The Special Resource Study

Public Law 108-94 (2003), directed the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a Special Resource Study regarding the national significance, suitability, and feasibility of the Coltsville industrial district, in Hartford, CT, for designation as a unit of the national park system.  

A Special Resource Study is a professional evaluation process, culminating with a range of alternatives. The National Park Service (NPS) does not create national parks—Congress creates them. When the study is completed, NPS publishes a report and submits it to Congress for its consideration and potential action.

Components of the Study

The Coltsville Special Resource Study is required to make determinations concerning four issues:

• National significance of the area for inclusion within the national park system
• Suitability of the area for inclusion within the national park system;
• Feasibility of the area for inclusion within the national park system; and
• Need for NPS management.

National Significance: In order to become a national park unit, a site must possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting natural or cultural themes or our nation's heritage. The Coltsville Special Resource Study is providing technical assistance to local proponents who are seeking to establish national significance by pursuing a National Historic Landmark (NHL) designation. By demonstrating national significance for NHL designation, Coltsville would establish the national significance required to become a National Park site. Information on Coltsville's significance comes from the National Register of Historic Places, the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Officer, historical monographs, and local museums, historical societies and libraries. The study team is consulting with historians within the NPS, academia, and the local community.

Suitability and Comparison with Similar Areas: Suitability criteria consider if a type of site is represented adequately in existing units of the System or other protected areas. The suitability analysis will compare and contrast the study area with similar resources using the thematic categories defined in the publications History in the National Park Service, Themes and Concepts (1994). Research will be conducted to identify similar areas for comparison with the site under evaluation. These areas may represent similar themes or resources, and will include NPS, state, local or other sites that are already protected. A suitability determination will result from the analysis.

Feasibility: Feasibility criteria address size and configuration and consider natural systems and historic settings and other factors necessary to ensure long-term protection and to accommodate public use. Preliminary information on ownership, accessibility, the possible visitor experience, exhibits, threats to resources, staffing, and development requirements will be prepared for the site.

Need for NPS Management: If the study area or portions thereof are found to be suitable and feasible for NPS unit designation, the question of whether NPS management is needed will be addressed. Alternative management options will be presented and evaluated.

Management Alternatives: Management alternatives for designation as a unit of the National Park System will be determined in the study. An assessment of environmental impacts of the management alternatives will be undertaken. If the study determines that it is not feasible to establish a national park unit at Coltsville, an EIS would not be required.

Undertaking the Study

Scoping: Public scoping will include consultation with researchers regarding sources of historical information; groups associated with the site (including property owners, business organizations, tour operators, museums, preservation groups, and the general public); and local, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism's Historic Preservation and Museum Division, will also be consulted.

Planning Process and Civic Engagement: Extensive civic engagement is planned, including public workshops/meetings during the key phases such as project scoping, preliminary management alternatives, draft study, and final study. A newsletter and web page will keep the public informed, and meetings and comment forms will provide opportunity for public input. NPS project staff will be available to meet with any local groups interested in the study.

Study Team: The study is being conducted by the National Park Service Northeast Region's (NER) Park Planning and Special Studies Division. The project team consists of planners, historians, museum experts, and architects based in the Northeast Region. Advisers include specialists in industrial archeology and history, American history and culture, historic districts and structures, and historic collections. The project team has the primary responsibility for conducting the study process and producing the report. It will develop and coordinate the involvement of partners and the public in the project. The Project Manager is James O'Connell, National Park Service, 15 State Street, Boston, MA 02109; 617-223-5222; fax 617-223-5164; Jim_O'Connell@nps.gov.

Project Schedule