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Bears Ears Archaeology
May 23, 2023 - May 26, 2023
![](https://suwa.org/wp-content/uploads/BearsEars_JeffFoott2.jpg)
The Land
With the designation of Bears Ears National Monument on December 28th, 2016, a new layer of protection was granted to some of the most spectacular places in southern Utah. There is Cedar Mesa, with its incredible canyons running toward the San Juan River. There is White Canyon to the west of Natural Bridges. There are the Bears Ears themselves and the high ponderosa forests of Elk Ridge. To the north there’s Beef Basin and Indian Creek. Nearly 100,000 archaeological and cultural sites were covered by the proclamation, with protections afforded to a historied landscape long-neglected and actively undermined by private interests.
The Work
Get ready for a weeklong training and survey of cultural resources in one of the most magnificent landscapes in southern Utah! In partnership with USFS archaeologists, our work scope will focus on one or more of the following activities:
- Surveying for cultural resources along existing routes and roads not surveyed in the past
- Site-specific monitoring and updating of known cultural sites
- Recording of new cultural sites
Volunteers Needed: (8)
Project Lead: Jack Hanley
Itinerary
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers.
- Dates: Tuesday, May 23rd to Friday, May 26th
Note: (2) positions on this project will be reserved for returning volunteers.
Project Rating
Level 2 – Our most common trip incorporates mid- to heavy-lifting, work in remote landscapes at varying elevations, an increased diversity of tool use, and an emphasis on physical fitness and hiking competency.
This project incorporates daily day hikes from a base camp.
Camping & Meals
Specific location of camping site(s) will be provided in the Welcome Letter sent to registered volunteers.
SUWA provides elect meals and snacks during the project. Volunteers are responsible for all additional meals not specified in the Welcome Letter during their stay.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for their own food, water and camping gear as well as transportation to and from the project site(s). Volunteers should plan to be away from camp all day each of the work days. A recommended pack list will be sent along with the project Welcome Letter at least (2) weeks prior to the start date.
Registration
A Volunteer Agreement is required for this project.
When we have received your form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 5 working days of submission. The confirmation e-mail will indicate whether you have been placed on the “project roster” or a “waiting list.” Individuals on the Waitlist will be contacted if spaces open due to cancellation within (2) weeks of the project start date.
At least (2) weeks before the project start date, registered and confirmed participants will receive a Welcome Letter, with a comprehensive itinerary, including: driving instructions, a Project Map for mobile devices (when applicable(, a notification about carpools and/or caravans, and additional information in a Pre-Departure email. You will also receive a direct call from our Project Coordinator to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions at any point throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact us here or by calling (435) 259-9151.