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Cultural Resource Conservation

The Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to responsible stewardship of cultural resources on its lands. Many rich and varied natural and cultural resources are present on the Departments lands and waters that contain archaeological and historical sites, threatened and endangered species, marine mammals, Native American burial and sacred sites, historic buildings, and wetlands. The Department has an obligation to protect these resources for future generations. Headquarters actions support conservation of the following cultural resources throughout the DOE complex:

  • archeological materials (artifacts) and sites from prehistoric, historic, or ethno historic periods that are located on or beneath the ground surface;
  • standing structures that are over 50 years old or are important because they represent  a major historical theme or era;
  • cultural and natural places, certain natural resources, and sacred objects that are important to Native Americans and other ethnic groups; and,
  • American folk life traditions and arts.