Protecting the Enchantment

Introduction

SiteWatch trains citizen volunteers to assist land-management agencies and their preservation partners, including the Historic Preservation Division, in the protection of New Mexico’s cultural resources. It is a network of trained volunteers who monitor prehistoric and historic resources on public, private and tribal lands in their communities. Archaeological sites, historic buildings and places, trails, neon signs, bridges and structures are adopted by site stewards who routinely monitor them for signs of erosion, wear and tear, vandalism, and looting.

Mission Statement

With involvement from the public, we can regularly monitor our cultural resources and preserve them for future generations.

SiteWatch is founded on the belief that preserving New Mexico’s cultural heritage builds community, and enhances our quality of life by making the past part of our present-day lives. The program is funded through an annual appropriation of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, and assistance from preservation partners. Minimal state monies are available, or used, to operate HPD SiteWatch.

Statement of Purpose

Prevention of cultural resource destruction due to acts of nature, theft, or vandalism
Utilization of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of New Mexico's citizens
Raising public awareness of the value of historic preservation through education and outreach
Promoting cooperation between communities, agencies, and individuals throughout the state
Organizing citizens into a group that makes a measurable difference in their own quality of life
Stewardship of an irreplaceable resource in perpetuity
Enhancing our knowledge of New Mexico's unique history

Frequently Asked Questions

Who operates NM SiteWatch?
SiteWatch is partnership of public land-management agencies, nonprofit preservation organizations and individuals, and private land owners. Coordinated by the Historic Preservation Division, SiteWatch operates from Santa Fe, but the program works at the community level. Currently there are nine SiteWatch chapters operating in the state.

HPD, in the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the designated State Historic Preservation Office for New Mexico, as provided by the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act which required each state and U.S. territory to establish programs to protect their cultural resources. The SiteWatch program coordinator serves primarily as a source of information and guidance, while the volunteer site stewards, program partners and Advisory Council provide input and direction for the program.

What do NM SiteWatch volunteers do?
A site steward’s primary tasks are to regularly visit local cultural sites to monitor and report on their condition. Reports provide land managers with crucial information about the condition of the resources, allowing volunteers to make a real contribution to the protection of New Mexico's cultural resources. In the process, they visit places most people only read about. With advanced levels of training, stewards also may assist agency archaeologists with pedestrian surveys for new sites, and monitor construction or other project activities proximate to known sites that could be damaged. Persons unable to visit sites due to handicap, location, or any other reason, still can contribute. SiteWatch has a real need for volunteers to visit classrooms, provide training, perform clerical duties and serve as a conduit for feedback to the program coordinator.

Who can become a Site Steward?
Anyone who is ready to make a commitment to historic preservation and willing to abide by the SiteWatch Code of Conduct.

How are stewards trained?
Training classes are ongoing, and will be held quarterly around the state. Contact the program coordinator for more information.

Who are some of our SiteWatch partners
Land management agencies (Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, State Parks, State Lands Office, Los Alamos County, Santa Fe County), professional and educational organizations (New Mexico Archaeological Council, Archaeological Society of New Mexico and local affiliates), plus members of the public from around the state. Check out some of our steward partners at:

• http://www.nmstewards.org/
• http://www.sfnfsitestewards.org/ and in Arizona:
• http://www.pr.state.az.us/partnerships/shpo/sitestew.html

How do I get more information?
Please call Phil Young, Volunteer Coordinator, at (505) 827-6314, or e-mail him at DCA-HPDsitewatch@state.nm.us.