Rocky Mountain Region

Public Participation

Passport In Time Projects

"This project enriched my life and is one of my most cherished memories". -- Comment from a past participant.

Passport In Time, also known as "PIT", is a volunteer program, invitiing the public to share in the thrill of discovery through archaeological and historic research. Forest Service archaeologists and historians guide volunteers in activities ranging from archaeological excavation to historic building restoration. The program has grown from 37 projects in 1991, to over 200 projects in 2000. PIT Volunteer contributions since 1989 have totaled over 508,000 hours.

Volunteers have helped to stabilize ancient cliff dwellings in New Mexico, excavate a 10,000 year old village site in Minnesota, restore a historic lookout tower in Oregon, clean vandalized rock art in Colorado, survey for sites in a rugged Montana wilderness, and excavate a 19th century Chinese mining site in Hell's canyon in Idaho. The projects vay in length from a weekend to one month. There is no registration fee. Many projects involve back-country camping where volunteers are responsible for their own food and gear. Others offer meals prepared by a "camp cook", often for a small fee. Still others provide hook-ups for RV's, or volunteers may stay at local hotels and travel to the site each day.

As a PIT volunteer, you will take part in vital environmental research on the national forests. Your involvement will directly contribute to the understanding of the human story in North America and to the preservation of the sites that chronicle that story. Come share in new discoveries and meet many new friends! Visit the National PIT Clearinghouse website to find out about the upcoming projects.

Heritage Expeditions

"I have been taking classes for 20 years and this is the best I have ever attended".

The effort to make this possible is outstanding, much more than I could have imagined". --Comments from past participants.

Heritage Expeditions offer participants unique opportunities to participate in projects, classes, or tours that are offered under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Project, a program authorized by Congress (PL 104-134) in 1996. Under this legislation, federal agencies may charge fees for certain services and programs. The fees remain in the area where they are collected to improve visitor services. Fees from Heritage Expeditions fund protection and enhancement of heritage sites for the purpose of public use and enjoyment and continuation of public programs focused on the heritage sites and activities. Visit the Heritage Expeditions website to find out more about these exciting opportunities.