Understanding Section 106 at the Shaker Lakes

One of the most discussed — and least understood — aspects of the Horseshoe Park project is the federal historic-review process known as “Section 106.”

Section 106 refers to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a federal law requiring agencies to evaluate how federally connected projects may affect historic places.

The process applies when a project involves:

• federal permits

• federal approvals

• federal funding,

• or other forms of federal involvement

Because the Horseshoe Park project requires federal permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, federal historic review became legally required. That review matters because the Shaker Lakes Parklands are not ordinary undeveloped land. They are part of federally recognized historic landscapes, including: the North Union Shaker Site (NRHP listing, 1974) and the Shaker Village Historic District (NRHP listing, 1984).

Section 106 review is intended to ensure that:

• historic resources are identified

• potential impacts are studied

• alternatives are considered

• consulting parties and the public can participate

• and agencies fully evaluate effects before irreversible changes occur

The process does not automatically prohibit change. But it does require informed review and public accountability before major alterations to historic resources move forward.

At the Shaker Lakes, Section 106 review has included:

• consultation with preservation agencies

• consulting-party participation

• review of project effects on historic resources

• and formal findings regarding impacts to the historic landscape

For many residents, the Section 106 process is important not simply because of law or procedure, but because it recognizes something larger: that the Shaker Lakes are part of a historic cultural landscape with environmental, civic, and community significance extending across generations.

Understanding Section 106 helps explain why so many community members continue to focus on transparency, documentation, public participation, and careful review before irreversible changes occur.