Heritage management plans and their effects on Civilian Conservation Corp structures
Abstract
The infrastructure built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the 1930s and 1940s are considered historic properties and national heritage assets. Research examines two questions concerning historic CCC properties: 1) are the CCC properties being cared for and managed; and 2) would these properties benefit from having cultural heritage management plans? A two-part focus centers on the CCC improvements and structures made to park lands throughout the US. First, a site survey of the CCC structures and improvements in Mackenzie Park (within the Lubbock, Texas municipal parks system) is used as a case study. Second, results of an email survey sent to state park managers of Texas, Arkansas, California, Nevada, and National Park Service parks determines the extent of CCC involvement at each park and the heritage management practices at those locations.
The CCC structures and improvements are experiencing increasing pressure for removal or renovation, and installation of newer facilities at local, state, and federal park systems to meet visitor and recreation business demands. Heritage management programs are specific vehicles that can provide park managers and park system administrators a process to protect these historic resources and guide renovation activities in a manner that will preserve the integrity of the resources as well as implement acceptable upgrades to the existing resources. The research results confirm that most CCC structures are at risk and would benefit from heritage management plans administered by the owning agencies.