BLM Nevada Archaeology

BLM Nevada has a responsibility to manage archaeological, historical, and traditional-use sites—commonly referred to as cultural or heritage resources—on public lands. These fragile and irreplaceable resources are an essential part of our Nation’s heritage, and Nevada contains an exceptionally rich and diverse record representing more than 13,000 years of human history.

As part of its stewardship responsibilities, BLM Nevada identifies and evaluates heritage resources for their potential scientific, traditional, educational, experimental, and public-use values. BLM Nevada also works to protect and preserve heritage resources in place on public lands, ensuring they remain available for the benefit and understanding of present and future generations.

Permit for Archaeological Investigations (PAI)

Please direct all applications, modifications, or questions to BLM Nevada's Cultural Resources Permitting Group at: [email protected]

All persons conducting archaeological fieldwork on BLM lands in Nevada are required to hold a valid PAI prior to beginning fieldwork. For more information on the types of permits issued by BLM Nevada or for information on the qualifications necessary to obtain a permit, please see Appendix B of the BLM Nevada’s Guidelines and Standards for Archaeological Inventory Sixth Edition (April 2019) (Guidelines).

PAI Application Procedures

Nevada State Office staff examine each application upon receipt to determine if it meets the requirements outlined in current Guidelines. Applications lacking necessary information or required documentation will be withheld from further review until the needed information or documentation is provided. When missing information has been requested but not received within 10 working days, the application may be closed and the applicant notified.

Permits issued by the BLM Nevada State Office are only valid for cultural resources investigations on lands managed by the BLM Nevada State Office. For cultural resources investigations on Indian lands, State Lands or on other federally administered lands, permits must be issued by the appropriate agency.

Survey/Recordation Permits (PAI)

A complete application must include:

PAI Application; Summary of applicants’ abilities to carry out the work requested; Resumes of all individuals to be considered for permitting at the Principal Investigator (PI) or Crew Chief (CC) level; Work time documentation tables for all proposed PIs and CCs; Copy of current curation agreement; and Copy of current Nevada State Antiquities Permit if the area of cultural resources investigation is known or likely to affect private or non-federal public lands.

Renewal requests should also include any status changes in company contact information (e.g., change in address, telephone numbers, email addresses), as well as any requested changes in personnel (deletions or additions of PIs or CCs from the permit). Any requested additions or reclassifications of personnel to the permit must also include copies of resumes and work time documentation tables.

PAI Modification

All Permit modification requests must be requested in writing by the Permit Administrator.