The Office of State Archaeology supports several projects to identify, assess, and preserve sites. coastal sites in the same way. Threats that impact underwater sites will not impact land sites in the same way. How do we begin to address these threats to archaeological sites? It is difficult to identify one standard method because each site is unique. There are, however, common practices that can be part of a larger plan for each situation.The first step is identifying site location, which happens in many ways. Community reporting is a great way to ensure site preservation. Community members can report known sites in the area or on their property to the Office of State Archaeology. These sites become part of the archaeological record and their locations remain private.Sites are also located through historical research. Historical documents provide clues to site locations and what information they may provide. This research is only useful for uncovering sites from the late 1500s onward because it relies on preserved written documents.Survey method will depend on the conditions of the survey area. Pedestrian surveys involve walking in straight lines and recording visible artifacts and features. Shovel test surveys allow archaeologists to identify artifacts and features below the surface. This surveying involves digging holes at intervals and recording the artifacts and soils. Remote sensing surveys are non-destructive methods that are beneficial on land and underwater. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) allows archaeologists to see evidence of structures beneath the survey by detecting changes in ground density.
