Webinar: State Laws Governing Cultural Resource Compliance in Arizona: Why You Should Care
- Jim McPherson
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30
If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by Arizona’s web of cultural resource laws – or unsure which rules apply when working on state, county, or city projects – this fall’s upcoming webinar series is designed for you.
Arizona is one of only a handful of states with multiple statutes governing the preservation and management of archaeological and cultural resources on state land. While this dual framework creates an effective system of checks and balances, it can also lead to confusion for consultants, planners, and agency staff trying to stay in compliance. Understanding how these state laws intersect – and how they differ from federal statutes like the National Historic Preservation Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act – is key to avoiding costly missteps and ensuring that Arizona’s rich heritage is treated with care and respect.
This three-part webinar series will break down the complexities of state compliance in plain, approachable language. Each session includes easy-to-follow handouts, ample time for Q&A, and helpful reference materials that participants can use long after the webinars end. Whether you’re new to cultural resource management or looking for a refresher, this series offers practical tools and insights to make state law compliance less intimidating – and even enjoyable.
Webinar Schedule
October 30, 10 am: An In-Depth Look at the Arizona Antiquities Act (ARS § 15-1631 and 41-841 et seq.) and ARS § 41-865. Presenter: Shannon Plummer
November 6, 10 am: An In-Depth Look at the State Historic Preservation Act (ARS § 41-861 et seq.). Presenter: Mary-Ellen Walsh
November 13, 10 am: Navigating the Complex Web: When More Than One State and/or Federal Cultural Resource Law Applies. Presenters: Shannon Plummer & Erin Davis
By the end of the series, participants will have a solid grasp of how to identify when and how Arizona’s cultural resource laws apply, how they overlap with federal requirements, and what steps are needed to stay compliant.
For anyone involved in planning, design, or construction on public lands, or working with state agencies on projects that might affect historic or archaeological sites, this series is an invaluable opportunity to gain clarity and confidence.
Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your understanding of Arizona’s cultural resource laws – and help ensure that the state’s irreplaceable heritage remains protected for generations to come.
Presenters
Erin Davis, Archaeological Compliance Specialist. Erin escaped the east coast in 1997 and has been an Arizona resident ever since. She earned a Master’s degree in Archaeology and Heritage from the University of Leicester. Before joining the SHPO team as an archaeological compliance specialist in 2018, she worked throughout Arizona for private companies and tribes. Although no longer doing fieldwork, Erin loves to read about current archaeological projects across the state as part of her job. On her time off, Erin loves to read fiction, hike (when it’s under 100 degrees!), and blast ‘80s punk rock while folding laundry.
Mary-Ellen Walsh, Cultural Resources Compliance Manager. Mary-Ellen received her M.A. in Anthropology (archaeology) from Northern Arizona University in 1993 and has worked in the field of archaeology since 1985. She joined SHPO as a compliance specialist in 2013 and became the Cultural Resources Compliance Manager in 2018. Current interests include collaborating with her compliance team, tribes, consultants, and agencies to help improve current professional standards and SHPO guidance. She's happiest at the beach.
Shannon Plummer, Senior Archaeologist with Jacobs Engineering Group. Although she’s a native Midwesterner, Shannon has found her forever home in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. With over 25 years of experience in heritage preservation, cultural resource management, consulting, and regulatory compliance, she has dedicated her career to studying and preserving Arizona's archaeology and history. She has designed, managed, and contributed to hundreds of archaeological projects and compliance efforts throughout the state; and has written hundreds of archaeological reports, treatment plans, consultation letters, policies, and peer-reviewed articles. As Arizona's former State Archaeologist, she is a recognized expert on the Arizona Antiquities Act and complementary statutes pertaining to cultural resource management and preservation in Arizona. When not doing archaeology, Shannon enjoys crocheting, dancing, and playing outside.
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