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Contact: Terry T. Fisk, 435-425-4140
Capitol Reef National Park has partnered with the Capitol Reef Natural History Association in offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the conviction of individuals who vandalized the "Highway Petroglyph Site" in Capitol Reef National Park. The Highway Petroglyph Site is one of the premier visitor highlights within the park and is visited by thousands of people every year.This site is located along Highway 24 and is easily accessible to park visitors wanting to view and experience these irreplaceable Native American writings known as petroglyphs.Modern pueblo groups call these people Hisatsinom, people of long ago.To the Paiute Tribe, they are known as the Nengwoots, the People Who Lived the Old Ways.They inhabited the Capitol Reef area from about 250 to 1275 C.E. (Common Era).Archeologists named them the Fremont Culture for the Fremont River where they were first studied.A panel at the Highway Petroglyph Site in the park was defaced on or about July 19, 2016, with the words "Ivan Dallas TX", "Henn/Hena", and "DALLAS TX".The writing appears in the dark patina next to the prehistoric images known as the bear and coyote and on top of a bighorn sheep image. Terry T. Fisk, Chief of Resource Management and Science stated "Vandalism of these petroglyphs or any other archeological feature is desecration of a sacred site. These acts violate the cultural heritage of Native American tribes associated with this landscape, and our collective heritage as humans, no matter where our ancestors originated. It is heartbreaking to encounter such appalling disregard for cultural masterpieces that should be venerated, and Capitol Reef will be diligent in pursuing restitution." Under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), these acts of vandalism are illegal and are punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.Help us spread the word and let others know that these activities are illegal.Take nothing but photographs leave nothing but footprints.Anyone with information concerning the vandalism at the Highway Petroglyph Site or other areas within the park should immediately contact the National Park Service at 435-425-4135, or the Archeological Resource Protection Act Hotline at 800-227-7286. About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: August 23, 2016