America’s Heritage
In defending the federal government’s administration of public land and federal property, the Natural Resources Section is also responsible for claims under Section 106 of the National Historical Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. § 306108. Much like NEPA, Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the potential effects of their actions on properties listed, or eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places. Traditionally, these claims focus on property decisions — for example, an agency decision to sell or repurpose a historic office building or hospital. In recent years, this work has included claims by Native American tribes that federal projects infringe upon locations of cultural or religious importance.
See Native American Law for more information.