WRAR Mission

Founded in 2006, Western Rock Art Research is a small non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and research of Indigenous and early historic rock art throughout the world, with specific focus in the Western United States and Australia.

Rock art has been a part of human expression for over 30,000 years, yet more ancient rock art is lost every day. Increased development and recreational use has led to a correlated increase in the amount of damage occurring to rock art features and associated cultural resources on both public and private lands. We are committed to doing what we can to help save what is left of this precious resource.

About WRAR

WRAR members have accumulated decades of experience in archaeological recordation and partnering with federal agencies. Our members have been working together for over 25 years, and have documented over 1000 rock art sites in the Mojave Desert, the American Southwest and the Great Basin, and hope to continue through the Pacific Northwest. Our members include rock art specialists, prehistoric and historic archaeologists, ceramic and lithic specialists, and forensic scientists. All members of this organization undertake considerable educational outreach for archaeology, rock art site preservation, and in recruiting volunteer interaction.

Funding

Funding is accomplished through partnership agreements with public land management agencies and private landowners, as well as private and business tax-free donations. Since its inception, WRAR has been a “Challenge Cost-Share” organization, working for less than the industry standard and contributing an In-Kind Match to offset labor and expenses. Lectures or presentations for public education are provided for a nominal fee (expenses, etc.). Offers of donations from corporations, foundations, or private individuals for the support of any project are accepted.

Permits

WRAR currently has general archaeological survey permits for Bureau of Land Management jurisdictional areas of California, Oregon, and Washington.
WRAR has a standing curation agreement with the Maturango Museum, Ridgecrest, CA.

Ethics

Western Rock Art Research adheres to the Codes of Ethics for both the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) and the American Rock Art Research Association (ARARA).