FOUR CORNERS HERITAGE COUNCIL
HERITAGE SITE STEWARDS CONFERENCE

SOUTHWEST COLORADO
CULTURAL SITE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Amy Wise, Program Coordinator
October 10, 2001

Description
The Southwest Colorado Cultural Site Stewardship Program (CSSP) is a regional organization of volunteers supported by local communities, businesses and the tribal and public land agencies of the Southwest Colorado. CSSP's mission is to train volunteers and to educate local communities and individuals about cultural resource protection. Stewards are pledged to assist in cultural resource preservation, conservation and education activities -- as well as to monitor adopted cultural resources for damage caused by vandals and improper visitation.

CSSP operates under a grant developed by the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), in cooperation with Southwest Outdoor Volunteers, and funded by Colorado Historical Society / State Historical Fund, San Juan National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, and the Four Corners Heritage Council.

SJMA is a nonprofit organization created in 1989 to provide education and interpretation of public lands in Southwest Colorado for area residents and visitors. The mission of SJMA is to enhance personal and community stewardship of natural, cultural and heritage resources on public and other lands in Southwest Colorado through interpretation, information, education and participation.

How to Use This Tool
The Southwest Colorado Cultural Site Stewardship Program could be an example for other states or entities that wish to develop programs to monitor archaeological sites.

Limitations
Site stewards do not function in a law enforcement capacity. They are pledged to assist in resource preservation and are merely to observe, monitor and report conditions to the appropriate authorities.

Additional Information
http://www.sjma.org

Contact Information
San Juan Mountains Association
Cultural Site Stewardship Program
Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 2261
Durango, CO 81302
Phone: (970) 385-1267 or (970) 385-1210
Fax: (970) 385-1224
Email: Amy Wise & Kathleen May