Archaeological Resources Protection Act

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 Passed as a result of looting incidents Protects archaeological sites on federal and Indian lands from unauthorized excavation Defines archaeological resource as at least 100 y.o. Both misdemeanor and felony charges depending on severity and value Extensive fines Half of fines may be given to the person reporting the violation Forfeiture of vehicles and equipment Provides for permitting of authorized excavations Uniform regulations at 32CFR229/43CFR7 See also underwater regulations for government vessels (32CFR767) Requires curation of archaeological materials (see 36CFR Part 79) Provides for the Secretary of the Interior’s Report to Congress on Federal Archaeological Activities Enforcement training provided by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Exemption from FOIA, protects site information