0206State Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/news%20article_tcm36-763032.jpg/admin/assets/news%20article_tcm36-763032.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-766688" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-08-24T14:35:24ZThe Kern Bridge, built in 1873, is being reinstalled in a new location over the Blue Earth River in Mankato, Minnesota. Mankato's city engineer Cory Biengang joins FOX 9 All Day to explain what has gone into the project.36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Kern Bridge, built in 1873, is being reinstalled in a new location over the Blue Earth River in Mankato, Minnesota. Mankato's city engineer Cory Biengang joins FOX 9 All Day to explain what has gone into the project. <a href="https://youtu.be/F9kWzf6F0EM?si=2gDQQh5Pa61qnx_g">Watch the FOX9 video on YouTube.</a></p>Fox9 News7666882026-08-31T14:39:36ZState Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/NAPC-2026-Minneapolis-102_tcm36-764341.jpg/admin/assets/award_tcm36-764340.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-764342" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-08-19T13:25:08ZLongtime Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office leader recognized for advancing local preservation across the state36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 25, 2026) — The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) honored <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KttUMtTL-z8"><strong>Michael Koop</strong>, Minnesota's State Historic Preservation Office Certified Local Government Coordinator (YouTube video on Michael's career)</a>, with the <strong>2026 John and Sue Renaud Award for National/State/Tribal Leadership to Advance Historic Preservation at the Local Level</strong> during the Commission Excellence Awards Celebration on Saturday, July 25, at FORUM 2026: Preservation Currents, NAPC's biennial conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The John and Sue Renaud Award recognizes an individual working at the national, state, or tribal level whose leadership has strengthened local historic preservation and advanced the capacity of local communities to protect and celebrate their historic resources.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Koop has served as Minnesota's Certified Local Government (CLG) Coordinator since July 1992, building meaningful relationships with local preservation commissions, state and national organizations, and preservation partners throughout his career. As the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office's primary liaison with local commissions, he has become a trusted and approachable resource for communities navigating the challenges and opportunities of local preservation.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">During Koop's tenure, half of Minnesota's 50 local preservation commissions have been established. He has worked closely with these communities to strengthen their preservation programs and has helped Certified Local Governments make the most of the federal CLG program. His work includes guiding communities as they develop preservation plans, conduct historic resource surveys, establish local designations, and engage the public in understanding and supporting preservation.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Koop's impact is rooted not only in his technical knowledge, but in his ability to build long-term, trust-based relationships. He has consistently approached his work by listening to communities, understanding their individual needs, and helping local leaders develop preservation programs that reflect their own goals and circumstances.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Koop's service extends well beyond his work with the Minnesota SHPO. He has volunteered his time and expertise with organizations including the Vernacular Architecture Forum, the Historic Saint Paul Foundation, and the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. Across each of these roles, colleagues describe him as warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and exceptionally skilled at connecting people with the resources and support they need.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Koop's colleagues and collaborators recognize that his influence extends far beyond the programs he administers. His ability to connect with people, affirm the value of their communities, and share his enthusiasm for preservation has inspired countless local leaders across Minnesota and beyond.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Through more than three decades of public service, Michael Koop has demonstrated the critical role that state and national preservation leaders can play in supporting strong local programs. His commitment to collaboration, education, and community relationships has strengthened historic preservation throughout Minnesota and provided a model for supporting local preservation from the state level.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions is proud to honor <strong>Michael Koop</strong> with the <strong>2026 John and Sue Renaud Award for National/State/Tribal Leadership to Advance Historic Preservation at the Local Level</strong>.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Founded in 1983, the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) helps build strong local preservation programs and leaders through education, training, and advocacy. NAPC supports local historic preservation commissions, staff members, and preservation professionals nationwide through training, technical assistance, publications, and its biennial FORUM conference.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For more information, visit <a href="https://www.napcommissions.org/">www.napcommissions.org</a>. <br /> CONTACT: <br /> Maddie Clites <br /> Communications and Engagement Manager <br /> National Alliance of Preservation Commissions <br /> 757-802-4141 <br /> maddie@napcommissions.org</p>Minnesota SHPO7643422026-08-19T13:52:10ZState Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/hiring_tcm36-762849.jpg/admin/assets/hiring_tcm36-762849.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-762854" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-08-06T13:49:25ZSHPO is seeking an Environmental Review Program Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the Environmental Review Program.36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SHPO is seeking <strong>an Environmental Review Program Manager</strong> to lead and oversee all aspects of the Environmental Review Program. This position provides strategic direction, subject matter expertise, and program leadership to ensure the identification and protection of Minnesota's historic resources under federal and state laws.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Key responsibilities:</p> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Build and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal governments, federal, state, and local government agencies; and other partners while guiding compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act and Minnesota's preservation laws.</li> <li>Direct and manage the Environmental Review Program and its staff, ensuring consistent, professional, and timely program delivery.</li> <li>Represent the State Historic Preservation Officer in reviews of large and complex federal undertakings, negotiating and developing Memorandums of Agreement and Programmatic Agreements.</li> <li>Review and consult on proposals submitted by State agencies, departments, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, and political subdivisions to ensure compliance with State historic preservation laws.</li> <li>Lead innovative projects, develop process improvements, and strengthen systems that support preservation outcomes. </li> </ul> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">To apply:</p> <ol xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Go to <a href="https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/search-for-jobs/" target="_blank">Search Jobs / Careers in the State of Minnesota</a></li> <li>Click on "External Applicant Portal – Search for Jobs Now"</li> <li>Search for Job ID 95652</li> </ol>Minnesota SHPO7628542026-08-06T13:49:40ZState Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/news%20article_tcm36-763032.jpg/admin/assets/news%20article_tcm36-763032.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-763030" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-07-28T19:40:58ZThe Minnesota Historical Society has awarded $283,359 in Legacy Amendment grants to 17 history and preservation projects in 15 counties.36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://communityreporter.org/legacy-grants-support-minnesota-history-projects/" target="_blank">Legacy Grants Support Minnesota History Projects</a> - <em>Community Reporter [External website]</em></p>7630302026-08-07T19:45:59ZState Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/MN_SaintLouisCounty_AliceNettellTower_001_tcm36-761992.jpg/admin/assets/MN_SaintLouisCounty_AliceNettellTower_001_tcm36-761992.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-762879" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-07-23T14:26:35ZAlice Nettell Tower is Minnesota's latest addition to the National Register36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Virginia, St. Louis County. Listed July 23, 2026. <a href="https://mn.gov/admin/assets/SRB_AliceNettellTower_nomination_tcm36-740768.pdf">Alice Nettell Tower</a> is a fourteen-story, round apartment building in Virginia. Built in 1977, the tower was designed in the Modern style and constructed of brick and concrete. During the 1960s and 1970s, an intense housing crisis on the Iron Range meant many senior citizens could not afford to pay rapidly rising rents. In 1971, State legislation created the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), which in 1975 funded construction of the Alice Nettle Tower, the largest and most prominent example of a senior high-rise tower constructed on the Range. The tower provided 155 affordable senior units, nearly tripling Virginia’s available apartments.</p>Minnesota SHPO7628792026-08-06T14:28:57ZState Historic Preservation Office news and updates762851/admin/assets/report_tcm36-762855.jpg/admin/assets/report_tcm36-762855.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-762856" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-06-11T13:43:50ZSHPO requires that all archaeology survey reports submitted to the SHPO be submitted by the archaeologist through the OSA Portal since the August 2025 redevelopment of the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) Portal.36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SHPO requires that all archaeology survey reports submitted to the SHPO be submitted by the archaeologist through the OSA Portal since the August 2025 redevelopment of the <a href="https://osaportal.gisdata.mn.gov/">Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) Portal</a>.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">We have released updated guidance on our website for archaeologists to submit reports through the OSA Portal. See “How to Submit an Archaeology Report” at <a href="https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/surveyandinventory/manual/">https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/surveyandinventory/manual/</a> </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Highlights of the latest updates include:</p> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Clarifies that the OSA Portal is not a project review submission portal</li> <li>Clarifies that the archaeologist who prepares the report should submit it</li> <li>Includes additional screenshots/steps in the instructions</li> <li>Identifies SHPO data fields the submitter is required to fill out, and for which report types geometry is required</li> <li>Provides guidance on revising reports in response to SHPO requests for edits</li> <li>Includes instructions on requesting review of a report and submitting a project for ERP review</li> <li>Adds an FAQ</li> </ul> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Instructions for submitting a project for Environmental Review are available at: <a href="https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/environmental-review/submit/">https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/environmental-review/submit/</a></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Please continue to include the full archaeology report title, author, and report date in any project submittals so that SHPO staff can easily find the report in the OSA Portal for review.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Please continue to reach out to <a href="mailto:DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us">DataRequestSHPO@state.mn.us</a> if you have any questions about SHPO data and procedures related to the new OSA Portal.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Note: Only about 20% of SHPO’s approximately 10,000 archaeology reports are in the OSA Portal. Please continue to follow the research guidance on SHPO’s website to obtain copies of reports.</p>Minnesota SHPO7628562026-08-06T13:48:07Z