September 20, 2002

Ms. Kate Stevenson
Associate Director, Cultural Resources, Stewardship and Partnerships
National Park Service
1849 C St., NW, Room 3128
Washington, DC 20240

Dear Ms. Stevenson:

As you know, the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has long been the primary archaeological organization that has been concerned with the implementation of NAGPRA. SAA has consistently provided comments to NPS and has offered testimony both to the NAGPRA Review Committee and in congressional hearings relating to NAGPRA.

We continue to hear of ongoing efforts to move the National NAGPRA office outside NPS. Given the range of relevant expertise within NPS, SAA continues to believe that it is the most appropriate home for this function. Several years of maneuvering preceded the recent reorganization of NAGPRA within NPS. We fear that further energy invested in these efforts can only detract from the important tasks with which that office is charged.

We would very much appreciate any clarification you can provide on the administrative location of the National NAGPRA Office and the NPS position on such a move. We have always been appreciative of the fairness and directness with which you and Mr. Robbins have dealt with NAGPRA issues and have confidence that, with your oversight, this office can fulfill its important tasks in an even-handed and effective manner. We thank you also for your attention to this query.

Sincerely

/s/

Robert L. Kelly
President

cc: John Robbins