Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
When the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, Utah was already prepared to keep its national parks open led by efforts of the Utah Office of Tourism.
Other national monuments and recreation areas, as well as public land managed by the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, will also be without federal staff for the length of the shutdown. But visitors from across the county and around the globe will still be visiting Utah with expectations of services in addition to the natural wonder of this state.
Enter the Utah Cultural Site Stewards, a network of specifically trained volunteers tasked to monitor and protect the state's unique archaeological resources, now also stepping in to protect and elevate Utah's visitor experience.
Stewards are being strategically positioned across the state in places such as Dinosaur National Monument, Golden Spike National Historic Park, Nine Mile Canyon, Parowan Gap, Bears Ears National Monument and Buckhorn Wash, among other places, where federal staff are now absent. Their primary focus is to welcome visitors and assure them that, despite the federal shutdown, these unparalleled sites are available to explore and actively being cared for by the people of Utah.
The Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program
Protecting archaeological sites isn't just a short-term emergency measure, it's an ongoing responsibility of the State Historic Preservation Office and supported by more than 460 volunteers of the Cultural Site Stewardship program. These site stewards regularly monitor, assess, and report on the status of more than 1,000 archaeological and culturally significant sites in all 29 Utah counties partnering with federal, state, municipal and private land owners.
In 2024, volunteers collectively traveled more than 86,000 miles, invested 5,252 hours monitoring and training, and submitted an average of 100 reports a month. These efforts accomplish much more than what government entities could do to protect Utah's cultural heritage.
The Cultural Site Stewardship program also works in partnership with law enforcement officers from the Division of Natural Resources by providing specialized instruction in cultural resource protection from the State Historic Preservation Office. This means more trained eyes in the field, ready to recognize problems and respond when sites are at risk.
When archaeological sites are damaged, looted, or vandalized, a piece of Utah's history disappears. Without careful and intentional protection, these sites could be lost forever. Utah's nationally recognized stewardship program is now complemented by a new public outreach and education campaign to counter what has become ever increasing and damaging archeological vandalism.
With support from the Utah State Legislature, the State Historic Preservation Office has launched an Archeological Anti-Vandalism Campaign engaging all Utahns and specifically Utah's recreation communities in cultural resource protection.
As an example, many rock climbing routes pass through areas rich with archaeological treasures, making climbers natural allies in the effort to preserve these sites. The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance and Access Fund which, along with several other climbing organizations, issued the following statement after a petroglyph wall was damaged near Moab:
"It is essential that climbers understand the significance of petroglyphs, not only as a window into the past but as an ongoing and vital part of Indigenous culture and identity to this day, and are committed to protecting these sacred sites.
State and federal agencies, Tribal nations, municipalities, private landowners, education communities, law enforcement and outdoor enthusiasts are working together toward the same goal: Protecting Utah's past.
This collaboration sends a clear message — preservation matters. These artifacts sites are part of the landscapes where you hike, climb, ride and camp. Protecting them isn't just about history, it's about safeguarding the places you love today and ensuring they remain intact for future generations to enjoy.
Preserve the past for the benefit of the future
The next time you're scaling sandstone, riding your OHV through the desert, or stopping to admire an ancient handprint or historic cabin on a lonely road, remember not to take it for granted. The way you treat treasures from the past will determine whether or not future visitors get to enjoy them as well.
Even in moments of uncertainty, like a government shutdown, Utahns are proving that preservation doesn't pause. Thanks to stewards, partners, and everyday citizens, the care for these sites continues — a reminder that safeguarding our shared history is a responsibility we all carry, no matter the circumstance.
How you can help
Here are some ways Utahns and visitors can help in simple and meaningful ways:
- Become a Utah Cultural Site Steward: Volunteers in this statewide program monitor and care for archaeological areas, report damage, and educate visitors. Getting started takes just three steps — learn more here.
- Practice respectful recreation: Stay on designated trails, and remember that these sites and artifacts are very old and fragile. Avoid touching, marking, and never remove them. These small actions have a big impact.
- Spread the word: Encourage friends and family to treat Utah's cultural sites with care and respect.
- Report: If you have any information concerning damage or vandalism to archaeological or cultural sites, please contact local law enforcement immediately. Additionally, please notify the Utah Public Archaeologist, Ian Wright, at iwright@utah.gov.
The message is simple: Enjoy the outdoors, but leave the history exactly as you found it.
To learn more about how to get involved in the Utah Cultural Site Steward Program, visit the Utah State Historic Preservation Office website
