The Archaeological Conservancy is a nonprofit organization established in 1980 to acquire and preserve America's most important archaeological sites. Because the majority of endangered sites are on private property, they are not protected by law and are subject to destruction at the whim of their owners.

In order to save archaeological sites throughout the nation, the conservancy:

* Identifies the most important endangered sites;

* Acquires the property by purchase, gift or bargain sale to charity;

* Secures the property and stabilizes the cultural resources in their original location;

* Manages the archaeological preserve as part of along-term plan;

* Educates the general public and local officials about the destruction of our cultural heritage and how to can preserve what remains.

-- Source: americanarchaeology.com