Park Watch

Vicksburg National Military Park has implemented a program called Park Watch. The objective is to encourage park visitors and neighbors to take an active role in protecting and preserving our unique heritage and park resources.

Please be alert for any threats to the park, safety hazards, criminal and suspicious activities. But if you observe a hazardus situation or crime in progress, do not attempt to take any action yourself. Note the location of the incident, descriptions of the persons and vehicles involved including the license plate numbers and report the activities to the nearest park ranger as soon as possible.

Law Enforcement Rangers and park officials can be reached at the park entrance stations, visitor center, USS Cairo Museum or by calling the following numbers:

Visitor Center (601) 636-0583, ext 8023
USS Cairo Museum (601) 636-2199

In the event of an EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1

After business hours, rangers can be contacted through the Vicksburg Police Department Dispatch center:

(601) 636-2511

Your assistance will help support the efforts of park personnel, to protect and preserve the unique historical, cultural, and natural resources of Vicksburg National Military Park for all generations.

Threats to Cultural, Historical and Natural Resources.

	Vandalism The malicious, ignorant actions of a few individuals can cause lasting and permanent damage to historic structures.

Metal Detectors are Prohibited The possession or use of metal detectors, electronic detection equipment and ground penetrating devices is strictly prohibited. If you plan to visit a National Park while traveling, it is best to leave this type of equipment at home. If you must transport a metal detector or similar device through the park it must be: -completely disassembled or broken down with the batteries removed. - stored in a case or box, - placed in a storage compartment which is not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle.

Plastic protects the evidence of looting, where Civil War relic-hunters excavated numerous holes causing wide spread damage to sensitive archeological sites.	Relic Hunting All archeological and historic resources of National Parks, including Civil War artifacts, are protected by Federal law. There are severe penalties for *any attempt or effort to possess, disturb, remove, excavate (dig) or destroy* archeological, cultural, historic, or prehistoric resources (artifacts). The Rangers at Vicksburg National Military Park enforce all elements of the Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA).

Poaching All wildlife at Vicksburg is protected by Federal law. Wild animals can be dangerous, please watch and enjoy wildlife at a safe distance.

	Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001 http://www.nps.gov/vick/preserve/parkwtch.htm Editor: G. Zeman