Utah Anti-Vandalism Campaign
Utah's Statewide Archaeological Anti-Vandalism Campaign is a coordinated effort demonstrating Utah's commitment to heritage protection. To meet this challenge, the state will be conducting a public awareness campaign, providing organized educational opportunities and working closely with law enforcement. A core focus will be on leveraging the passion of recreation, tourism, and stewardship to help safeguard our cultural and archaeological resources for this and future generations.
How Utah Works Together to Protect Our History
The Utah Cultural Site Stewardship (UCSS) community is at the forefront of cultural heritage protection in Utah and we are setting a national standard for interagency and public collaboration. This video showcases how we have built this effective model and why it’s so valuable for the future of cultural resources.
Utah Cultural Site Stewardship
Get involved! Site Stewards are the first line of defense for Utah's archaeological sites. Learn how you can join over 350 stewards across the state as they monitor sites and work with federal and state land managers to ensure their continued protection.
Beyond the 50 Year Rule - Utah's Public Archaeology Podcast
Beyond the 50-Year Rule, a podcast initiative of the Utah Public Archaeology program, explores how a united front of professionals and engaged public works to protect Utah’s heritage. The project connects with the state's intangible history and highlights the positive impact of this collaboration.
Tips for Visiting Archaeological Sites
Leave All Artifacts
Moving or taking artifacts, even just one, can destroy the ability for archaeologists to learn from a site. Descendant groups often prefer for artifacts to remain in place.
Stay on Designated Roads
Driving or biking off-road can damage fragile archaeological sites.
Guide Children Through Sites
Teach children to stay on trails and respect archaeological sites.
View Sites From a Distance
If a site is not accessible you may be injured trying to reach it, or you could cause damage to other sites and ecosystems along the way.
Don't Touch or Rock Imagery or Make Your Own
Touching rock imagery can leave oils from you rhands on the rock that increase erosion and cause damage.
Historic Artifacts Aren't Trash
Trash from more than 50 years ago is considered archaeology, and archaeologists can learn about past people from it.
Leash All Animals
Dogs and other animals can unknowingly cause damage to archaeological sites. Please leash them or leave them at home.
Avoid Building Cairns
Land managers have created trail markers and signs, making additional cairns unnecessary. People have unintentionally built cairns with artifacts and shrine stones in some places.