Central Whidbey's
ARCHAEOLGICAL HERITAGE
Threats to the Archaeological Resources
of
Central Whidbey
The archaeological resources of Central Whidbey Island are threatened by both "mother nature" and by the actions of people. These threats exist throughout western Washington. While detailed information is unavailable, there is good reason to think that annually we lose many archaeological resources.
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Nearly all of these shorelines are subject to ongoing erosion. |
Shoreline erosion is the most destructive action affecting archaeological sites here. The vast majority of Central Whidbey Island's shell midden sites are located along marine shorelines. Nearly all of these shorelines are subject to ongoing erosion. High waves during storms destroy the seaward edge and often scatter all but the heaviest and most durable materials associated with them. Most of Central Whidbey Island's shell midden sites are actively eroding and this alone may destroy most of them.
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Human activities have also destroyed many archaeological sites. The most obvious is deliberate vandalism. |
Human activities have also destroyed many archaeological sites. The most obvious is deliberate vandalism. Relic hunters seeking arrowheads, trade beads, and other artifacts have dug into many sites on Whidbey Island. Vandals usually are interested only in fancy or showy objects. They routinely discard more mundane archaeological materials that are important for research purposes. Uncontrolled digging destroys the site and results in a great loss of materials and information.
Less apparent hut still destructive to archaeological resources are a broad range of recent human activities. Historic development activities such as logging, removing tree stumps, and plowing agricultural fields, all caused damage to sites. Often these efforts destroyed the associations and internal structure of sites while leaving many artifacts behind.
