How does cultural heritage factor into land use planning?

Cultural heritage is an important factor to consider when it comes to land use planning in California. Cultural heritage is defined as the tangible and intangible manifestations of the culture of a particular group of people, usually based on their history and shared traditions. It is important to recognize and preserve cultural heritage when planning the use of land, as it both serves to protect the culture of a people and provides historical insight into what the land was once used for. In California, cultural heritage is often taken into account when making land use decisions. For example, indigenous peoples and their ancestral sites are recognized and protected in local land use plans. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) also helps to protect cultural heritage by requiring environmental reviews for certain land use projects that may have significant impacts on historic or archaeological sites. In addition to local and state laws, there are also federal protections for cultural heritage in California. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 was enacted to protect and preserve important cultural, archaeological, historical, and architectural sites. It requires federal agencies to take “into account the effect of any undertaking on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.” These laws and regulations help to recognize and protect the cultural heritage of California and its people. As such, it is important to recognize the significance of cultural heritage when making land use decisions. In doing so, we can ensure that the unique heritage of our state is preserved for generations to come.

How does cultural heritage factor into land use planning?

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