His involvement with the Antiquities Act of 1906 led to his designation in 1927 as the lead archeologist and prime enforcer of the Act for the Southwest, while remaining Mesa Verde superintendent. It was in this capacity that Jesse L. Nusbaum issued in November 1929 a report to the Department of the Interior raising concerns about the damages caused by an increasing number of visitors on Pueblo ruins, including theft and vandalism. He recommended measures towards a better education of the public and a better organization of visits.
