The Nevada Archaeological Site Stewardship Program is sponsored by the Nevada Archaeological Association (NAA) and the NevadaState Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). It is an orgaization of volunteers working with federal land managing agencies to preserve archaeological and paleontological resources. The program provides a unique opportunity for concerned citizens to volunteer as site stewards for federal agencies. Stewards monitor the condition of at-risk archaeological and paleontologicak sites for signs of natural or man-made damage. The Site Steward 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 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.

Who Can Be a Site Steward?

Any person eighteen years of age or older who is interested in the preservation of archaeological and paleontological 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 (SHPO) in Las Vegas at (702) 486-5011 and/or Sali Underwood, the Site Stwardship Coordinator at sunderwood@shpo.nv.gov 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 and paleontological preservation laws, site steward procedures, archaeological and paleontological 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 and 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 heloing to preserve archaeological and paleontological resources!!

Nevada Site Steward Volunteer Application

More information can be found at the Nevada SHPO website or at the Nevada Site Stewards website

Nevada Site Steward Program