SITLA Lead Archaeologist Kenny Wintch and former SITLA Director Kevin Carter received the 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Utah Division of History at the Utah State History Conference October 11, 2017. According to the Division of History, SITLA was recognized for its outstanding long-term commitment to the archaeological and historic heritage of Utah, while balancing the needs of its beneficiaries. “It has a stellar archaeological program and consistently demonstrates a willingness to work pragmatically through all proposed undertakings – all the while working effectively with state, federal and private interests,” stated Chair Dina Blaes, Board of State History. The award commended SITLA for identifying creative ways to protect archaeological resources while still allowing the lands to be used for the fiscal benefit of the beneficiaries. For example, the use of covenants to protect archaeological resources on lands being sold to private individuals has been a successful method for long-term preservation of sites without limiting the real value of those lands. The agency was further recognized for demonstrating a willingness to preserve and interpret some shining examples of archaeological and historic resources. Recent examples include Cave Towers and Shumway Cabin in San Juan County, Spirit Railroad and Temple Mountain rock art panels in Emery County, and the Great Hunt Panel in Nine Mile Canyon.