Site Steward Program
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 and paleontological 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 and paleontological 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 and paleontological resources Site Stewards are a valued source of protection to our shared heritage. The destruction of archaeological and paleontological resources continues, in many cases, because of a lack of understanding by the public of the true value of archaeology and paleontology 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 and paleontological 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 and paleontological resources including the destruction, vandalism or other deterioration of sites in Nevada at least 4 times per year. In recognition of the fact that archaeological and paleontological resources are irreplaceable national resources, the volunteer site stewards participating in this Program work towards the following goals:
- To preserve archaeological and paleontological resources for the purposes of conservation, scientific study and interpretation.
- To increase public awareness of the significance and value of archaeological and paleontological resources and the existing state and federal laws enacted for preservation.
- To discourage site vandalism and theft.
- 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, archaeological and paleontological resources.
