Section 106: What’s Changing

What is Section 106, and what could proposed changes to the process mean for historic places in our communities?
Join the Grand County Historical Association and the Colorado Council of Professional Archaeologists (CCPA) for an informative presentation about Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and proposed changes to the federal regulations that guide the review process.
Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects they carry out, fund, permit, license, or approve on historic properties, and provides opportunities for the public and other interested parties to participate in the process. This can make Section 106 particularly relevant in Grand County, where approximately 75% of the county is administered by public-land agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation voted in July 2026 to move forward with proposed revisions to the regulations implementing Section 106. The proposed changes are still moving through the federal rulemaking process and have not yet taken effect. Once a proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, the public will have an opportunity to submit comments.
During this presentation, CCPA will provide an overview of how Section 106 currently works and explain key proposed changes, including changes related to consultation, the definition of a federal undertaking, the Area of Potential Effects (APE), and the identification and consideration of historic properties. The presentation will also discuss what these changes could mean for historic and cultural resources and how members of the public can participate in the public comment process.
Whether you work with historic resources, spend time on our public lands, have an interest in archaeology and preservation, or simply want to better understand how federal projects can affect places with historic and cultural significance, this program offers an opportunity to learn more about a process that can have a direct connection to the landscapes and heritage of Grand County.
Join us to learn what Section 106 is, understand what may be changing, and find out how you can make your voice heard when the public comment period opens.