CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Division of Culture and History’s proposed Annual Work Program for its 2012-2013 Historic Preservation Program is now available for public review and comment.

The work program describes the activities and programs the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will undertake to assist communities and residents in preserving the physical evidence of the state’s history. The SHPO works to encourage, inform, support, and participate in the efforts of the people of West Virginia to identify, recognize, preserve, and protect West Virginia’s prehistoric and historic structures, objects, sites and landscapes.

Copies of the proposed work program have been made available to one or more public libraries in each of the state’s 55 counties. Locally, the plan is available to view at the Mason County Library, located at 508 Viand Street. The plan also may be reviewed at the SHPO at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., E., Charleston, WV 25305-0300. In addition, the plan is posted on the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org/shpo.

It was reported that during 2012, West Virginia suffered significant losses through the demolition and destruction of historic resources across the state. A variety of resource types were impacted: schools, early log buildings, historic residential districts, churches, gymnasia as well as archaeological resources. To stem this loss, the SHPO and its partners must provide opportunities for the public to learn about the value of these resources and the possible ways to protect or reuse them, assisting in these efforts through grants and tax credit opportunities. During 2013, the SHPO will continue to host meetings and workshops and expand its available educational materials to encourage the public to support its historic resources.

Those who review the proposed work program may submit comments by completing a “Work Program Comment Form” (also available at public libraries and the website) and returning it to Susan M. Pierce, SHPO director, at the Culture Center’s address above or by e-mail to susan.m.pierce@wv.gov. The deadline for public comment is Aug. 15, 2012.

For more information, contact Pamela Brooks, grants coordinator for the SHPO, at (304) 558-0240, ext. 720.