Network status for sites is indefinite, as long as the property owner supports inclusion and the site is marked with a contextual statement. For facilities and programs, Network status is reviewed every two years. The National Park Service can renew terms indefinitely.

Programs and facilities must submit an assessment or update of activities and explain any changes in goals or missions that have occurred in the previous two years. Network elements may be subject to periodic review if there is evidence that the site, facility, or program no longer meets the criteria for inclusion, or if the National Park Service receives numerous complaints about the applicant’s activities. Other causes for an unscheduled review may be if the applicant is found to have misrepresented itself, if inaccuracies are found in the application, network criteria are violated, or there is evidence of unethical or offensive activities.

Programs and facilities in the Network to Freedom will be required to distribute evaluation cards provided by the National Park Service. It is not possible for regional coordinators to participate in or visit every element in the Network to Freedom, so these evaluation cards are one of the primary means in which the National Park Service can follow a Network member’s activities. Evaluation cards also provide Network members with additional perspectives on the effectiveness, successes, and needs of their programs.

Historic sites and properties included in the Network are not bound by any legal requirements to comply with federal historic preservation laws, based on their inclusion in the Network alone. Nonetheless, if a property owner is found to be engaging in activities that may cause damaging impacts to the site inconsistent with approved preservation practices and contrary to the spirit of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act, then Network inclusion could be reviewed and possibly withdrawn.

The Regional Coordinator will review updated submissions and bring changes of status submissions to the notice of the Regional Coordinator committee, which can vote for recommending removal. Property owners, or program or facility managers will be notified by the National Park Service of removal from the Network, and may resubmit a nomination package according to the procedure schedule outlined above.

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