VNRC opposes archaeological rule change

The Vermont National Resources Council has taken formal opposition against a proposal by the Douglas Administration to change guidelines regarding historical sites. The VNRC said that the changes would weaken protections for archaeological and historic sites across the state.
According to the VNRC, the proposal would effectively prevent even basic preliminary field reviews to determine if proposed developments would damage archaeological sites. They say that the proposal would also eliminate protections for Vermont's archaeological and historic resources.
Under the proposal, the kinds of sites that the state division of historic preservation could advocate for protection in an Act 250 proceeding would be narrowed. Only under exceptional circumstances would district commissions be allowed to require developers to conduct archaeological field investigations, and all of the costs would be shifted to the district commission. The VRNC believes that this is a major departure from Act 250 and environmental permitting custom and that it violates state law. Jon Groveman, VNRC's General Counsel, argued that only the legislature would have the authority to make such changes to Act 250.
In any given year, only a tiny number of developments ever have to do even preliminary archaeological investigations, so this rule change strikes us as more politically motivated than anything else, said Groveman. It will help almost no developers, but at the same time clear the way for ancient archaeological sites to be paved over because no-one will know where they are.
Brian Shupe, VNRC s Sustainable Communities Director, stated that caring for Vermont s past is part of a smart strategy for the future.
Protecting Vermont s historic sites and structures is an important, environmentally sound community development strategy, Shupe said. It helps to maintain the state s competitive advantage. It reinforces the state s smart growth principles, and better understanding our history informs us of our origins and cultural heritage, strengthening our shared sense of identity and pride in community.
VNRC filed the comments today on the proposed rule to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs.