The northern Arizona forests are dotted with hundreds of archeological, historical, and paleontological sites. Some are well known and easily accessible. Others are difficult to get to, involving driving down rough roads then hiking a mile or more over rocky terrain, or climbing ridges or rocks. A dedicated group of volunteers undertakes these treks regularly. They do it because they value these sites and want to protect them. They are called Arizona Site Stewards.
Gov. Bruce Babbitt and the Archaeology Advisory Commission established the Arizona Site Steward Program (SSP) in 1986. The goal of the program was to safeguard cultural sites on public lands. Several state, federal and tribal land management groups such the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, and Arizona State Land Department are partners in this effort.
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