Since its inception the society for American Archaeology has been concerned about "encourag a rational public appreciation of the aims of archaeology research" and aiding in the conservation of archaeological data. The society has acted on these concerns by becoming involved in the development of legislation intending to regulate the management of the archaeological resource base. During the recent compaign to amend the Natonal Historic Presevation Act, a statement of "Basic principles of archaeological resource" Management" was drafted and accepted by the SAA Executive Committee. This position paper was useful in developing new congressional guidelines for the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 and will serve as a basis for evaluationg future international, federal, state, and local legislation and management programs.