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Tucson, AZ, February 9, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Staff from Catalina State Park and a volunteer from the Arizona Site Stewards recently discovered vandalism at a Native American archaeological site on the park, and land managers are seeking any information about the damage.
Sometime between January 9th and the 21st, a boulder with a petroglyph, a carved design sometimes referred to as “rock art,” was pushed over and displaced from its original location. Vegetation near the boulder was also damaged, including uprooted cacti and cut or broken tree limbs.
U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is seeking information regarding this incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact the Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (520) 388-8300.
Forest and park officials encourage all visitors to enjoy outings to their public lands and any historical and archaeological remains they may encounter, but to leave all artifacts and objects in place where they are found and to not disturb the ground or vegetation. This ensures that all visitors can experience the excitement of encountering remnants of the past, while also helping land managers attain their goals, which include the protection and preservation of Native American sacred and cultural resources.
Public lands are protected and managed to provide a variety of high-quality experiences to people with interests in many activities. Individuals or groups who cause intentional damage to lands protected for public use detract from the value and beauty the visiting public expects and enjoys from their lands. Penalties for damaging federal property include fines, jail time, or both.
The Arizona Site Stewards Program is a volunteer organization sponsored by Arizona’s public land managers that provides support to agencies like the Forest Service and State Parks by monitoring archaeological sites located on public land. If you are interested in learning more about the organization, please click here.
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