To support coordinated cooperative research, technical assistance, education and training, and usable knowledge development to inform science-based management of the national park system

The University of New Mexico's Office of Sponsored Projects received a $249,997 Cooperative Agreement from the National Park Service under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) effective September 1, 2025, through April 30, 2030. This award supports graffiti treatment and cultural resource preservation services at the AB Painted Rocks site, an extensive pictograph and petroglyph area located along New Mexico State Highway 60 near Mountainair. The project deliverables include assessment and removal of graffiti using minimal-intervention treatment methods combining solvents, chemical removers, mechanical reduction techniques, repair mortars, and toning materials designed to reduce graffiti visibility, restore legibility of ancient rock art, prevent future vandalism, and enable ongoing park monitoring activities.

The treatment approach emphasizes minimal intervention, minimal toxicity, workability, and broad availability of materials to establish benchmarks for successful graffiti treatment protocols approvable by the National Park Service. Treated areas will demonstrate various treatment types and aesthetic reintegration levels to inform future preservation efforts across the National Park System. The project directly benefits state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public by protecting irreplaceable cultural resources and advancing science-based management practices within the National Park System.

To facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products related to the resources of the national park system. To maintain a comprehensive network cooperative study units as will provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to the resources contained in units of the national park system and their larger regions. The project goal is to treat graffiti at the AB painted rocks site, an extensive pictograph and petroglyph area located along NM state highway 60. Treatment will reduce grafitti visibility, restore the legibility of some of the ancient rock art, serve to prevent future incidents of vandalism, and provide a means for the park to monitor activity moving forward. Project includes the use of a combination of solvents and chemical removers, mechanical reduction techniques, repair mortars, and toning materials and methods. Treatment materials and methods will emphasize minimal intervention, minimal toxicity, workability, and broad availability. Treated areas will demonstrate various types of treatments and levels of aesthetic reintegration for NPS approval this will establish the benchmarks for successful treatment of each graffiti type.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and individuals (including members of the general public).