HRA Gray & Pape has extensive experience in preparing environmental and natural resource histories for a wide variety of public and private clients. These studies provide the historical background needed to identify and understand issues affecting governmental agencies, the general public, and the resources themselves. HRA Gray  & Pape historians have conducted research in many of  the nation’s primary repositories, including the National  Archives and Federal Records Center, as well as many  state and university libraries. We have also reviewed  records held by state and federal agencies including the  National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Nearly every aspect of natural resource regulation can  benefit from historical research. Data collection is crucial  in the case of endangered species issues, as habitat  conservation plans require information about historical  population distribution, habitat conditions, and land-use practices. Prior to re-licensing, hydroelectric plants also require historical research in these topics to respond to the concerns of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Foresters want to know about the pre-logging  composition and fire history of their managed forests. The need to document historical conditions and historical use is also essential in litigation involving endangered species,  hazardous waste cleanup, and natural resource allocation issues.