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Local archaeologist seeks county authorization to continue twentieth‑century inventories
Summary
Shawn Levy asked the Historic Preservation Board for county authorization to continue documenting early‑20th‑century surface archaeological remains after Parks & Recreation declined to permit further work; he offered to provide a written report and exhibition materials for staff review.
Shawn Levy, who identified himself as an archaeologist focused on twentieth‑century surface remains, requested assistance from the Los Alamos Historic Preservation Board after Parks & Recreation denied his request for authorization to continue field documentation on county land. "Arts and Recreation turned me down," Levy said, describing the denial as a single‑sentence decision based on a consultation with a supervisor; he asked the board to review a written report he will provide and to advise on pathways for county authorization.
Levy said his work focuses on homestead‑era artifacts and twentieth‑century sites tied to the Ranch School and Manhattan Project era; he emphasized he does not work with Pueblo or precontact remains. He offered a hard copy of his report for board members and asked the county to consider formalizing a process for citizen researchers or to provide oversight so work can continue without risking loss of materials.
Board members acknowledged receipt of the offer to provide a report and suggested the board review the materials and, if appropriate, coordinate follow‑up with Parks & Recreation and county staff to identify a path forward. Danielle (planning manager) said the board could look at the report and then discuss options with Parks & Recreation, which is the department with oversight for archaeological sites on county property.
No formal authorization was granted at the meeting; the board agreed to review Levys report and consider next steps with county staff.
