Find out what I should do with some human bones I found?

If you haven’t already done so, please contact the local police/sheriff immediately.  Our office gets involved only when the bones are in an unmarked location, and when the coroner has determined that the remains are human, of no forensic value, and likely to be more than 100 years old.  Please do not move or otherwise disturb the bones you have found.  See the relevant provisions of state law for details.  Remains in marked cemeteries also are protected under Colorado law (see question below).

Find out what I should do with an artifact I found?

Call our office 303.866.4671 or 3395 or send us an e-mail.  It’s best to leave the item exactly where you found it so that, if necessary, the item’s exact location can be documented by an archaeologist.  Making a drawing of the artifact, and/or a good close-up photograph, will aid in its identification and evaluation.

Save an Indian sacred site that is threatened by development?

Through the power of persuasion.  If it is on Federal land, the land manager might be swayed by comments received through a public planning process, especially if the comments are couched in terms of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.  Our office has a commenting role under the National Historic Preservation Act.  The property must be evaluated on its historic merit, not only on its spiritual importance.  For state, local, or private lands, use the public review process established by whichever government agency may have some development oversight.

Save a cemetery that is threatened by development? Is it protected?

All cemeteries and marked graves are protected under Colorado law, which is enforced at the local level.  See your municipal or county government.  Vandalism or willful damage should be prosecuted.  There is, however, a complex procedure that local governments may follow to lawfully move cemeteries.  This process is outlined in the Department of Health code in the state law books.

The Office of the State Archaeologist becomes involved only for unmarked human graves for which there is no evidence of the person's identity, and which apparently date from over 100 years ago (see question above).

Contact the property authorities if I see someone disturbing an archaeological or historical site?

If you are a witness to such activity, compile a description of the individual(s) and the vehicle(s) [from a safe distance only, they may be dangerous, then call the local sheriff or police department.  Get a license number of the vehicle, if possible.  If the activity is on federal land, report it by calling 1.800.722.3998.

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