The Preserve America Stewards Recognition Program: Nomination Information; DD: 12/01/2009; 03/01/2010

IB 2010-011
Information Bulletin

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 November 12, 2009 In Reply Refer To:1114/8100 (172) P EMS TRANSMISSION 11/19/2009Information Bulletin No. 2010-011To:                   AFOsAttn:  Volunteer Coordinators, Cultural Leads, Heritage Education LeadsFrom:              Director, National Landscape Conservation System and Community PartnershipsSubject:           The “Preserve America Stewards” Recognition Program: Nomination Information                                                     DD:  12/01/2009; 03/01/2010The purpose of this Information Bulletin (IB) is to solicit nominations for the “Preserve America Stewards” recognition program.  The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and other Federal departments administer the program as part of the interagency Preserve America program.The Preserve America Stewards designation recognizes stewardship programs that demonstrate a successful use of volunteer time and a commitment to caring for our nation’s cultural heritage.  Designation is granted to eligible entities with volunteer stewardship programs that:• provide individual volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties;• address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use of volunteer efforts; and• demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and public/private partnerships.Thirteen Preserve America Stewards have been designated since the program was announced in 2008.  The San Juan Mountains Association, a long-time Bureau of Land Management (BLM) partner at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, was one of these first designees.  A summary of that organization’s stewardship accomplishments is available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/stewards/CO_sanjuanmountains.html.Prospective Preserve America Stewards programs may apply (self-nominate) to be recognized at the national level using the application form and materials available via a link on the Preserve America Stewards website at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/stewards.html.  Government entities (Federal, Tribal, State, and local), non-profit organizations, and businesses are eligible to apply.  The applicant’s stewardship program must have been in existence for at least one full year prior to submission of the application to ACHP.  The next quarterly deadlines for submitting applications are December 1, 2009, and March 1, 2010.   Once an application has been approved by the ACHP and the BLM, the name of the applicant is added to a list pending the next announcement of designated Preserve America Stewards.  Announcement of designated Preserve America Stewards takes place several times a year.   Preserve America Stewards receive a designation letter and certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Michelle Obama.  Benefits of recognition and designation as a Preserve America Steward also include:• listing in an online directory on the Preserve America website, with links to their own websites and information for potentially interested volunteers about getting involved;• use of the Preserve America logo in public outreach and promotional materials and activities;• enhanced access to existing technical assistance resources that may be helpful in the development, management, and ongoing support of local volunteer stewardship programs; and• publicity in the Preserve America e-newsletter.Bureau offices are encouraged to submit nominations to recognize their outstanding volunteer organizations, and are also encouraged to make their volunteer and partner entities aware of this opportunity for recognition.  The Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships will promote designated Stewards with connections to BLM by showcasing them on the BLM Volunteer Program and Learning Landscapes websites.Requests for specific program information should be directed to Druscilla Null of the ACHP Office of Preservation Initiatives at (202) 606-8532 or dnull@achp.gov.  If you have questions regarding the BLM’s involvement in the program, please contact the BLM Preservation Officer, Robin Burgess, at (202) 912-7241 or Robin_Burgess@blm.gov.    Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:Mary Tisdale, Acting Director                                    Robert M. WilliamsOffice of the National Landscape Conservation        Division of IRM Governance,WO-560System & Community Partnerships

Office

National Office

Fiscal Year

2010