Recognized as a leader of water development projects in the 17 Western States, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has also contributed significantly to the nation's knowledge and understanding of prehistoric and historic peoples.
Archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures, landscapes, and objects are the fabric of our national heritage. Collectively known as cultural resources (or sometimes heritage assets), they are our tangible links with the past. As an agency of the Federal government, Reclamation is responsible for, and committed to, protecting and managing these irreplaceable resources in a spirit of stewardship for future generations to understand and enjoy. An assortment of legis- lative mandates require Reclamation and other Federal agencies to:
- Identify, evaluate, and encourage preservation of cultural resources
- Manage museum property collections
- Consult with a broad array of interested parties
- Promote heritage education
A Cultural Resources Management (CRM) program was established at Reclamation in 1974 to manage the rich array of cultural resources under its jurisdiction. Since then, the program has expanded significantly as cultural resource laws, requirements, and public concerns, continue to increase and become more complex. The Federal Preservation Officer, located in Denver, coordinates Reclamation's CRM program with many responsibilities delegated to regional and area office staff. These include professional archaeologists, historians, architectural historians, museum specialists, and physical anthropologists. If you have questions relating to Reclamation's cultural resources, please feel free to contact any one of our staff !
