Among the alarming results of the bill would be to deteriorate the quality of science performed on state lands by transferring authority to the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) that is currently held by the antiquities section of the Division of State History.

As I sat down to write this, I contemplated the audience I was speaking to, and the one I hoped to reach. I had considered visiting how cultural preservation and the state's archaeological resources benefit the state financially through tourism and visitation. I could have listed myriad fiduciary benefits of this resource, and the detrimental impacts of this legislation.

While my statements would have been accurate, I hesitate to refine the results of science into an easily digestible matter of financial practicality. To do so would be a disservice to the discipline. The search for knowledge cannot be so easily quantified. We must not casually dismiss intangible yet inherent values found in these cultural materials.

The proposed legislation removes from the antiquities section the authority to issue permits for archaeological survey or excavation on state lands, transferring that power to the PLPCO. Included in this transfer of authority is the reduction of professional qualifications, as well as permitting a nonscientific body of appointed members to determine scientific methodology.

The position of state archaeologist is removed altogether. The antiquities section would not be permitted to comment on the undertakings of state agencies, and would no longer be required to assist the agencies in matters involving archaeology or anthropology but may do so "if requested." To further undermine objective scientific consultation, the PLPCO has been given the authority to review the analysis of the State Historic Preservation Office, and can intervene if they do not concur.

To transfer the authority of a body charged with scientific oversight into the hands of a commission committed to development is both myopic and crass. I must question the qualifications of sponsor Rep. Bradley T. Johnson, R-Aurora. How is Johnson, a rancher with no background in anthropology, archaeology or cultural resource management, qualified to rewrite and reorganize archaeological laws?

I would defer to Johnson in matters of agriculture, but I must insist Johnson and the other members of the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee defer to the professional expertise of those in the discipline of archaeology when it comes to the matters of reviewing science, determining methodology and establishing professional credentials.

It would be prudent to act conservatively. Let us use caution, not haste, when considering the sacrifice of irreplaceable state resources for the sake of expedience.

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Liam Downey is a cultural resources management professional from San Juan County.