Archeological Resources Protection Act

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) is a U.S. law designed to safeguard archaeological sites on public and Indian lands. Enacted in 1979, it makes it illegal to excavate or damage archaeological resources without a permit. The law aims to protect artifacts and sites from looting and destruction, ensuring they can be studied and preserved for future generations. Violating ARPA can lead to substantial fines and criminal charges. Overall, ARPA underscores the importance of protecting our cultural heritage and the knowledge these resources provide about human history.