STACH pllc

09/07/2026

Today, we recognize those who have labored to steward the places we love and frequent. We honor the skill, craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication of those whose work preserves and cares for the places and landscapes that endure. The places we inherit did not come to us by accident. They are the result of hands that built them and the continued care of those who have tended them over time.

May we recognize the value of that labor and continue the work of thoughtful stewardship- caring well for what has been entrusted to us so that these places may endure for generations to come.



Photo Credit: STACH pllc
Photos: Culpeper Battlefield State Park (1),
Yorktown Battlefield Split Rail Installation(2),STACH pllc Sketch Designs (3), Brandy Station Fieldwork (4), Yorktown Battlefield (5), Brandy Station (6)

07/22/2026

UNPRECEDENTED THREAT TO DESIGNED AND HISTORIC LANDSCAPES NATIONWIDE

Recent no, obliterations, to the irreplicable design legacy of our nation’s capital came fast and with a wanton disregard for established policy and protections. This past Friday, the same reckless playbook now threatens ALL historic properties and cultural landscapes nationwide.

On July 17th the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) proposed gutting Section 106 protections for historic places.

Meaningful consultation? Gone.
Avoidance and mitigation requirements? Eliminated. Cultural Landscape protections? Stripped away.

In fact, any property that does not include a historic building won’t even be considered!!! This move betrays Congressional intent, Tribal sovereignty, and eliminates the protections of natural and cultural landscapes alike. The Council votes this Friday, July 24.

We recognize that Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act could be improved through reasonable efficiencies, and our office has facilitated these consultations with our clients, federal agencies and stakeholders beginning in 2016. This is NOT the way to improve policy, and the sweeping changes proposed will in clearest terms “cut the baby in half.”

Please add your voice to the Federal Register comment period (30-Day period). Follow the link to Cultural Heritage Partners, a small-business with a big mission to support the protections of our treasured places, find out more about the proposed changes, and stay informed regarding comment submission to the Federal Register.

Cultural Heritage Partners is a private law firm committed to the principle that cultural heritage is a human right.

07/08/2026

And that’s a wrap! What a fun-filled Fourth of July weekend celebrating America’s 250th!!

We were honored to take part in helping our community in Buncombe County further celebrate this milestone moment in our nation’s history through organizing the distribution of America 250 NC materials to be enjoyed thanks to the grant received by Buncombe 250. A big thank you to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) for bringing their patriotic spirit in period attire at the Tourists baseball game. We also appreciate their help along with the Presbyterian Heritage Center and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for helping pass out the America 250 NC parade materials at the Montreat and Beech Community Independence Day Parades. We are grateful to have witnessed the American spirit demonstrated across generations.

The commemorative period doesn’t stop here, and we look forward to recognizing our nation’s founding throughout the rest of the year.

Photo Credit: STACH pllc and the DAR Ruth Davidson Chapter

07/04/2026

The day we have long anticipated has arrived—the 250th anniversary of America’s founding!

Today, we celebrate a historic milestone and reflect on the journey that has shaped our nation, from an idea led by spirited patriots to the country we are today. We are reminded that history is not only found in books—it lives in the places that have witnessed our nation’s journey.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, we encourage you to visit one of the many historic landscapes that connect us to our past and inspire our future. By preserving these places, we honor the people, events, and stories that have shaped our nation and bring our shared history to life.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Photo: Fireworks and colonial era soldiers located at Colonial Williamsburg
Photo Credit: STACH pllc

06/30/2026

The nation’s last privately-held, founding-era presidential estate, Oak Hill, to become a state park!

It is official... this landmark property, home to former U.S. President James Monroe, is now to be the Commonwealth's next state park!!! Thank you Governor Spanberger and the Virginia General Assembly! Virginia State Parks should rightly be home to its most valued treasures. Many stories yet to be told behind the long Allee of boxwoods here! A debt of gratitude to the DeLashmutt family's long stewardship, to The Conservation Fund for the vision and advocacy required to see this through, and to The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, State Parks as you capably steward this cultural landscape! A semiquincentennial moment to be remembered!!!

I am appreciative of the tremendous efforts exhibited by our team in authoring the 2025 Feasibility Study, and applaud the work of the Stratus team, JKOA Architects, William and Mary Center for Archeaological Research, and subject matter experts Brian Martin (Perspective+Planning+Performance), Carlyn Swaim (Swaim Consulting), and Stefanie Mathew (Stefanie Mathew Strategies)!

https://www.loudountimes.com/news/continuing_coverage/landmark-moment-for-oak-hill-and-virginia-general-assembly-approves-new-state-park-in-loudoun/article_95c52c63-d776-4a62-8799-5b943d4be017.html

Photos: The historic estate grounds and interior of President James Monroe's former residence, Oak Hill.
Photo Credit: STACH pllc

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day we honor the fallen soldiers who persevered for their country. If not for their sacrifice, the United States of America would not be preparing to celebrate 250 years of freedom.

The national monuments and memorials throughout the United States stand as reflections of their sacrifice, and we pause in gratitude for all that it took to fight for our nation. As George Washington stated, “we cannot admire too much the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.”

Freedom carries a cost, and we remember those who paid the ultimate price to secure our 250 years of liberty.

Photo: National Memorial Arch located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Photo Credit: Library of Congress

05/14/2026

Every landscape has a story to tell, and we believe those stories are worth not only telling, but preserving. The places where history happened teach us about our past and help shape our future.

This Preservation Month, we reflect on the places that have endured throughout the 250 years of our nation’s history. The places that echo the evolution of time, yet still give insight to what was and now is.

The places that make us who we are deserve to be observed — and protected. We’re honored to steward these spaces here at STACH pllc and to play a role in preserving the stories they continue to tell.

Happy Preservation Month!

03/19/2026

Excited about the 250th anniversary of our nation? We are too—especially after getting a sneak peek at some of the incredible resources created by the NC DNCR! We’re looking forward to bringing these back to Buncombe County as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Video Credit: STACH pllc

03/19/2026

Exciting things are ahead, Buncombe County! Thanks to the dedicated team at the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), America 250 NC resources are coming your way to help mark this historic 250th anniversary.

Video Credit: STACH pllc

03/05/2026

Present this morning at MANNA FoodBank, one of 250 sites across the nation to receive donations of food as a part of America Gives program of America250. Program sponsored by America250 and LDS church.

In preparation and planning for the 250th beginning in 2018, service and giving were identified and desired experiences for the 250th! Great to see this come to roost here in WNC.