LANSING, Mich. – Pittsfield Township in Washtenaw County has achieved recognition by joining the prestigious Certified Local Government (CLG) program, as confirmed by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
“We are pleased to welcome Pittsfield Township as Michigan’s 43rd CLG community,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker. “We look forward to working with them to identify and preserve those buildings, structures, and sites that are important to Pittsfield Township’s unique history.”
The CLG program is an initiative that brings together local, state, and federal governments to foster historic preservation within communities. The National Park Service, in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), manages this program. By joining, Pittsfield Township gains access to specialized technical support and resources from SHPO.
Through their participation in the CLG program, Pittsfield Township becomes eligible for federal grants administered by the SHPO, courtesy of the U.S. Department of the Interior. These funds can support a range of preservation activities, including historic resource surveys, nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, education and heritage tourism projects, pre-development studies, and restoration of specific historic sites.
“Pittsfield Charter Township is thrilled to be part of the Certified Local Government program and looks forward to furthering our commitment to historic preservation and education in partnership with CLG staff. The program presents a unique opportunity for Pittsfield to synergize its efforts to both preserve and increase accessibility to the Township’s history, and we are eager to begin working towards those goals with CLG support,” expressed Bryce Allmacher, Deputy Supervisor and Community Information Manager.
The Township has long valued its cultural heritage and took formal steps to preserve it in 2010 with the creation of the Sutherland-Wilson Farmstead, now included in the National Register of Historic Places. The area also features two other locally recognized historic areas: Byrd Center Historic District and Harwood Heritage Farm Historic District.
Pittsfield Township now joins a national network of over 2,000 CLGs, including 42 other Michigan communities. Participation in this program is free, though communities must adhere to specific criteria. Requirements include having a local historic district ordinance and forming a historic district commission to oversee proposed changes within designated districts. CLGs are also tasked with promoting public engagement in historic preservation efforts and exploring methods to identify and safeguard significant historical assets.
About the State Historic Preservation Office
Dedicated to preserving Michigan’s culturally and archaeologically significant sites, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provides technical support to local communities and property owners. They assist in identifying, evaluating, and protecting the state’s historical resources. SHPO also offers incentives like state and federal tax credits and grants to Certified Local Governments.
For more details about the State Historic Preservation Office and the Certified Local Government program, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.
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