It’s hard to believe sometimes (especially when most of us live in a sea of concrete and building) that whenever a new construction project begins, special attention and consideration must be given to our nation’s cultural resources. What exactly are cultural resources and how are they different from natural resources? Here is a brief overview of the subject and how these resources impact America’s construction projects.

Natural resources refer strictly to those elements that come from the earth: minerals, water, vegetation, etc. A cultural resource is more directly related to human beings’ sociological relationships with one another and their environment. Such resources may include: archaeological sites, old buildings, spiritual places, religious practices, and so forth. These resources are protected by a variety of local, state and federal regulations which must be adhered to whenever a new construction project is undertaken. Therefore, a project’s potential impact on these resources is just as important as its potential impact on natural resources.