment period addresses community concerns and questions before the agreement is renewed. A draft can be viewed online until Wednesday, May 28.

Comments will be reviewed by Forest staff, and the updated agreement will be shared with tribes, the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Comments and questions should be sent to Lee Johnson, SNF archeologist, by emailing SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov.

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