Scope and Purpose

950 CMR 70.00 establishes a uniform system for compliance with the so called "Antiquities Act", M.G.L. c. 9, §§ 26 through 27C. The purpose is to standardize the procedures for conducting archeological field investigations in Massachusetts in order to insure the conservation of archeological resources and the highest quality of archeological research. 950 CMR 70.00 is intended to protect the public's interest in archeological resources by controlling activities which will disturb archeological properties, and thus destroy the contextual relationships and associated scientific values of the properties. 950 CMR 70.00 are intended to strengthen and support the archeological community's efforts towards the conservation of archeological properties by setting standards wherebyarcheological sites will be wisely used. 950 CMR 70.00 recognizes that archeological sites are unique, non-renewable and fragile resources. Minimal levels of acceptable archeological performance are established in order to insure the conservationofarcheologicalproperties, and also to insure full value for public expenditures in archeology. 950 CMR 70.00 recognizes the valuable work of avocational archeologists, and are written to allow their continued participation on field investigations conducted under permit.