The Southern Sierra Archaeological Society (SSAS), headquarters in the Visalia area of the Great Valley of California, is the reason for and emphasis in the protection and preservation of sensitive archaeological sites in central California.  It is through SSAS and the hard work and dedication of its members that multi-agency archaeological site protection management plans are being developed and implemented on public and private lands.  The famous Exeter Rocky Hill site, Painted Rock on the Carrizo Plain, and the Walker Pass region in eastern Kern County are now protected because of the effort by SSAS.

    SSAS membership is a group of highly trained advocates and professionals with a shared interest and desire to protect sensitive archaeological sites from expansion of the development of rural lands, vandalism and indiscriminate destruction and the lack of an informed public.  It was through the interest and long hours of hard work by the founders of SSAS that the largest collection of rock-art in California is protected.  At this site, SSAS was the "leader" in pioneering the technology for removing damaging graffiti (spray paint) from the surface of delicate rock paintings.  Another, preservation project initiated by SSAS is the BLM/SSAS Painted Rock/Carrizo Plain Archaeological Site Protection Management Plan and the South Sierra Management Area Protection Plan.  All sites included in the BLM/SSAS monitoring plans are considered sacred to the local native American community, the Kawaiisu, Chumash, Yokuts and other tribes.

    Education is the main thrust of SSAS.  Members are involved in providing information and education to local schools and are involved annually in the National Archaeology Week program.   Many members are active in local educational programs in their community, work with local news media, and lead many field trips.  Others sit on State and local government planning committees for the protection and preservation of archaeological sites and the future of archaeology.

    What is unique about SSAS is the identification and use of each member's skills and experience and their personal knowledge and ability.  Within SSAS are ranchers, agriculturists, professional photographers, business owners, artists, State and Federal employees, archaeologists, teachers and educators, and a few old retired forest rangers.  This multi-disciplined group brings together a vast amount of administrative and creative energy that is recognized and is being use for the protection and preservation of rock-art sites.

    Training and education are on-going within SSAS.  Meetings are held with invited quest speakers and field trips are used to introduce SSAS members to new sites and the local impacts at a site.  New site identification and recording are an important role of SSAS members.  Because of the respect and work of SSAS members more private land owners are protecting sensitive sites on their property.

    SSAS members "volunteer" and respect that is why SSAS is successful in protecting California's rich heritage.