While McCowan isn't planning on anything so specific for his development, he said he does want to build a museum and open some sites to the public.

"Where there's evidence of occupation, the site could be isolated or gated. Some will be made public for the people to walk through," he said. "We will create pocket parks when we find other locations, and we will."

Troy Scotter, president of the Utah Rock Art Research Association, said he applauds the idea and wishes more people would take an interest in protecting the past.

"It's a wonderful thing that they're doing. It's pretty rare," said Scotter. "You'll find people are building over prehistoric sites at other locations."

Jones said private property owners are not required by law to protect any archaeological ruins they discover on their land.

"This developer clearly sees it as an enhancement to his project," said Jones. "Rather than erasing the evidence of past peoples, this gives us a sense of our own time and place. I really think we in the West appreciate our heritage in a more special way than some other people do."

Excavation won't begin anytime soon, but when it does, the work could include university students and other professionals interested in the lives of an ancient people.

"There is only so much out there, and when it's gone, it's gone," McFadden said. "This is a very nice thing that Milo is doing. It's great."

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com