Goats. They seem effective at readily clearing vegetation with minimum disturbance, but you might need a fence first. Fallen headstones are more of an issue, especially if you can't associate them with a broken base or pedestal. It's never a good idea to place them upright in an area where you think - but have no proof - they came from. It's best to avoid the use of heavy equipment within the cemetery. You can check with the Association for Gravestone Studies https://www.gravestonestudies.org/knowledge-center/preservation-conservation or the Chicora Foundation http://www.chicora.org/cemetery-preservation.html for established best practices for cemetery preservation.

Daniel B. Davis 
Administrative Branch Manager, Cultural Resources Section 
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 
Division of Environmental Analysis 
200 Mero Street 
Frankfort, KY 40622 
(502) 564-7250 or (502) 782-5013
KYTC Archaeology and KYTC Cultural Historic


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nancy Dickinson
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2015 12:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: neglected and/or abandoned burying grounds

I am involved with a committee that is beginning to look into maintaining local abandoned and/or neglected burying grounds and cemeteries in a town founded in 1640.  Is there some protocol or a way to prioritize maintenance concerns?  
So far, there is a professionally-prepared survey with metes and bounds, also noting headstone and present-day vegetation locations.  Immediate concerns include fallen headstones, absence of fences as well as presence of trees and shrubs.  Public/private partnerships are being looked into for funding and maintenance purposes.


All advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Nancy


Nancy Dickinson
Conservation Commission member
Town of Greenwich, Connecticut

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