[MassHistPres] Areas of Water on the NR

[Aaron Marcavitch]

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/greenblog/2009/11/state_historic_ruling_may_add.html

Hi folks,
 
Obviously as a preservationist who is currently located on Nantucket, this has interesting implications.  For those not following along at home, the Wampanoag Tribe asked for a ruling on the NR eligibility of Nantucket Sound - where a wind farm is to be located.  
 
Personally, I like the wind farm.  Of course, reading this blog article, we get a good feel for the "Hysterical Preservationist" label.  I know that there are plenty of underwater archaeological sites in the sound and that there is a cultural landscape element to it.  The proponents of the wind farm (including our gov.) say that this is an end round to slow the process down because now it will require a Section 106 process.  
 
Obviously I can see the preservation angle on this and hope that the historical comissions on the islands and cape get pulled into the discussion.  I have had concerns about the archaeological impact for a while - but was assurred that nothing would be impacted.  On the other hand, I see the impact a wind farm could have for the region.
 
Anyone have thoughts on this very historic preservation issue?  How do we address broad areas of cultural landscape - which happen to be water.  Would we/have we put a lake on the NR?  How about a river?  Please dont get into your opinions on why the Tribe did it or why MHC did what they did - I am just looking for a more philosophical viewpoint.
 
Thanks!
Aaron
Housing Nantucket
 

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http://www.marcavitch.com


      
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