Joint Base Lewis-McChord has more than 350 historic sites and 431 recorded archeological sites, which the Cultural Resources Program has a federal mandate to protect.

"The cultural resources program on JBLM has two main responsibilities that are tied directly to supporting the military training missions of the garrison," said Donna Turnipseed, Cultural Resources program manager and tribal liaison. "Our responsibilities are mandated by a myriad of federal laws that require that all projects, activities, actions, training missions (and) infrastructure changes to be reviewed for potential impacts to significant cultural resources. If impacts are identified, they are assessed for affect, and if adverse, then consultation is undertaken to lessen the impacts using a myriad of strategies."

So just what are cultural resources?

"Cultural resources can be historic buildings, monuments, cemeteries, Native American sites, Hudson Bay Company/Puget Sound Agricultural Company farming stations, pioneer homesteads, farms, ranches and historic agri-business sites," Turnipseed said. "Historic sites on JBLM range from buildings, monuments and cemeteries to archaeological sites. At present, the CRPM manages more than 350 historic buildings and historic landscapes in three historic districts: JBLM Garrison Historic District, Old Madigan Historic District and the McChord Field Historic District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), as well as individual National Register-eligible buildings and structures such as Liberty Gate, the Red Shield Inn, the Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot Gate and Headquarters Building and Carey Theater.

"JBLM has 431 recorded archaeological sites that come under the responsibility of the CRPM office," she said. Archaeological sites may be defined as the physical evidence of any past human activity.  The Archaeological Resources Protection Act and Department of the Army guidelines define archaeological resources as material remains of past human life or activities which are of archaeological interest, as determined under uniform regulations. Examples of archaeological sites include burials, artifacts, shell middens, cemeteries, rock piles, rock shelters, chimney falls, brick walls, piers, shipwrecks, earthworks, trash pits and piles, and building remains."

The Cultural Resources Program manager position comes with significant responsibilities, and it takes special skills to handle the job.

"In my position, I fulfill and meet the Secretary of Interior Standards for three separate fields of expertise: prehistoric and historic archaeologist, architectural historian and historic preservationist," Turnipseed said. "This knowledge and breadth of experience benefits my ability to successfully manage the programs under my purview, which range from buildings to archaeological sites and the preservation of both.  Equally important is the critical and necessary Tribal coordination and consultation with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Squaxin Island Tribe, as well as the State Historic Preservation Office for the state of Washington.

"JBLM has a good working relationship with the Nisqually, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island tribes here whereas Yakima Training Center works closely with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and the Wanapum Band."

The sheer number of sites at JBLM makes preservation a constant process of action and education.

"On a five-year cycle, each historic building is assessed to determine if the structure needs maintenance or repairs," Turnipseed said. Archaeological sites are also monitored on a five-year cycle to ensure sites maintain their integrity and are not subject to damaging activities.  "As necessary, we work with range operations to ensure that significant sites are Siebert Staked (special stakes used by the U.S. Army to mark areas) for protection.

"Critical to maintaining the integrity of cultural resources is the education of users, occupants, and units as to the dos and don'ts of how to protect what's important in a building or an archaeological site." The Cultural Resources Program offers awareness training on an annual basis and is willing to come to user groups and units to provide an understanding of what federal regulations require.

In a time of budget cuts and limited resources, one group that has contributed to maintaining or restoring sites at JBLM is the Boy Scouts of America.  

"Eagle Scouts have supported the protection and maintenance of downrange pioneer cemeteries over the past several years," Turnipseed said. "This year, 2017, for example, they rebuilt fences around two downrange pioneer cemeteries that were in dire need of repair. In previous years, another Eagle Scout created an interpretive walking tour of Greene Park Historic Amusement Park Zone.

"The Cultural Resources Program also supports special events and projects due to our expertise in the history of JBLM and our working relationship with our tribal partners: the program has been an integral part of the Centennial Celebration as well as coordinating tribal participation in the change of command," she added.

The centennial celebration of the base is rapidly approaching, and you can be sure Turnipseed and her staff will be ready.