FYI...Stefanie ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: Dan Vivian [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Subject: Historic Landscapes Research-Special Call for Proposals National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Special Call for Proposals Historic Landscapes Research As part of its ongoing Preservation Technology and Training Grants program, the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is pleased to announce a special initiative in support of historic landscapes research for the 1999 fiscal year. NCPTT welcomes proposals in the Applied/Fundamental Research program category that address the preservation of historic landscapes but is especially interested in supporting projects in the areas discussed below. Technology Transfer: In many cases, strong potential exists for technologies developed in other fields to be adapted for use in historic landscapes research. Are archaeologists using remote sensing technologies, for example, that might be used to conduct noninvasive explorations of historic landscapes? Have geotechnical scientists developed soil stabilization methodologies that can be adapted for landscape conservation applications? Projects in this category will seek to develop innovative applications of existing technologies for use in landscapes research and treatment. Interface of Natural and Cultural Resources in Historic Landscapes: Landscapes commonly include a combination of historic, cultural, and natural elements. Although little research has explored the interface of these elements, an understanding of their interaction is clearly essential for sound management practices. What mitigation strategies, for example, are most effective in cases where wetlands are protected as wildlife habitats but neighboring agricultural fields are subject to frequent flooding? Historically, how did the availability of water and soil type affect the location of agricultural settlements? What has been the historical relationship between soils, native vegetation, and herbal medicine in traditional cultures? Projects in this category will seek a better understanding of such interfaces by viewing landscapes in a truly holistic manner. Interpretation of Landscape Processes: Landscape change sometimes occurs rapidly and dramatically; in other instances, it is a slow process involving developments so subtle as to be almost imperceptible to the untrained eye. Building public awareness of the complex and dynamic nature of historic landscapes is an essential prerequisite for effective preservation efforts. Projects in this category will examine innovative methodologies for interpreting landscapes. Landscape Construction Technology and Techniques: To better understand many historic landscapes, it is necessary to understand the techniques and processes employed in their construction. What were the methods used by the Civilian Conservation Corps, for example, in constructing the stone masonry walls found in many national and state parks? Can the appearance of many historic roadways be attributed to particular techniques used in their construction? Projects in this category will examine historical construction techniques in an effort to advance our ability to understand and preserve historic landscapes. Effects of Historical Advances in Technology on Landscapes: Technological changes throughout history have altered the character and appearance of the American landscapes in numerous ways. The introduction of new farming implements, for example, has consistently had significant effects on agricultural landscapes. The steady evolution of land use practices has affected the spatial layout of landscapes across the country in equally profound ways. Projects in this category will seek to reach a better understanding of these and similar changes in an effort to improve our ability to document, interpret, and conserve historic landscapes. Vegetation Management: Man-made elements of historic landscapes all too often receive greater attention than natural elements and are typically given priority during the conservation process. Natural elements are frequently left untreated and thus, much of their significant historic character slowly fades over time. Projects in this category will seek to establish effective methodologies for the management of vegetation in historic landscapes. Topics particularly suited for study might include, for instance, historic orchards, historic stands of forest, and natural vegetation in designed landscapes. Impact of Modern Standards on Historic Landscapes: As has been the case with historic buildings and sites, modern provisions for providing access for a diverse public have greatly affected historic landscapes. Installation of guardrails along historic highways, for example, alters the character of the surrounding landscape. Similarly, measures necessary to make many historic trails safe for pedestrians significantly detract from their appearance. Projects in this category will thus consider ways that current standards for fire access, pedestrian safety, and universal design can be accommodated in historic landscapes without adversely affecting the character of the landscape. Database Development: A clear need exists for researchers to have access to accurate databases of information on topics related to historic landscapes. Projects in this category will develop databases on topics such as, for example, plant materials, commercial nurseries, horticultural history. The goal of such projects will be to establish accurate, well-documented, and easily accessible databases useful to a broad range of professionals involved in historic landscapes research. Specific inquiries about NCPTT's historic landscapes research initiative should be directed to Dr. Mark Gilberg, Research Coordinator, or Daniel Vivian, Research Associate. Call (318) 357-6464, or send e-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> or <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. The Preservation Technology and Training Grants Program: The PTTGrants program has awarded over $500,000 each year since 1994 for innovative work in research, training and information management projects on technical issues in historic architecture, archeology, historic landscapes, objects and materials conservation, and interpretation. Grants are available in eight categories- Information management Training and education Applied/fundamental research Environmental effects of outdoor pollutants Technology transfer Analytical facility support Conference support Publications support. Application deadlines are mid-December 1998, as specified in the Call for Proposals. The 1999 Call for Proposals is available via- e-mail: Send a blank message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> and the call for proposals will return automatically. Fax-on-demand: Call 318/357-3214 and follow the recorded instructions to receive a catalog of documents that includes the call for proposals. Web: Visit <www.ncptt.nps.gov> and click on "Preservation Technology and Training Grants". Brochure: Request a printed call for proposals by sending an e-mail message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, telephoning 318/357-6464, or writing NCPTT, NSU Box 5682, Natchitoches, LA 71497. PTTGrants are funded by Federal appropriation and awards are subject to availability of funds. For more information, contact John Robbins, NCPTT Executive Director; telephone 318/357-6464, facsimile 318/357-6421, e-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is an office of the National Park Service under the Associate Director, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships. NCPTT promotes and enhances the preservation of prehistoric and historic resources in the United States for present and future generations through the advancement and dissemination of preservation and conservation technology and training. Preservation Technology and Training Grants are NCPTT's chief means of stimulating and supporting creative work in research, training and information management for preservation and conservation. Daniel Vivian Research Associate National Center for Preservation Technology and Training NSU Box 5682, Natchitoches LA 71497 318/357-6464 voice 318/357-6421 fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ncptt.nps.gov ************************************ Dr. Stefanie S. Rixecker Division of Environmental Management & Design Lincoln University, Canterbury PO Box 56 Aotearoa New Zealand E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fax: 64-03-325-3841 ************************************
