Effective: September 29, 2015
Latest Legislation: House Bill 141 - 131st General Assembly
In order to ensure that archaeological survey and salvage work on public lands, dedicated archaeological preserves, and registered state archaeological landmarks is conducted in a scientific manner, the director of the Ohio history connection shall, in consultation with the Ohio archaeological council and the archaeological society of Ohio, adopt and may amend or rescind rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, prescribing minimum education, training, and experience requirements for personnel in charge of or otherwise engaging in archaeological survey and salvage work, and prescribing scientific methods for undertaking such activities.
No person shall engage in archaeological survey or salvage work on any land that is owned, controlled, or administered by the state or any political subdivision of the state, or at any archaeological preserve, dedicated under section 149.52 of the Revised Code, without first obtaining the written permission of the director. To obtain permission, the applicant shall submit written application to the director, which application shall indicate the proposed location, the qualifications of personnel who will be engaged in the archaeological survey or salvage work, the proposed methods of survey or salvage, and such other information as the director requires by rule.
The director shall deny the applicant permission to engage in archaeological survey or salvage work at the proposed location if the applicant's proposed undertaking will not comply with the rules adopted under this section. The director shall by written order approve or deny permission to disturb the site. If the director decides to deny permission, the order shall state the reasons for denial, and the director shall afford the applicant an adjudication hearing under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The requirements of this section and of any rule adopted pursuant to this section shall not apply to any department, agency, unit, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the state.
Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Whoever violates or threatens to violate this section may be enjoined from violation.