Guidance for archaeological site monitoring

Abstract

Monitoring is the observation of construction excavation activities by an archaeologist in order to identify, recover, protect and/ or document archaeological information or materials. An archaeologist who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards must be present for all monitored excavations. The selection of a prehistoric or historic qualified archaeologist should be based upon the type of archaeological deposits that are anticipated to be encountered. The State Historic Preservation Office recommends that a scope of work be prepared prior to construction to determine protocol.