Why do I need to have a Cultural Resource Permit?

Federal laws such as; National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Protection Act, Housing Urban Development, MT Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation require review of activities federally and tribally funded, to seek compliance of protection and preservation of Cultural Resources.

I own the land, do I still require a Cultural Resource Permit?

YES. 

If the land has already been plowed or structures built prior to 1970's, why would I need a permit if it's been disturbed?

Since May 2018, the T.H.P.O. has been on scene for 13 ancestral remain recoveries and reburials. 9 out of 13 times, ancestral remains were in plowed fields. Prior to the construction and development of farming, industrial builds, residential areas, roads, powerlines, pipelines... there were traditional cultural landscapes which hold historic context to the ancestral people who were subject to live in captive existence of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, as well as other moving Tribes in North America.

How often does an area need to be surveyed for cultural resources?

Montana State Historic Preservation Office requires a 10 year class III pedestrian survey on areas that require update. If a project area had previously conducted a survey in 2010 but had never utilized the land or cancelled a lease, etc., then the new project will require an updated class III pedestrian survey to meet that 10 year timeframe.

Who funds the archaeological class III surveys?

The proponent is responsible for the costs associated with an archaeological survey. In most cases of private lands, rushed timeframes, the company  or contractor will hire an archaeological firm, which will include a Tribal Cultural Specialist to conduct a survey and report to the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of their findings.

If on tribal land and projects needing leases through the Fort Peck BIA, those services will be completed by Fort Peck BIA regional archaeologist. These surveys are conducted rarely, due to Fort Peck BIA. In most cases project components will hire an archaeological firm to conduct such surveys to speed the process.

More FAQ to be inserted!