Who We Are

Archaeological sites on public lands throughout the West represent 10,000 years of human adaptation to unique Western environments, with each site and every artifact unfolding answers to the mysteries of how prehistoric humans lived in concert with their ever-changing environment, and how human survival in this harsh region depended upon people’s ability to understand, respect and recognize the limitations of that environment. In short, archaeology represent non-renewable resources that offer insights into our own survival on this remarkable landscape. Yet these same irreplaceable resources are being lost at an alarming rate under the combined weight of development, illegal off-road vehicle use, increased recreational use of public lands, and the persistent problem of vandalism and looting.

The Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance (CPAA) seeks to protect and preserve human landscapes of national significance by working collaboratively with governmental entities, industry, private land owners, and conservationists. Our approach to cultural resources protection is solution based. We do not obstruct development but rather we encourage more responsible development. We work with federal officials to manage cultural resources for their long term protection. And we work to foster recognition that rich human landscapes are also part of our national heritage.