CHPAA Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

CHPAA Key Terms & Definitions

Archaeological Resource: Any material remains of past human life or activities that are of archaeological interest, including, but not limited to, pottery, basketry, bottles, weapons, weapon projectiles, tools, structures or portions of structures, pit houses, rock paintings, rock carvings, intaglios, graves, human skeletal materials, or any portion or piece of any of the foregoing items. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-401(1))

Artifacts: Objects made or modified by human beings, typically of historical or archaeological interest. These may include tools, weapons, pottery, jewelry, and other items that provide insight into past human activities and cultures.

Colorado Historical Society: The primary state agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-402)

Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): The state agency that works in conjunction with the Colorado Historical Society to protect and preserve Colorado's cultural resources. The SHPO is responsible for administering various state and federal historic preservation programs, including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Curation: The process of managing and preserving archaeological and historical resources, including artifacts, records, and other materials, to ensure their long-term conservation and accessibility for future research and education.

Excavation: The systematic removal of soil, sediment, or other material to uncover and study archaeological or historical resources. Under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act, excavation of protected resources on state lands requires a permit from the Colorado State Archaeologist. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-406)

Field Investigation: Any activity that involves the identification, evaluation, or documentation of historical, prehistorical, or archaeological resources in their natural setting. This may include surveys, mapping, photography, and limited subsurface testing.

Fossils: The preserved remains or traces of ancient life forms, including bones, shells, leaves, seeds, and other organic material. Fossils are protected under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act when found on state lands.

Historical Resource: A site, structure, object, or district that is significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture. Under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act, historical resources are protected from unauthorized disturbance or destruction on state lands. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-401(2))

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): A federal law enacted in 1966 that establishes a national framework for the preservation of historic and archaeological resources in the United States. The NHPA requires federal agencies to consider the impact of their activities on historic properties and provides for the establishment of state historic preservation offices (SHPOs) to administer preservation programs at the state level.

Permit: A written authorization issued by the Colorado State Archaeologist that allows an individual or entity to engage in the excavation, removal, or disturbance of historical, prehistorical, or archaeological resources on state lands. Permits are required under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act to ensure that these activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes harm to protected resources. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-406)

Prehistorical Resource: Any site, structure, object, or district that is significant in the study of human activities and cultures prior to the advent of written records. Under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act, prehistorical resources are protected from unauthorized disturbance or destruction on state lands. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-401(3))

Preservation: The act of protecting, conserving, and maintaining historical, prehistorical, and archaeological resources to prevent their deterioration, loss, or destruction. Preservation is a key goal of the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act and involves a range of activities, including documentation, stabilization, and restoration.

Significant Resource: A historical, prehistorical, or archaeological resource that possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and that is associated with events, persons, or architectural styles that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Colorado's history. (Smith v. Colorado Historical Society, 2020 CO 14, 456 P.3d 1234)

State Archaeologist: The individual appointed by the Colorado Historical Society to oversee the protection and preservation of the state's archaeological resources. The State Archaeologist is responsible for developing and maintaining a statewide inventory of cultural resources, providing guidance on preservation matters, and issuing permits for regulated activities under the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-402)

State Lands: All lands owned or controlled by the State of Colorado or any of its agencies, institutions, or political subdivisions. The Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act applies specifically to the protection of cultural resources found on state lands. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-80-401(4))

Tribal Consultation: The process by which state agencies engage in meaningful dialogue with tribal governments when considering actions that may affect properties or resources of cultural significance to Indigenous communities. Proposed amendments to the Colorado Historical, Prehistorical & Archaeological Resources Act seek to enhance the role of tribal governments in the regulatory process through mandatory consultation requirements.