When Survey Is Not an Option: Comprehensive Archeological Monitoring Standards in Texas

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Archaeological monitoring is generally considered a secondary investigative methodology, to be used when necessary after proactive archeological work has already occurred. However, monitoring is increasingly relied upon as a primary form of investigation within archaeological compliance, particularly in highly urban settings where proactive work is logistically challenging and cost prohibitive. Consequently, monitoring has become a kind of wild west in archeological compliance, lacking standardization between consulting firms, governmental bodies, and regulatory agencies. In 2022, the Council of Texas Archeologists Standards and Guidelines Committee formed an ad-hoc subcommittee to address this issue, on which both authors serve. In the paper, we discuss some of the unique challenges posed by archeological monitoring and the solutions we are proposing in Texas to help mitigate or minimize these challenges.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 40113.0