ASM’s Archaeology Division offers clients a full-suite of archaeological services geared to a variety of project requirements and technical needs. Our archaeologists each exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (36CFR61), and are capable of providing efficient, effective resource management and conservation services.

ASM is able to immediately respond to requests for all types and sizes of projects. We have 50 qualified historic preservation specialists who can respond immediately to your needs.

ASM has extensive experience in providing a full spectrum of services relating to the identification, evaluation, preservation and management of prehistoric archaeological resources throughout the western U.S.
These have included:

Research Designs and Work Plans – These documents set forth the scope, methods, and objectives for archaeological studies. They are tailored to match the scope of specific projects, particular agency requirements, and prehistoric resource types.

Identification Studies – These include locating and evaluating previous studies and documented resources; sensitivity studies to assess the relative likelihood that significant prehistoric resources may be present; pedestrian field surveys to relocate previously identified resources and update information on them, and to find and document any additional resources that are present; and additional techniques to identify buried resources in high-sensitivity areas, including such methods as geomorphological analysis, coring, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetometry.

Evaluation Studies – These involve archaeological test excavation, analysis, and other intensive study methods to determine the character and physical extent of prehistoric resources and their importance, for instance as measured by eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and similar state or local listings.

Data Recovery – One common way to mitigate project impacts to significant prehistoric resources has been through programs of scientific excavation prior to implementation of the project, and the analysis and professional reporting of the results.

Construction Monitoring – Archaeological monitoring of the ground-disturbing phases of construction in areas of known or likely sensitivity for significant prehistoric resources is another way to avoid or mitigate impacts. ASM provides qualified field archaeologists who are present during construction in order to identify any resources that are encountered, perform initial evaluations, and promptly initiate any required consultations between the project developer, the responsible agency, and other potential interested parties, such as the State Historic Preservation Officer or concerned Native Americans.

GIS Databases – ASM creates and manages Geographic Information System databases and provides input for the GIS databases maintained by its clients and by public agencies.

Management Planning Documents – In addition to studies for current development projects, ASM assists agencies in preparing guidelines for meeting their responsibilities in managing prehistoric resources.

Public Involvement – ASM helps its clients share the results of prehistoric archaeological studies with the interested public through such measures as the design and construction of interpretive displays, creation of webpages, and presentations given before public and professional audiences.

Compliance –ASM’s prehistoric studies are performed in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations. These include, but are not limited to, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Section 106 regulations, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA).