Cultural Resources Bureau

The Cultural Resources Bureau is charged with the documentation and management of the state’s archaeological, historic, and traditional Native American resources located along the NMDOT highway system.  The bureau plays a critical role in the project development process by facilitating the Department’s compliance with federal, state, and municipal law regarding the protection of cultural resources. These authorities include the National Historic Preservation Act (as amended), Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Department of Transportation Act (Section 4[f]), and New Mexico Cultural Properties Act.  The bureau oversees the recording of cultural resource sites and the identification of sites important to Native Americans’ traditions prior to proposed highway construction.  Important cultural sites are avoided if possible through modification of highway design.  If sites must be impacted, the bureau manages archaeological excavations that recover significant scientific information.  Throughout the process, from project design to construction, the bureau develops collaborative partnerships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, including the State Historic Preservation Officer, federal land management agencies, Indian tribes, and the State Land Office. To make its role more effective, the section has developed programmatic agreements with regulatory agencies that streamline the required consultation process, while insuring that the Department’s mandated historic preservation responsibilities are met. The bureau has staff members dedicated to developing effective relationships with Indian tribes to facilitate tribal consultation. Others guide individual projects through the compliance process from the identification of cultural resources within the project area, to the completion of the consultation process and the issuance of cultural resource approval and clearance.  

Cultural Resource Bureau Staff

 Blake Roxlau, Cultural Resources & Archaeology Program Manager

Laurel Wallace-Cultural Resources Analyst, Historic Built Environment
505-827-5240, e-Mail

Jeff Fredine, Environmental Analyst, Section 106-NEPA Integration
505-827-5232, e-Mail

 Rick Wessel, Cultural Resources Analyst, Contractor Located Activities Coordinator
505-827-5233, e-Mail

Janet McVickar, Cultural Resources Analyst, Tribal Coordinator
505-827-0373, e-Mail.

Sharon Brown, Cultural Resources Analyst
505-827-5551, e-Mail

Genevieve Head, Cultural Resoources Analyst, Utilities and Other Access
505-827-5513. e-Mail

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