Preserving the Ancient Human Trackways Site in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area.

In 2003, human footprints were discovered preserved in silt in Australia's Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. Excavations revealed over 400 footprints. Optically stimulated luminescence dating of the sediments indicated the footprints were created 20,000 years ago. Erosion of the overlying sediments exposed the site. Conservation strategies were formulated after discussion between the First Nations custodians, archaeologists and government agencies. The excavated site was reburied on the recommendation of a detailed management plan. Various models were considered for keeping the site open. The decision to rebury the footprints was the only practical option for preservation due to the harsh local conditions and the remote location. The dynamic nature of the landscape generates challenges for the site, and more footprints are periodically exposed. Further work is planned to create more detailed 3-D scans of all the prints. The site provides a powerful link with the ancestors of the current First Nations community of the region. It is also a unique snapshot of life as Australia became increasingly arid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]