This article addresses the problems of preservation and use of archaeological sites on the territory of the Ulyanovsk Oblast, where over 700 sites were discovered. Majority of sites are annually exposed to destructive impact of natural and anthropogenic factors, which can be mitigated only by conservation and museification of archaeological sites. The negative anthropogenic factors (looting and destruction of archaeological heritage sites by development processes) are also a serious challenge. The article brings numerous concrete facts of destruction of archaeological sites on the territory of the Ulyanovsk Volga region due to the lack of any coordination in the process of archaeological inspection of the territories meant for construction and agriculture. The author emphasizes catastrophic condition of archaeological heritage in the Ulyanovsk Oblast and the need of urgent enforcement of the existing legislation on preservation of historical and cultural heritage. This can only be enforced if the Ulyanovsk Historical and Cultural Heritage Protection Agency is staffed with qualified archaeologists.