Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of the human past through the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.

The vast public lands managed by the BLM feature significant evidence of the more than 10,000 years of human prehistory and history in the western United States and Alaska. Ancestral and historic sites illuminate how humans and the environment have been linked together through time. Studying and understanding past human activities informs our nation’s shared heritage and provides us with important lessons about managing lands today.

Archaeology Permits 

The BLM issues Permits for Archeological Investigation to individuals or organizations that would like to perform research, studies, or fieldwork on BLM-managed public lands. Authority for issuing permits derives from the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, which governs the excavation and removal of archaeological resources from federal and tribal lands.

Permits are issued to individuals and organizations that have the appropriate education, experience, and capability to perform professionally acceptable cultural resources studies. When projects are proposed, applicants who already possess a Permit for Archaeological Investigation must also obtain a Fieldwork Authorization from the BLM Field Office where the work will take place. Permits are typically administered by the Deputy Preservation Officers:

Deputy Preservation Officers List

Deputy Preservation Officers Contact List

Deputy Preservation Officers BLM State Office Email Phone
Robin Mills (AK)   Alaska State Office [email protected] 907-474-2359
Matt Basham (AZ) Arizona State Office [email protected] 602-417-9216 
John FogertyCalifornia State Office [email protected] 916-978-4306
Natalie Clark (CO) Colorado State Office [email protected] 970-244-3038 
John Sullivan (ES)Eastern States Office [email protected] 601-919-4675 
Noelle Shaver (ID) Idaho State Office [email protected] 208-373-4043 
Joshua Chase (MT-ND-SD)   Montana State Office (includes North and South Dakota) [email protected]406-262-2840
Madeline Van der Voort (NV)  Nevada State Office [email protected] 775-900-7205 
Cynthia Herhahn (NM-OK-TX-KS)New Mexico State Office (includes Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas) [email protected] 505-373-4092 
Kelli Barnes (OR/WA) Oregon State Office (includes Washington) [email protected] 458-446-0123
Lori Hunsaker (UT)Utah State Office [email protected]801-539-4276
Denise Tugman (WY-NE)   Wyoming State Office (includes Nebraska) [email protected]307-775-6017 
George Herbst (Federal Preservation Officer)

Headquarters Division of Education, Cultural and Paleontological Resources (HQ-420) 

[email protected]916-978-4684

Partners in Preservation

Museums and universities collaborate with BLM for archaeological excavation and research, and provide valuable insights into the heritage preserved by our nation’s cultural sites. They also play the invaluable role of partnering with BLM to manage the historic properties found on BLM lands for perpetuity. Cultural materials from BLM lands are housed in three BLM-managed museums and over 180 museum collections nationwide. This dispersed, partnership-dependent curation model ensures community investment in our nation’s shared heritage. 

Featured Video

This @BLMOregon YouTube video takes you behind-the-scenes on an archaeological dig.