A heritage preservation needs assessment for the Yager/Van Duzen environmental stewards

Members of a collaborative watershed group in rural Humboldt County have formally declared in their mission statement that they have a commitment to maintaining their heritage, but what does that mean? Understanding diverse perspectives toward heritage is important for historic preservation and cultural resource law implementation, particularly on working landscapes. This study asks how perceptions held by ranching and logging families compare to those of the regulators and agencies, as informed by the laws concerning historic preservation. I utilized a mixed-methods approach that included semi-structured oral interviews, participant observation and document review. The research revealed that landowners tend to view heritage as an anticipatory process that is flexible and dynamic. On the other hand, the laws and regulations in place that protect heritage, tend to be object oriented, with a heavy emphasis on distinct and manageable buildings, sites or objects. Because the landowners see heritage differently than the regulators or agencies do, there is the potential for conflict. Conflicts include fears that landowners hold regarding over-regulation and over protection, and fears that regulators hold concerning the loss of archaeological data or historical resources. However, there are also areas of agreement, such as an appreciation for the rich and complex histories, which can enhance the future of this important working landscape. By offering some information about the context and processes surrounding historic preservation laws and potential incentives, this paper aims to fill the gaps between the different understandings of heritage, and to identify ways in which historic preservation might be used instrumentally to maintain the sustainability of this working landscape.