ARPA for Cultural Resource Managers: Practical Compliance, Permitting, and Enforcement on Federal Lands

Description

This highly practical and applied workshop is designed for cultural resource managers and field-level professionals responsible for protecting archaeological resources on federally owned or administered lands. The course focuses on the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and provides participants with a clear, working understanding of how ARPA applies in day-to-day land management, project implementation, and enforcement contexts.

Using real-world scenarios, case examples, and applied exercises, this training moves beyond basic awareness to address how ARPA functions in practice—how it differs from and intersects with NEPA and NHPA Section 106, when permits are required, and what actions are necessary when archaeological resources are threatened, damaged, or illegally disturbed. The workshop is designed to give participants the confidence and clarity needed to fulfill their ARPA responsibilities while working effectively with project managers, law enforcement, legal counsel, and partner agencies.

Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to do the following:

  • Understand the purpose, scope, and legal requirements of ARPA and how it applies to federally owned and administered lands.

  • Distinguish ARPA responsibilities from NEPA and NHPA Section 106 compliance, and recognize when multiple statutes apply to the same activity or resource.

  • Identify actions and activities that trigger ARPA permitting requirements.

  • Recognize potential ARPA violations and understand appropriate response, documentation, and coordination procedures.

  • Work effectively with internal agency staff, law enforcement, and legal counsel when archaeological resources are impacted or at risk.

  • Apply ARPA requirements consistently to support defensible decision-making and resource protection.

Content

  • Introduction to ARPA

  • Purpose and intent of ARPA, definitions of archaeological resources, and applicability to federal lands.

    1. ARPA vs. NEPA and NHPA Section 106

  • Understanding how ARPA fits within the broader cultural resource compliance framework and when statutes overlap.

    1. Permitting Under ARPA

  • When permits are required, who may issue them, and common permitting pitfalls.

    1. Impact-Producing Activities and Risk Identification

  • Identifying activities that pose risk to archaeological resources and require heightened attention.

    1. ARPA Violations and Enforcement

  • Overview of prohibited acts, civil and criminal penalties, and the cultural resource manager’s role in enforcement situations.

    1. Documentation and Coordination

  • Best practices for documenting incidents, maintaining records, and coordinating with law enforcement and legal staff.

    1. Case Studies and Applied Scenarios

  • Real-world examples illustrating ARPA compliance challenges, enforcement referrals, and lessons learned.

    1. Roles, Responsibilities, and Best Practices

  • Clarifying expectations for cultural resource managers in protecting archaeological resources under ARPA.

Audience

This course is designed for cultural resource managers, archaeologists, land managers, environmental planners, and other field-level staff responsible for managing or protecting archaeological resources on federally owned or administered lands. It is particularly beneficial for those who regularly encounter potential ARPA issues but do not serve in law enforcement roles. The training is appropriate for both newer practitioners seeking foundational clarity and experienced professionals looking to strengthen consistency and defensibility in ARPA compliance.

Process

This workshop is offered as a 1- or 2-day in-person (in-person) or virtual course and includes:

  • 60% Instruction / Lecture

  • 40% Applied Exercises, Case Studies, and Group Discussion

Materials

Participants receive a comprehensive workshop manual designed to support the instruction and serve as an ongoing reference for ARPA compliance, permitting, and enforcement coordination.