South Coastal Information Center

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Access Restrictions

Archaeological resources are nonrenewable and easily damaged. Their scientific, ethno-cultural, and aesthetic values can be significantly impaired by disturbance. Therefore, access to such information is restricted in order to prevent vandalism and artifact hunting, and to protect landowners from trespass.

Those granted access to restricted information sign an access agreement whereby they agree to keep site content and location information confidential by not disclosing it to unauthorized individuals or including it in publicly distributed documents. (California Government Code Section 6254.10 exempts archaeological sites from the California Public Records Act).
Specifically, the locations of archaeological sites are considered confidential and therefore, such information is restricted. Access to archaeological site information is limited to the following individuals:

• Historical Resources Consultants: Consultants must meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards under Archaeology, History, or Architecture.
• Landowners: Proof of ownership must be provided, such as a deed or current tax statement which clearly links their name with an assessor’s parcel.
• Scholars: Access to confidential information is provided to scholars conducting research for unfunded projects who meet the secretary of interior standards or students working under such individuals.

A statement of qualifications and confidential records search request formmust be completed to request a confidential records search.  For additional information regarding the CHRIS see the Information Center Rules of Operation Manual.