University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History Archaeology Field School students work in one of the units of the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter site near Riley in 2023.  

When and how should Oregon protect archaeological and cultural sites?

The state is writing new rules to give more specific direction about how these areas are identified, protected and preserved.

There’s already been debate over the draft set of rules and many, many questions: What role should federally-recognized tribes play? How much authority should their views hold? What are the requirements for someone to be deemed a qualified archaeologist?

You can find more information about the issue here: tinyurl.com/ORarchaeology. The proposed rules may be brought before the Land Conservation and Development Commission in September.