The first part of this paper is designed as an overview of cultural resources management issues and a short history lesson on the federal interest in cultural resources and historic preservation. The second part of the paper goes to the heart of the matter: the Section 106 Review Process. The Section 106 Review process is at the heart of compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, and, consequently, the permitting process. The author attempts to explain the Section 106 review by simplifying the process into a series of practical steps. And concludes with some suggestions about eliminating unexpected cultural resource issues delays from the permitting process and creating a proactive planning procedure.