News Release
NPS photo
News Release Date: April 30, 2020
Contact: NPS Investigative Services Branch, Tip Line 888-653-0009
Special Agents with the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB) are investigating the vandalism and defacing of a historic landmark that occurred within City of Rocks National Reserve on or about April 21, 2020.
On or about April 21, 2020, the emigrant signatures and prehistoric pictographs of Camp Rock, a historic landmark within City of Rocks National Reserve, were greatly defaced by vandals with graffiti. Such places are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).
Graffiti is vandalism, and is extremely difficult to remove. Repair of vandalized sites, if possible, is costly and time consuming, and often cannot restore the site to its former condition.
Defacing any part of the national park or other public land you visit hurts, and it degrades the experience of other visitors. It is described as an act of cultural violence when perpetrated against such sites as pictograph panels, historic structures, and other places that existed before their designation as park sites. Disturbing wildlife or damaging their habitats can directly lead to their demise. These acts are also illegal.
Investigators are seeking information that will help identify those responsible for this crime. If you have seen and/or recognize any of these graffiti images, or if you have information that could help investigators, please contact us. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:
CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE www.nps.gov/ISB and click “Submit a Tip”
EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1
ISB: the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service
www.nps.gov/ISB
Last updated: April 30, 2020