The archaeological record in the forests of southeastern New South Wales contains greater variability than has previously been acknowledged. This variability is not adequately sampled by the present system of site protection. Current management of the archaeological record is based on sites and fails to cater for the background distribution of archaeological material between the nodal activity areas which the sites represent. It is suggested that reservation be area-based rather than site-based and that the existing system of protected areas might be adapted for archaeological reservation.