50 Years of Historic Preservation on the Sierra National Forest Celebrated This Year

This year, the Sierra National Forest is celebrating 50 years of historic preservation.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Historic Preservation Act. The act allowed for programs to be established to help preserve historic buildings, archaeology, and landmarks. The anniversary of its passing has been celebrated with a monthly release of a new poster, which is available online. In the Sierra National Forest, that meant programs established to protect a number of historic structures, including homesteads, bridges, boundary markers, and more.

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Now, the forest may be getting another preservation boost; a campaign is underway that would make the Sierra National Forest a national monument. If the campaign succeeds, mining and logging would be prohibited within the forest, and grazing of animals on the monument’s lands would be phased out. The move would also help bolster tourism and recreation in the area, which would in turn mean more funds for conservation. The park would also be renamed the Sierra National Monument.

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The people, culture, and structures of the Sierra National Forest are unique, with a rich history that, with the help of the National Historic Preservation Act and continuing conservation efforts, will be preserved for many generations to come.