William Reitze, archeologist at Petrified Forest National Park, has been selected to receive the John L. Cotter Award. The Cotter Award is presented to archeologists who demonstrate excellence in scientific archeological research, community involvement and public education. Award nominations are peer submitted and voted on by the John L. Cotter award committee, a group comprised of five National Park Service archeologists. Reitze was selected for extensive work performed in 2013-15. He developed and supervised an archeological survey project at Petrified Forest, launching and leading an archeological inventory in the approximately 45,000 acres acquired by the NPS since 2004. During the course of the three-year project, summer survey crews walked over 1,000 miles and surveyed 7,000 acres. As a result, evidence of more than 13,000 years of human history was discovered and recorded in the park. As part of the project, Reitze developed an archeological internship program incorporating 16 students. Students were trained in pedestrian survey, site recordation, historic preservation and artifact analysis. The project also incorporated graduate research by two master’s students and two PhD students. Local high school students were also trained in archaeological site mapping and historic preservation techniques. To date, information gathered as part of the project has resulted in 28 poster presentations and six professional papers. Reitze personally gave presentations to a number of professional organizations, avocational groups and the media. Park Superintendent Brad Traver said, “Bill is continuing the tradition of outstanding scientific work at Petrified Forest. We’re thrilled for his success in winning this prestigious national award. The work he and his team accomplished will help park managers here for years to
