Introduction to Section 106 (DOI-Wide Training)
Offered by the Department of the Interior – Office of Employee Development
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Are you new to Section 106 compliance or looking for a refresher on the fundamentals? This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and prepares employees across Interior bureaus to understand and fulfill their compliance responsibilities.
Section 106 is a key component of the Department’s broader stewardship responsibilities. DOI manages some of the nation’s most significant natural and cultural resources and infrastructure.
Federal employees play an important role in ensuring that projects are planned and implemented in a way that responsibly considers historic properties, supports community values, and strengthens partnerships with Tribes, stakeholders, and the public.
This course introduces the Section 106 process as a practical planning and decision-making tool that helps agencies advance projects while meeting legal responsibilities and sustaining the cultural resources entrusted to the Department’s care.
Participants will explore:
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The purpose, history, and intent of the National Historic Preservation Act and how Section 106 intersects with other cultural resource laws and policies
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What Section 106 is and when it applies
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How to identify an “undertaking” under Section 106
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Application of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) regulations
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Determining the Area of Potential Effects (APE)
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How and when to consult with SHPOs, Tribes, ACHP, the public, and other consulting parties
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Identifying historic properties and assessing effects
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Resolving adverse effects
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The purpose and use of agreement documents, including Programmatic Agreements (PAs) and Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs)
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Coordinating Section 106 with other applicable laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
This course addresses Section 106 requirements at the Departmental level. Participants are encouraged to consult their bureau cultural resource staff for guidance on bureau-specific implementation.
Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, participants will gain a working understanding of how Section 106 applies to federal undertakings and how to confidently navigate the 106 compliance process.
Training Requirement Information
For National Park Service employees:
As outlined in the “Strengthening our Stewardship of Cultural Resources: Next Steps” memorandum (September 22, 2016), the NPS requires park superintendents and facility managers to complete Section 106 training.
This DOI course:
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Meets the Section 106 training requirement for new NPS Park Superintendents and Facility Managers
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Satisfies the 5-year refresher training requirement
Participants must complete all assignments and attend all virtual sessions in order to receive credit.
INSTRUCTORS
Cari Kreshak, Cultural Resources Training Manager, Office of Employee Development
James Orr, Training Specialist, Office of Employee Development