Legal

Terms of Use

Effective Date

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Organization Identity

The Ancient Landscapes Project is a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Michigan.

The organization is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any university, government agency, museum, or professional institution unless expressly stated.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website (the "Site") or submitting information through the "Report a Find" form or contact forms, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or submit information.

Purpose of the Site

The Ancient Landscapes Project is an independent nonprofit corporation advancing archaeological and paleontological research through citizen science, modern analysis, and responsible field documentation. This Site exists to:

  • Receive confidential reports of potential archaeological and paleontological finds
  • Provide information about our research methods, team, and active projects
  • Facilitate communication with landowners, researchers, and the public
  • Share educational resources about responsible stewardship

No Professional Services

The Ancient Landscapes Project is not a professional archaeological firm, cultural-resource management company, university department, government agency, museum, or permitting authority. We do not:

  • Conduct formal archaeological or paleontological evaluations, surveys, or excavations
  • Issue permits, authorize excavation, or determine site significance
  • Provide legal, regulatory, or compliance advice
  • Confer professional credentials, certifications, or institutional affiliations
  • Offer appraisal, valuation, or authentication services

Our work is avocational and citizen-science in nature. Candidate sites identified through our research are referred to qualified professionals for permitting, evaluation, and stewardship.

User Submissions

When you submit a report, inquiry, or other information through this Site:

  • You represent that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge
  • You retain ownership of any intellectual property in your submission
  • You grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and document the submission for research, documentation, and referral purposes
  • You confirm you have the right to share any photographs, documents, or location information provided
  • You understand submissions are treated as confidential research data per our Privacy Policy

Property Rights and Access

We do not enter private property without explicit landowner authorization. Reporting a find does not grant us access to your property. Any field documentation requires a separate written agreement with the landowner specifying scope, timing, methods, and outcomes.

We do not claim ownership of artifacts, fossils, or other materials reported or documented. Ownership and custody depend on land ownership, material type, applicable law, and any agreements with participating specialists or repositories.

Confidentiality

Precise site locations, landowner identities, reporter information, and collection details are treated as confidential. We do not publish coordinates, share locations publicly, or disclose sensitive information except to qualified professionals under confidentiality protections, with your authorization, or when legally required. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Disclaimer of Warranties

THIS SITE AND ALL CONTENT, INFORMATION, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

Research assessments, predictive models, and referral recommendations are offered in good faith based on available evidence but carry no guarantee of accuracy, completeness, or professional acceptance.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE ANCIENT LANDSCAPES PROJECT, ITS TEAM MEMBERS, COLLABORATORS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, OPPORTUNITY, OR PROPERTY RIGHTS, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THIS SITE, YOUR SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION, OR ANY REFERRAL OR RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE PROJECT.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Ancient Landscapes Project and its team members from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising from your submission of false or misleading information, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts sitting in Michigan.

Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms of Use at any time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

Contact

Questions about these Terms of Use can be directed to:

The Ancient Landscapes Project
Email: AncientLandscapesProject@Gmail.com