The overriding policy of the department is to assure the protection of the archaeological resources of the state. This policy results from:

(1) The legislated duty of the department to preserve and protect the heritage of the state in a manner that does not impair the resources (RCW 27.34.220); and

(2) The public interest in the conservation, preservation, and protection of the state's archaeological resources, and the knowledge to be derived and gained from the scientific study of these resources (RCW 27.53.010).