Pledge to support scholarly and scientific research to Colorado's Most Endangered Places, the Santa Fe Trail

March 19, 2007

Last fall the Santa Fe Trail and Southeast Colorado Heritage Region were nominated for the Colorado Preservation, Inc. 2007 List of Most Endangered Historic Sites in the State of Colorado. On February 8, at the State Preservation Conference it was announced that the Region was listed on the Endangered Sites List. The listing recognizes that hundreds of significant cultural, architectural, archaeological and paleontology sites exist in the region and are threatened due to numerous factors including the proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The cultural and historical assets of the region are considered of such significance, and under such threat, that Colorado Preservation, Inc. has nominated the Region for the National Trust for Historic Preservations 2007 list of the 11 Most Endangered Sites in the nation. The region contains the Santa Fe Trail, a National historic trail which is one of America's Byways, a Colorado Scenic Byway and recently has been chosen to be part of the Presidents Preserve America region.

The Otero County Preservation Commission, the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway and other historic and preservation organizations are working with Colorado Preservation, Inc. on a grant to the State Historical Fund to begin scientific and scholarly research on this area. The proposal includes an Agricultural Context Survey which would research, document and analyze the roll that agriculture has played in the growth and history of the region. This will include agricultural practices of the Native Americans, sheep and cattle ranching, homesteading, the effect of the dust bowl, current agriculture in the region and the roll of agriculture in the economy and culture of the area. Two additional segments of the project will be on-site archaeological and architectural surveys and documentation.

Private landowners throughout the region will be working with the research teams to identify the location of these sites, and to allow access to sites on private property. Researchers will include professors and students from the University of Colorado, as well as cultural historians, architectural historians and archaeologists from throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports this project and will be assisting.

We strongly believe that this history and culture should be documented for the benefit of future generations. It also could have a very positive impact on tourism and the economic development of the region, as well as making people around the country aware of the significance of this region to the growth and history of our nation.

Generally, State Historical Fund grants require a 25% match of funds although an exemption can be requested. Due to the financial hardships this part of the state has suffered due to the blizzards, an argument can be made for the exemption. However, the grant proposal will be strengthened if we can demonstrate that there is support from governmental agencies, civic organizations and individuals for the project. We have already received pledges of “in-kind” support from universities, colleges and government agencies. Monetary pledges have also been made by individuals from around the region.

We would like to ask you or your organization to consider making a pledge of matching funds for the project. It does not have to be a large amount, even $100.00 would be helpful in demonstrating community support for the project. Understand that your pledge is for matching funds for the grant request of $200,000 and if not received, the match is not required. The deadline for the grant application is April 2nd , so we are requesting pledges be made by March 26th. The State Historical Fund will announce successful grants recipients on August 1, 2007 and pledges would be due after that date. To make a pledge send your letter of intent for your pledge to:

Letters should be addressed to:
Abbey Christman
Colorado Preservation Inc.
333 W. Colfax Avenue, Suite 300
Denver, Co 80204

If you have any questions, please contact me here.

Sincerely,

Wyvonne Phillips Graham
Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway- Mountain Branch