Summer Homes - The National Historic Preservation Act

Recreation residences were first created in the National Forest system and on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF) after the turn of the Twentieth Century. As such, they have a long and significant history for the Forest Service in North Idaho. They are a unique historic resource that is regulated under Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA).

In an attempt to provide appropriate management of the recreation residence tracts, lots and associated improvements the IPNF has developed a Programmatic Agreement (pdf) that recognizes private property rights, provides the maximum amount of local control over management decisions, and meets all historic resource preservation laws, regulations and policies.

By using the resources on this web page both Forest Service managers and recreation residence owners should be able to navigate the Section 106 process for maintenance, remodeling and reconstruction of recreation residences and outbuildings and utility construction and repair projects within recreation residence tracts and lots.

Prior to using this material it is assumed that the Summer Home web page on the IPNF site has been visited and general application and permit procedures have been followed. District staff will walk you through the process from that point onward. However, if you want more information or to follow the steps in the process yourself, please use the material below.

There are several key items that will help you to navigating the Section 106 process:

Consult the Recreation Residence Flow Chart (pdf) to determine the general process to follow.
Refer to the Programmatic Agreement (pdf) for general terms and procedures.
Refer to Attachment B: Screened Undertakings (pdf) for specific information on which types of projects need to be reviewed and which are exempt from NHPA review.
Read the "Summary of Recreation Residence National Register of Historic Places Eligibility and Management Recommendations for Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho" (pdf) to better understand the how decisions regarding individual tract, lot, building and archaeological significance was reached.

Additional links that may help understand the process can be found at: