The Nevada
Archaeological Site Stewardship Program, or Nevada Program, is an
organization of volunteers sponsored by federal land managing agencies that
share a commitment to the preservation of archaeological resources. The
Nevada Program provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to volunteer
as site stewards for the federal agencies to monitor the condition of
at-risk archaeological sites for signs of natural or man-made damage.
Because vandalism, theft, excessive visitation and natural deterioration are
impacting the cultural and scientific values of Nevada’s archaeological
resources Site Stewards are a valued source of protection to our shared
heritage. The destruction of archaeological resources continues, in many
cases, because of a lack of understanding by the public of the true value of
archaeology and a lack of regular surveillance of the sites. Federal agency
archaeologists simply do not have time to visit all the sites in their
assigned regions. This is where the Nevada Archaeological Site Stewardship
Program fits in. The Nevada Program provides the necessary work force of
volunteers needed to help protect the archaeological resources from
additional harm.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The chief
objective of the Nevada Archaeological Site Stewardship Program is to report
to the responsible land manager about any changes to the condition of
archaeological resources including the destruction, vandalism or other
deterioration of sites in Nevada at least 4 times per year. In recognition
of the fact that prehistoric and historic archaeological resources are
irreplaceable national resources, the volunteer site stewards participating
in this Program work towards the following goals:
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To preserve
prehistoric and historic archaeological resources for the purposes of
conservation, scientific study and interpretation.
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To increase
public awareness of the significance and value of archaeological resources
and the existing state and federal laws enacted for historical preservation.
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To discourage
site vandalism and theft.
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To promote
understanding, cooperation and partnerships between the participating
federal agencies, Native Americans and concerned citizens and to encourage
respect and conservation of traditional lands and archaeological resources.
WHO CAN
BE A SITE STEWARD?
Any person
eighteen years of age or older who is interested in the preservation of
archaeological resources and who is willing to abide by the Code of Ethics
can be a steward in the Nevada Archaeological Site
Stewardship Program. Stewards will serve on a volunteer basis and will
be recruited and selected without regard to race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or
marital or family status. However, no person who has been convicted of a
violent crime, crime against a person, crime involving the use of a weapon,
or any other felony shall be utilized as a volunteer. Site stewards may be
subject to a background check by the agency involved.
HOW DO I
BECOME A SITE STEWARD?
Step 1. Contact
the State Historic Preservation Office, Las Vegas at (702) 486-5011 and/or
Sali Underwood the Site Stewardship Coordinator at
sunderwood@nevadaculture.org to find out
when the next training session will be held in your area.
Step 2.
Attend a free 6 to 7 hour Basic Training class that is offered as
needed throughout the state. The class covers federal and state
archaeological preservation laws, site steward procedures, archaeological
identification and safety.
Step 3.
Schedule a Baseline Visit to your assigned site with the agency
archaeologist. This visit establishes the condition of the site and can last
anywhere from an hour to 4 hours depending on the location.
Step 4. Visit
your site at least 4 times per year and turn in reports concerning the
condition of the site to your assigned Regional Coordinator.
Step 5.
Enjoy yourself and have a blast by knowing that you’re making a
difference in helping to preserve archaeological resources!!
Site
Stewardship Application
