Alaska Historic Preservation Act Alaska Statutes 41 35
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Alaska Historic Preservation Act • Alaska Statutes 41. 35 • Implemented in 1971 • Deals with – Alaska Historic Commission – Designation of historic monuments and parks – Unlawful acts such as vandalizing cultural sites – Threats to cultural resources by state projects Totem Bight State Historical Park
Alaska Historic Preservation Act • 41. 35. 010. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the state to preserve and protect the historic, prehistoric, and archaeological resources of Alaska from loss, desecration, and destruction so that the scientific, historic, and cultural heritage embodied in these resources may pass undiminished to future generations. To this end, the legislature finds and declares that the historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources of the state are properly the subject of concerted and coordinated efforts exercised on behalf of the general welfare of the public in order that these resources may be located, preserved, studied, exhibited, and evaluated.
Preservation of historic, prehistoric & archaeological resources threatened by public construction (AS 41. 35. 070) • “Public construction” includes any projects involving: – State land – State funding – State permits Flotsam cleanup project near prehistoric site on State land, Gore Point
AS 41. 35. 070(a) Ø The department shall locate, identify, and preserve in suitable records information regarding historic & prehistoric sites. Ø Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS) v. Statewide inventory of all reported prehistoric & historic sites v. Hard copy & electronic versions v. Restricted (confidential) information
AS 41. 35. 070(b) Ø Department may archaeologically survey affected area before public construction occurs to determine if the area contains historic or prehistoric values. Archaeological survey, Kodiak Note eroding shell midden – Allows OHA to review State projects & provide recommendations regarding surveys
AS 41. 35. 070 (c) Ø If the department determines that historic, prehistoric, or archaeological sites will be adversely affected by public construction, the project may not commence until the department has performed the necessary investigation, recording and salvage of the site. Data recovery at the Unalaska Bridge Site
