> 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
> <[log in to unmask]> or <[log in to unmask]>.
>
>
>
> 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 <[log in to unmask]>
>  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 <[log in to unmask]>,
>  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 <[log in to unmask]>.
>
>
> 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.
>
>