TRAIL MAPPING AND MARKING POLICY SANTA FE TRAIL ASSOCIATION Adopted by the Santa Fe Trail Association Board of Directors, April 13, 2002 INTRODUCTION There are three principle aspects to the marking of a national historic trail such as the Santa Fe Trail. First is the task of identifying and mapping the original routes. This tedious and time-consuming task must be done before marking can commence. Second is the actual marking of the routes so that those interested will be able to follow, insofar as possible, the exact trace followed by early travelers. Third is the interpretation of the Trail and Trail-related events or locations through interpretive signs and exhibits. These are designed to explain and describe the significance of physiographic features (such as Pawnee Rock), historical trail-related structures, or important related historical events occurring on or near the Trail during the period of its usage. The Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA) is charged with the responsibility of assisting the NPS and others in the mapping and marking the Santa Fe Trail (SFT) in a manner that is consistent with the general practices and uses of the National Park Service (NPS). With the development of computer mapping technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), consumer level global positioning systems (GPS), and the explosion in internet and personal computer based mapping software, accurate mapping of the SFT can be readily done, provided it is done within the framework of SFTA policy and established guidelines. SECTION I: TRAIL MAPPING The purpose of mapping is to identify and document the location of the SFT throughout the period of its use. The ultimate goal of SFT mapping is a digital computer-based map of the SFT route and its physical remains that can readily be used by historians, land planners, and the general public. Such an effort is fundamental to the preservation of this national treasure. Although individual efforts are encouraged, mapping must not be done in a vacuum, and basic data must be shared with others. To achieve this goal, standards and guidelines for mapping have been developed by the SFTA (Mapping Instructions for the Santa Fe Trail, 1998) 1. Base Maps. The standard base map adopted by the SFTA for mapping is the U.S. Geological Survey 7-1/2 minute quadrangle map at a scale of 1:24,000 scale (1-inch equal 2 miles). The SFTA will provide each chapter with a set of quadrangle maps covering the suspected SFT route in their region. These quadrangle maps should be photocopied for field use and data transferred to the original quadrangle maps as needed. As mapping is completed for a given quadrangle map, the master map or a copy should be submitted to the SFTA Mapping-Marking Committee along with completed mapping forms (described below) or tabular summaries of data for each USGS quadrangle map. The SFTA Mapping-Marking Committee will archive the documents and enter the information into a computer-based geographic information system (GIS) consistent with NPS guidelines. Mapping and Marking 1
2. Documentation. Lines drawn on maps from recollection or "local knowledge" without written documentation are not acceptable. This includes sketches of the location of trail swales or ruts. The general procedures for mapping and documenting the various sources of historic information on the SFT are outlined in Mapping Instructions for the Santa Fe Trail, May 1998. While forms may change with time, the general procedures for mapping and documenting described in the guidelines should be followed. Documentation should be summarized one of two ways (1) within each section using the SFTA mapping form provided in the mapping guidelines or (2) tabulated for an entire U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7-1/2 minute quadrangle map. The master data set for basic mapping of the SFT is the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Government Land Office Township Plat maps or GLO Plats. These maps represent the initial platting of land into rectangular townships and many note locations of early roads such as the Independence Santa Fe Road as the 1-mile section lines were surveyed. Other primary sources of documentation include other surveys, court records including road petitions and probate files, diaries, etc. Aerial photographs, especially historic photos from the 1930s and 1940s also are useful. Because in some areas the route of the SFT changed with time or even season, it is important to research multiple sources of information and record dates of that information. Documentation should be summarized using a SFTA mapping form or user provided summary and "hard points" tied to known survey locations identified and marked on copies of the USGS 7-1/2 minute quadrangle maps. 3. Hard Point, definition. A "hard point" is an actual survey location that specifically mentions the SFT or a diary entry so specific that its precise location is unequivocal. Documentation of "hard points" must include complete references of the information source, date, researcher interpretation of the data, and reference. While the best evidence of the SFT are ruts or swales, because these features are not unique to the SFT, they must be documented using other means or be widely accepted by historians to be genuine. 4. GPS. In addition to documentation, the locations of physical remains of the SFT should be identified using GPS. The standard coordinate system in use by the SFTA is the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system North American Datum 1927 (NAD 27). The SFTA Mapping-Marking Committee will loan hand-held GPS units to chapters to support mapping activities. As resources permit, the Mapping-Marking Committee will provide training and make field personnel skilled in the use of GPS and geography available to chapters to assist in field GPS surveys. GPS coordinates should be collected along the line of swales at various intervals so that the spatial orientation of these features can be displayed in a computer GIS. Where the Trail turns, more points should be recorded. SECTION II: TRAIL MARKING A goal of the SFTA is that the Santa Fe Trail will be marked across the web of interlocking trails, that together, constitute its historical route during the period of active usage (1821 to 1880). Achieving this goal requires care in first accurately identifying the actual route, then placing markers or interpretive exhibits at appropriate locations. Mapping and Marking 2
Markers and interpretive exhibits should, in general, be of a standard design and "look" that will be easily recognizable by the general public. The SFTA has developed a set of guidelines for trail marking that has been provided to all SFTA Chapters (Guidelines for Trail marking, 1998). For sites certified by the NPS, it is their policy to develop exhibits jointly with the site owner/manager, using assistance from SFTA chapters, local historical societies, and others. For uncertified sites, the NPS will not be directly involved in sign or exhibit development. 1. Marker. The word marker is a general term for any physical feature (sign, boulder, rock, post, etc.) that is placed to identify the SFT or other trail related site. A marker may be interpretive (contains some sort of text explaining the site or event) or non-interpretive (listing only a site name or event without interpretive text). Therefore, when referring to a specific marker, it is SFTA policy that the marker type (interpretive or non-interpretive) should be specified. If not specified, the term marker, when applied to a specific marker, is assumed to mean a non-interpretive marker. Wayside exhibits (interpretive exhibit with a picture or photo) are a separate class and not considered markers. 2. Marker Design, for SFT crossing on public Rights-of-Way. Markers placed at locations where the SFT crosses public rights-of-way can be any of the following three types a. The standardized "XING" design with the NPS logo on the top that conforms to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards b. The carsonite marker with "Santa Fe Trail" displayed vertically and the NPS logo at the top c. The carsonite marker with "Santa Fe Trail" displayed vertically and the SFTA logo at the top Whichever design chapters choose to place, permission must be obtained from the agency controlling the right-of-way. Permission from adjacent property owners also should be sought before placing markers. The NPS requires written permission from the adjacent property owners before placing the standardized "XING" marker. If the carsonite marker designs are used, a statement indicating that, the property behind the marker is private and trespassing is not allowed must be at the bottom of the marker 3. Marker Design at other locations. These markers will fall into two general categories (1) markers with the NPS logo and (2) markers without the NPS logo. Markers with the NPS logo can only be used at sites certified by the NPS as being part of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. The NPS will work directly with the chapter and others to design these markers. With or without the NPS logo, marker designs at other locations can be of various sizes and shapes and be constructed from a variety of materials. Chapters are encouraged to be creative but should keep in mind that a consistent design, such as the standard NPS marker (the Kansas limestone post with the Santa Fe National Historic Trail logo) is most readily recognized by the general public. Text placed on markers should be simple and accurate. Mapping and Marking 3
4. Marker Placement. Markers may be placed on private property only with the consent of the landowner, and on public right-of-way only with the consent of the proper authorities. Except as otherwise permitted by private owners or a controlling government agency, markers should be so located at the entrance or exit of the Trail from a tract of land so as not to disturb or disrupt the existing uses of the land. Signs, markers, or exhibits placed for view by passing motorists may incur an inherent hazard. Therefore, SFTA chapters must coordinate the placement of all signs and markers and interpretive exhibits with state and local authorities having jurisdiction over streets, roads, and highways. For each proposed new marker location, the SFTA Mapping/Marker committee should receive documentation validating the location as on the SFT or trail related. This documentation should, at a minimum, include a marker form SF (Short form) and attached documentation described in section I. In this way, the Marker Committee can maintain a current national database of SFTA marker locations and names. 5. Marker Inventory. The SFTA should serve as a national resource for SFT-related information, including the location of SFT markers and exhibits. Each SFTA chapter is required to provide the SFTA with a list of markers and exhibits the chapter has erected. These lists should be updated when new markers are erected. SFTA chapters are strongly encouraged to conduct an inventory of all SFT-related markers and exhibits in their respective regions and provide this information to the Mapping-Marking Committee. SECTION III: FINANCING Financial assistance is available from the SFTA Marker Fund for the placement and repair of SFTA markers and exhibits. Assistance is also available for mapping-related activities. The assistance is in the form of cost-share "Marker grants" that are administered by the SFTA Mapping-Marking Committee. The SFTA board of directors has delegated to the Mapping-Marking Committee, the authority to review marker grant applications and direct the association's secretary to disburse funds from the Marker Fund. Applications for cost-share grants from the SFTA Marker Fund are made by submitting a completed form AP (Santa Fe Trail Association Application for Marker Fund Grant) to the chairman of the Mapping-Marking committee. Form AP should be accompanied by a SFTA mapping form or suitable documentation (see section I). Approved SFTA cost-share grants for the placement or repair of markers or exhibits will be the lesser of 75 percent of the project cost or a maximum of up to $1,000. Grants for mapping assistance (e.g. the purchase of historic air photos or travel costs to conduct field GPS mapping) are also available. Chapters may receive a maximum of $1,000 in grants per fiscal year. If the grant involves marker activities at a NPS certified site, active coordination between the local chapter and the NPS is required and NPS concurrence of marker/exhibit placement or design is needed before the SFTA marker committee will approve a grant request. The performance period for grants is expected to be 12 months, after which the Mapping-Marking Committee should be notified of the project completion or reasons for delay. Mapping and Marking 4
SECTION IV: LANDOWNER COOPERATION Much of the land along the route of the SFT is in private ownership and the cooperation of the landowner is a necessary ingredient for any mapping or marking effort. The average citizen is likely to respond favorably to requests to map, mark or interpret historic sites of truly national importance that are located on his or her land, particularly if the request is both reasonable and respectful. Some may be willing to permit mapping, marking, and assist in interpretation off-site, but do not desire entry by others on their property for a variety of reasons. While most historically conscious visitors are careful and respectful of the owners rights, experience shows that there are always those who abuse the privilege by littering, vandalizing, frightening livestock, etc. SFTA members conducting mapping or marking efforts are reminded that they are representing a national organization and that their conduct reflects on the entire SFTA. SECTION V: PRESERVATION 1. The preservation of historical sites, ruts, or other physical evidence is of the highest priority. Persons, or parties owning land containing such sites, should be encouraged to seek certification from the NPS to authenticate their historical relevance, and promote their preservation. Even those not desiring NPS certification should be encouraged to preserve the historical sites or artifacts as treasures, which in a real sense belong to all citizens of our nation. The act of creating the National Santa Fe Historic Trail does not include the power to condemn. Certification is nothing more than official recognition of the historical value and significance of the site and, by itself, does not deprive the owner of any property rights. Certification does include a commitment to protect the site from alterations, defacement, or destruction 2. If SFTA members (or chapters) learn of the intention to damage, deface, or destroy any historical site along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, or find that any such damage has occurred, they should notify the landowner and local law enforcement officials (where a criminal act is involved). State and local historical societies, the State Historic Preservation Officer, the SFTA or the Superintendent of the National Park Service Long Distance Trails Group Office, P.O. Box 728, Santa Fe New Mexico 87504-0728, also should be notified. 3. Even well intentioned actions can adversely impact a historical site. All parties, organizations, or others involved in marking or erecting interpretive signs or exhibits are encouraged to consult with their State Historic Preservation officer before altering a historic site in any manner. SECTION VI: REFERENCES Guidelines for Trail Marking (January, 1998) Mapping Instructions for the Santa Fe Trail (May, 1998) Mapping Emigrant Trails, MET Manual (3rd. Edition, August 1996); permission to SFTA to copy, February 1997 from the Oregon-California Trails Association Mapping and Marking 5