Land Use Histories
Using historical maps, aerial photographs, field examinations, title searches, and archived and published documents, HRA historians trace the background of important sites. These include public and private lands, disputed roadways, Indian reservations, water sources, and historic travel corridors.
We provide public and private clients with research, analysis, and reports to address issues such as land ownership, the uses and locations of historic roadways or travel corridors, boundary locations, and water use.
Our thoroughly documented land use histories serve a wide variety of purposes, from supporting litigation to the creation of interpretive signage, walking tours, website content, and engaging exhibits.
Our services include:
- Land title research
- Historical map review
- Field examinations
- Historical analysis and reports
- Interpretive signage and exhibits
Featured Members
Featured Projects
Carten Creek Road
HRA historians researched the history of a rural road in western Montana to determine if it was ever managed and maintained as a public thoroughfare.
El Milagro Historic Context
HRA completed “El Milagro: Un Contexto Histórico/A Historic Context”—a report in Spanish and English—as part of a Memorandum of Agreement to mitigate for project actions at El Milagro Campus in Twin Falls, Idaho.
History of RS 2477 Roads in Kane County, Utah
HRA conducted research and completed field studies of twelve rural roads located in Kane County, Utah, which were the source of a dispute relating to their status as potential RS 2477 rights-of-way. RS 2477 is a provision of an 1866 mining law under which Congress authorized rights-of-way across public lands “not otherwise reserved for public purposes.” In recent years, the statute has engendered legal conflicts pertaining to the ownership of roads in many western states.
Historical Research
Administrative and Corporate History
HRA’s administrative and corporate histories turn past experience into present value by helping to impart institutional knowledge to managers, staff, and the general public.
Books and Published Materials
HRA writes book length manuscripts suitable for a wide variety of audiences, from academics to the general public.
Interpretive Planning and Exhibit Development
HRA provides research, writing, layout, and design for various forms of interpretive content and exhibits.
Oral History
HRA conducts oral history interviews with a wide range of participants, from technical staff to tribal representatives.