Cultural Resource Management

Cultural resources are a fragile, limited resource with potential public and scientific uses. They are an irreplaceable part of our nation's heritage.

Management of cultural resources on public lands is primarily determined by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. Consistent with FLPMA, the BLM follows multiple-use principles and planning and decision-making processes consistent with those used for other resources on lands managed by BLM.

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 also mandates cultural resource management actions for BLM. Section 106 of NHPA ensures that cultural resources are managed according to their relative importance, and that the BLM works to protect these valuable resources against impairment, destruction, and inadvertent loss, while encouraging and accommodating appropriate use through planning and public participation. Section 110 of NHPA details the broad historic preservation responsibilities of federal agencies and is intended to ensure that historic preservation is fully integrated into the ongoing programs of all federal agencies.

The BLM utilizes a national programmatic agreement to guide its implementation of Section 106 of the NHPA, which allows the BLM to develop “State Protocol Agreements” tailored to the individual historic properties management needs and interests of each state where BLM has surface management responsibilities. These individual state protocols define efficiencies in the Section 106 process for routine undertakings that are agreed upon by the BLM and the individual State Historic Preservation Offices.

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 governs the excavation and removal of archaeological resources from federal and tribal lands. It also applies to federal marine protected areas and other submerged lands managed by the U.S. government.

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 provides a process for BLM and other federal agencies to repatriate or transfer from their collections certain Native American cultural items to lineal descendants, and to Indian tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. For inquiries related to NAGPRA, please email nagpra@blm.gov.

The Preservation Board advises BLM managers in developing and executing BLM's policies and procedures for historic properties.