Southwest Archaeology Today for Nov. 27, 2006

Archaeology Making the News – A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

– Paving the Road to Chaco? Balancing access with preservation is a juggling act that faces many National Park Service administrators. But in few places is that act a part of an ongoing battleground as San Juan County seeks to complete paving of the remaining 13-mile stretch leading from county road 7950 into the Chaco Canyon National Historical Park.
http://tinyurl.com/ymyc9r – Red Orbit

– Thieves of Time: In the dead of night, looters are destroying the history of America, desecrating sacred Indian ruins. An estimated 80 percent of the nation’s ancient archaeological sites have been plundered or robbed by shovel-toting looters. Though some of the pillaging is done by amateurs who don’t know any better, more serious damage is wrought by professionals who dig deep, sometimes even using backhoes.
http://tinyurl.com/yf9hty – Casper Star Tribune

– Impacts of Cultural Spending Examined in New Mexico: By definition, culture gives a society spiritual, intellectual and emotional depth as well as values, traditions and beliefs. All that, and money too, according to the state Department of Cultural Affairs.
http://tinyurl.com/yjelrm – The Albuquerque Tribune

– Brief Guide to Phoenix Area Rock Art: The Hohokam and other ancient peoples made petroglyphs by using rocks as hammer and chisel to peck designs into desert varnish, a dark patina of iron and manganese oxides that often coats the surfaces of rocks in arid environments. Archaeologists say it’s safe to assume that petroglyphs, because of the time and energy required to create them, are far more than simple prehistoric graffiti.
http://tinyurl.com/yckk8b– Arizona Republic

– Student Conservation Assistance Aids Southwestern Sites: Tami Lau wakes up to a wondrous sunrise at Hovenweep National Monument most mornings among the Ancestral Puebloan ruins, wildlife and wide open spaces. It’s a welcome contrast to the clutter of Los Angeles, where she grew up.
http://tinyurl.com/y9hahz – Cortez Journal

– Old Pueblo Archaeology Center Fundraising Tour from Tucson: Kentucky Camp Open House, Empire Ranch, Callaghan Vineyards, and Dinner at Rex Ranch. Saturday, March 10, 2007. Tour fee includes a donation to Old Pueblo Archaeology, transportation by van, all entrance fees, and dinner at Rex Ranch (excluding hard beverages). $125 per person; $25 discount for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center members and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members. Call 520-798-1201, e-mail to info@oldpueblo.org, or see
http://www.oldpueblo.org