Northwest New Mexico Site Stewards Program
MISSION
Site stewards are committed to cultural resource preservation activities that reduce site destruction and vandalism of archaeological and historic sites. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the significance of our non-renewable cultural resources and damage done by artifact hunters and discourage site vandalism and sale of antiquities.

The preservation of New Mexico’s archaeological resources is important for the purposes of conservation, scientific study and interpretation. Some heritage resources have spiritual or traditional significance for the Native American. Site stewards provide an on-site presence for remote areas that have experienced increased visitation and the threat of vandalism.

The New Mexico Site Steward Program is a volunteer organization supported by members of local communities. The program is sponsored by the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management and is administered by the San Juan County Museum Association/Salmon Ruins and Museum.

The program seeks volunteers with a strong interest in cultural resources and a love of the outdoors. If you are interested in becoming a site steward, send us an email.

Join us in our efforts to preserve our archaeological heritage.


SITE STEWARD OPPORTUNITIES
A Site Steward's primary role is to monitor archaeological sites, both historic and prehistoric and report any vandalism to the land manager. Stewards make an important contribution to preserving our cultural heritage by working closely with Federal and State agency archaeologists. The Site Steward Program is designed to meet the interests and skills of the volunteers. Additional opportunities may include:
  • Acting as a liason between local communities and the State Historic Preservation Office.
  • Documenting archaeological sites in danger of of vandalism, destruction, or deterioration.
  • Documenting / photographing sites not previously recorded.
  • Assisting in activities such as surveys, mapping and rock art recording.
  • Presenting talks within communities regarding the preservation of heritage resources.
SITE STEWARD TRAINING
Volunteer training involves 10 hours of classroom instruction and fieldwork. The training sessions include antiquity laws, site and feature identification, and map reading. The program seeks volunteers with strong interests in cultural resource conservation who like the outdoors. Site stewards are asked to sign a Code of Ethics Agreement.


Many thanks to RealTime Sites for hosting our website !
Tom Whitson, Program Director
Salmon Ruins
P.O. Box 125
Bloomfield, NM 87413
nmssp@frontier.net

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