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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>The National Park Service (NPS) is set to begin seeking the public’s input on a study designed to help preserve South Carolina’s second oldest town.</p>
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<p>The initial public comment period supporting the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District Integrity and Condition Study will open from Tuesday, Jan. 18, to March 4 and include opportunities to submit written comments and participate in public meetings, held virtually.</p>
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<p>The NPS has contracted LG2 Environmental Solutions, Inc. to conduct this comprehensive assessment of the Beaufort district, which is distinguished nationally for its antebellum history and architecture.</p>
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<p>“We are pleased to offer this opportunity to hear from the Beaufort community and stakeholders,” National Park Service acting Regional Chief of Cultural Resources Cynthia Walton said in a press release. “This study could help shape data-driven decision making and stewardship strategies intended to strengthen the district’s long-term health and viability as a National Historic Landmark.”</p>
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<p>Two virtual public meetings to discuss the Beaufort study and answer questions about the project will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. To join these meetings, visit https://bit.ly/3Gshgao.</p>
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<p>During the meetings, the National Park Service will seek input on the successes, challenges and opportunities within the district regarding specific projects, initiatives and trends that may impact or contribute to the district’s historic character.</p>
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<p>Additionally, NPS will host a series of listening sessions with community members directly involved in the management of the district, including local government officials, business owners, preservation experts and others to gain a greater understanding of their efforts to preserve the district.</p>
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<p>The NPS will also accept written comments for consideration in the study’s initial draft. Comments may be submitted:</p>
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<p><strong>Online (the preferred method) </strong>– Visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/beaufort, select “Open for Comment” on the left menu bar, open the “January Public Meetings” folder and click on the green “Comment Now” button to access the online commenting form; or</p>
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<p><strong>By Postal Mail </strong>– Send comments to Alesha Cerny, Attn: Beaufort NHLD Study, National Park Service, 100 Alabama Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.</p>
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<p>Written comments on the initial phase of the study must be submitted online or postmarked by March 4, 2022, to be considered. Additional opportunities for commenting and public engagement will be offered during the course of the project.</p>
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<p>For more information about the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District Integrity and Condition Study, including public meeting details, virtual log-in instructions and more, visit the planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/beaufort.</p>
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<p><strong>About the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District</strong></p>
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<p>Designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1973, the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District reflects three centuries of history and is significant for its antebellum history and architecture, as well as its role in the Civil War and Reconstruction. Having architecture different from that of Savannah and Charleston, Beaufort has preserved a number of distinctive “lowcountry” houses from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Typical houses have two-story verandas and airy, open interiors. Several buildings, foundations and other character-defining elements of the district are built of tabby, an important regional building material composed of oyster shells, lime and sand mixed with seawater.</p>
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