We are all in deep doo-doo if any SHPO is willing to turn a blind eye to
"just digging for digging's sake"--especially when human remains are
involved!!!!  I should think that SHPOs ought to be involved with issues
regarding archaeology and the law, not just review and compliance.  At the
very least, weighing in with strong statements to the effect that even
though this activity might be beyond their purview, it is illegal,
unethical, and reprehensible.

Mary B.

On 6/6/06, Mark Branstner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Just thought I would let you know that I contacted someone at the NY
> SHPO office and their response was:
>
> "Our office is not involved in the excavations as there is no project
> undertaking -just digging for digging sake."
>
> I leave you to draw your own conclusions ...
>
> --
>
> Mark C. Branstner
>
> Illinois Transportation
> Archaeological Research Program
> 209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
> 23 East Stadium Drive
> Champaign, IL 61820
>
> Phone: 217.244.0892
> Fax: 217.244.7458
> Cell: 517.927.4556
> [log in to unmask]
>
> "There is also an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth,
> without either virtue or talents ... The artificial aristocracy is a
> mischievous ingredient in government, and provisions should be made to
> prevent its ascendancy."
>
> - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
>