What do we do?

OSAC staff collaborate with the public, industries, and local, state, and federal agencies, including institutions of higher education, to achieve the following:

• Provide expert guidance on archaeological & paleontological matters to government agencies, private individuals, and organizations.
• Promote the development of archaeological & paleontological resources for educational enrichment.
• Conduct archaeological & paleontological research to expand our understanding of Colorado's past.
• Inventory, analyze, and document the state's archaeological & paleontological resources, assessing their location, quantity, and cultural significance.
• Collect and preserve archaeological & paleontological resources.
• Advise the state and act and liaison in transactions dealing with archaeological & paleontological resources between state agencies and other states, and between state agencies and the federal government on common problems and studies.
• Issue permits for qualified researchers to conduct archaeological and paleontological studies.
• Oversee the care, use, and storage of archaeological & paleontological materials collected under permit.
• Prepare, publish, and distribute reports, maps, and bulletins.
• Secure, manage, and utilize federal funds and other resources to support OSAC's mission.
• Implement a program of salvage archaeology.
• Establish and manage a process for lending artifacts & & paleontological specimens collected under state permit to out-of-state institutions.
• Collaborate with other staff within the Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation to maximize the conservation of archaeological & paleontological resources and promote public understanding of archaeology & paleontology.
• Manage discoveries of unmarked human graves in consultation with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, assuring compliance with state and federal law.

Guide for Private Landowners

Private landowners play an important role in ensuring the preservation of the cultural heritage of the state of Colorado. Stewardship of these resources helps to preserve our state’s heritage. Below is a guide for Colorado landowners who may encounter cultural resources of their property. 

What to do if you encounter archaeological resources on your property:

1. Stop: Immediately halt any activity that could disturb the materials, including construction, digging, or use of heavy machinery.
2. Leave it in Place: Do not remove or disturb the materials. Moving artifacts or altering the surrounding soil without professional documentation can irreparably damage valuable historical information. Proper excavation requires specialized techniques used by professional archaeologists to preserve context.
3. Document: If possible, take photographs of the area where you found the potential cultural resources. This documentation can be helpful for professionals. Do not post these photos online, especially if they contain any location information.
4. Contact Experts: Reach out to the Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (OAHP) or local professional archaeologists. They can assess the significance of the find and advise you on the best course of action.
   1. Contact OAHP at 303-866-3392. Leave a detailed message including your location (city/town/county) and a description of the materials you found.
   2. Check with your city/county or local universities, as they may also employ professional archaeologists.
5. Consider Preservation: Depending on the nature of the find, you might choose to preserve the area for future archaeological investigation or long-term protection. Conservation easements or historic designations are potential options for achieving this.

Remember: Archaeological materials are a vital part of Colorado’s heritage. By handling them responsibly and respectfully, you become a steward of our state’s history. 

Common Questions

What happens if an archaeological site is found on my property? Will the state limit what I can do with my property?

For the most part, nothing happens, and the state cannot limit what you do. With the exception of human burials, archaeological sites on private land generally do not trigger specific state regulations or restrictions on your property use.  However, if a significant site is discovered, you might consider pursuing historic designation, which could open doors to historic preservation grants or tax credits.

Will the state confiscate artifacts found on my land?

No. Under state and federal law, artifacts and cultural features found on private property belong to the landowner, with the exception of human burials and associated burial objects (see below). Archaeologists may ask permission to temporarily remove artifacts for scientific analysis, carefully mapping their original locations. All artifacts will be returned to you unless you choose to donate them to a museum or curation facility.

What happens if a burial is found on my land?

Digging or otherwise disturbing human burials (historic or prehistoric) is illegal on all non-federal lands in Colorado. If you discover human remains, contact local law enforcement immediately. The State Archaeologist will then work with you and the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs to come up with a treatment plan that is satisfactory to your needs. Any associated funerary objects must stay with the human remains recovered from a burial. Other than the disposition of human remains and associated burial objects, there is no effect on your property rights.

What happens to the information archaeologists collect? Who can access it?

The site information collected on private land can be kept confidential in several ways. Sensitive information such as location and specific details about the site are exempt from state and federal freedom of information laws. OAHP maintains site records for Colorado and will securely store and protect this information indefinitely, free of charge to the landowner.

Does recording a site with OAHP open my property to the public?

Absolutely not. Access to your property remains entirely under your control, regardless of whether an archaeological site or burial is recorded.  Only you can grant permission to enter your land.