William Andrefsky - Comments

I am commenting on the proposed MOU assigning environmental responsibilities from the FHWA to the state of Alaska on behalf of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). The Register of Professional Archaeologists is a listing of archaeologists who have agreed to abide by an explicit code of conduct and standards of research performance, who hold a graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, art history, classics, history or another related field, and who have substantial practical experience. There are currently over 2,100 listed RPA’s in the U.S. and Canada. There is no reason the profession of archaeology should not have minimal qualifications and a professional code of conduct. All serious professions, whether it be law, medicine, engineering, or some other professional discipline requires certification. Certification is a process to protect the discipline-no matter what the discipline is. RPA endorses FHWA efforts to maintain professional standards for archaeologists in the State of Alaska. Minimal requirements for professional standards should include a graduate degree in archaeology or a related field. Archaeology is a profession, and the privilege of professional practice requires professional morality and professional responsibility, in addition to professional competence and minimal standards.