What does the archaeological resources Protection Act say?
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, also referred to as ARPA, is a Federal law passed in 1979 and amended in 1988. It governs the excavation of archaeological sites on Federal and Indian lands in the United States, and the removal and disposition of archaeological collections from those sites.
Who enforces ARPA?
BLM
From the desert to ebay – antique finds. Before you pick up that old bottle in the Eastern Sierra desert, remember the Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement might catch and fine you.
What are archaeological resources?
Archaeological resource means any material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years of age and that are of archaeological interest.
Who takes care of archaeological sites?
Since 1981 the Heritage Council of NSW has provided policy and published practice guidance about how archaeological sites should be investigated and managed under Heritage Act approvals.
What happens if you find an ancient artifact?
The Antiquities Act of 1975 states that anything found must be reported to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage within 28 days. Then the ministry decides what to do with it. If the item was found before 1976, then it belongs to whoever found it.
Why is it important to protect and preserve archaeological sites?
Archaeological discoveries let we as a species connect with our history: both our recent and our ancient past. Because of the emotional significance our species places on them, artifact preservation is a vital means of protecting these physical validations of our past. …
Why are archaeological finds so important?
Archaeology provides us with the opportunity to learn about past cultures through the study of artifacts, animal bones and sometimes human bones. Studying these artifacts helps to provide us with some insight about what life was like for people who left behind no written record.
Why is it important to protect old archaeological sites?
Archaeologists need to be prepared to preserve any type of artifact they uncover. Long term artifact preservation and storage is also important in order to ensure that, once at a university or other research center, artifacts can remain a tangible, visible part of history for years to come.
What is the difference between heritage and Archaeology?
So too, for that matter, is the concept of a natural heritage, since nature is itself a cultural construct. Archaeology is historically the key discipline with investigative and curatorial authority in the realm of tangible, cultural heritage of protohistoric and prehistoric antiquity.
Do you get paid for finding artifacts?
Archaeologists do not keep anything they find, nor can they get any money for finding ‘treasure’. The past belongs to everyone, and archaeologists exist to protect access to the past for future generations.
What happens if you find artifacts on your property?
If it’s on your property, it’s yours to keep. Unless you sign a contract with a government agency, archaeologists, or educational institution which allows the other party to excavate on your property and keep the artifacts that are found, the artifacts are your property.
How important are the archaeological sites?
What are archaeological sites and why are they important? Archaeological sites on the public lands throughout North America provide solid evidence of a story spanning thousands of years. An archaeological site is a vault filled with historical and cultural artifacts with valuable information.