significant on the basis of architecture and social/cultural history. Although our holistic approach encourages the preservation of all components of the system, we recognize that the rubrics established above will lead to certain structures’ being deemed more significant than others. We further recognize that in a system as vast as the Croton Waterworks, there will be many somewhat mundane structures that cannot be counted among the immediate priorities for preservation. In the event that one of these relatively insignificant structures is slated for dismantling or demolition, we encourage for procedures to be put in place that call for the documentation of the structure, and for the creation of interpretation on a scale commensurate with the structure’s significance. For instance, if a portion of the conduit along the Old Croton Aqueduct becomes structurally unsound, we would be sure to preserve the integrity of the earthen berm that marks its location. Statement of Significance Engineering The Croton Waterworks represents a feat of engineering that is truly extraordinary—both for its sheer scale, and also for the technologies developed in the course of its construction. Many of these systems—such as the calming pool at the base of the Old Croton Dam and the overhead cableway used in the construction of the Sodom Dam—came to be accepted as standards in similar construction projects for years to come. of architectural taste in the United States during one of the most significant periods of the country’s growth. Although built to serve utilitarian purposes, the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail apparent in many of these structures testify to a deep concern and appreciation for architecture. Croton Waterworks reflect social and cultural conditions of a particular moment in the history of the greater New York area. Section 3: Preservation Statement of Significance Facing Page: Cross section of the Old Croton Dam, illustrating the engineering significance of the system Left: An 1850 painting of the Croton Water Reservoir, an architecturally significant feature of the system. 34 35 Lack of Awareness or Understanding of Historic Heritage The actions of those who cause damage to the Croton Waterworks—through inappropriate use, littering, or vandalism—may stem from a lack of understanding about the system’s historic significance. Consequently, collaboration among historic commissions, preservationists, designers, engineers, planners, and volunteers is ultimately the best tool for preventing degradation or loss of the site’s original fabric. Through such collaboration, stakeholders who may have initially been on opposing sides of the issue can find common ground in encouraging the understanding and appreciation of the Croton Waterworks. Inappropriate Zoning or Land use Though private yards occasionally creep onto Croton land, much of the encroachment over or on top of the Croton Waterworks is municipal in nature. Land use and development can be legally controlled through zoning and legislation to make buffer zones around the aqueduct trail. Any proposed federally sponsored Challenges Multiple Stakeholders Stewardship and interpretation of the Croton Waterworks are complicated by the number of stakeholders involved in the system at the national, state, local, and individual site levels. For example, the federal government is a stakeholder through its 1992 nomination of the Old Croton Aqueduct as a National Historic Landmark. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation maintains the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, which is a linear park running along twenty-six miles of the Old Croton Aqueduct’s path. In New York City, the Parks Department, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Transportation all have some responsibility for parts of the Croton Waterworks. Lastly, many private organizations, including the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, Groundwork Hudson Valley, and even groups like Harlem Stage, a performing arts organization that has adaptively reused a gatehouse at 135th Street, have an interest in caring for specific parts of the Croton Waterworks. Section 3: Preservation Preservation Challenges Above: Workers sinking Shaft 26 of the New Croton Aqueduct, indicating the labor history that is just one aspect of the Croton Waterworks’ social/cultural significance Right: The berm of the Old Croton Aqueduct, a feature that is ingrained in the landscape 36 37 Inappropriate and Inconsistent Treatment Throughout the Croton Waterworks’ history, there have been treatment programs that arguably have damaged the historic integrity of the system, including the 1927 adaptation to the High Bridge, the complete removal of the receiving reservoir in Bryant Park, the paving of walkways atop the aqueduct berm, and current plans to add eight-foot-high fencing to the High Bridge. Standard treatment guidelines have never been developed for the Croton Waterworks, leading to inconsistencies in its care. A charter of recommended holistic treatment should be written specifically for the Croton Waterworks. Challenges Man and Nature Along the aqueduct trail, trees small and large are encroaching on berms. These trees not only block the path aboveground, but their roots can permanently damage