The State Historic Preservation Office's Intensive Survey Manual defines the requirements for performing architectural and historical surveys of Wisconsin buildings, structures, and landscapes. We updated the manual in 2022 to streamline the document and reflect current practices. The updated manual no longer includes the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's requirements for compliance surveys. Please see the WisDOT Bureau of Technical Service's website for DOT project specific guidelines or contact the WisDOT Cultural Resources Staff for more information. 

The Intensive Survey Manual has three purposes:

• Establishes requirements for subgrantees undertaking historic architecture surveys with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) subgrant funding and serves as an addendum to the grant agreement.
• Provides the standards for state and federal agencies who must perform surveys to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act which mandates that they identify historic properties that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Offers guidance to groups undertaking surveys, without SHPO involvement, who need information about survey requirements when they consider hiring a survey consultant.

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Information for Preservation Consultants and Archaeologists

Have Questions

Contact Leah Penzkover by phone at 608-261-9582 or by email below:

leah.penzkover@wisconsinhistory.org