Series: NPS Archeology Guide: Permits for Archeological Investigation

This chapter of the NPS Archeology Guide provides guidance for applicants, NPS archeologists, and NPS managers about Permits for Archeological Investigations. Archeological fieldwork on parklands requires a Permit for Archeological Investigations. Activities include excavation, shovel testing, coring, pedestrian survey, underwater archeology, rock art documentation, or other types of reconnaissance. NPS archeologists, or those working under a contract or cooperative agreement, are exempt.

• Article 1: Overview

  A Permit for Archeological Investigations (“Permit;” also known as “ARPA Permit”) is required for an archeological investigation conducted by non-NPS personnel on fee-simple park lands unless carried out under a supervised contract with NPS for archeological services. Non-NPS personnel includes independent researchers, institutions, and personnel from other Federal agencies. Read more

• Article 2: Information for Applicants

  This section of the Permits Chapter describes the application process for a Permit for Archeological Investigations (“Permit”) and the applicant’s responsibilities. The applicant is advised to read all of this section, as well as the Overview of this chapter, prior to preparing a Permit application. Read more

• Article 3: Information for NPS Archeologists

  This section describes the NPS archeologist's responsibilities for assisting applicants, managers, and regional directors in preparing and reviewing applications for a Permit for Archeological Investigations (“Permit”), monitoring field projects, and reviewing final reports and products resulting from archeological investigations. Because of this important role, the NPS archeologist should be familiar with all sections of the Permits module. Read more

• Article 4: Information for Managers

  This section describes the responsibilities of the NPS regional directors and park managers in issuing and monitoring Permits for Archeological Investigations (hereafter referred to as a “Permit”). Read more

• Article 5: Permit for Archeological Investigation Application Form

  Links to relevant cultural resource laws and regulations and a link to an application for a Permit for Archeological Investigations. Read more

• Article 6: Credits

  This chapter may be cited as: National Park Service Archeology Guide: Permits for Archeological Investigations. Archeology Program, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC. 2006. Read more