Funny.bytes
a look at the lighter side of BLM issues

The Curse of the Stolen Artifacts

In the middle of a large covered earthen room, the glow of a campfire highlights objects scattered around.  The roof has a central opening to let the campfire smoke rise out.  A long spear with a sharp arrowhead leans against a wooden post. Indian artifacts are scattered throughout the room - pottery bowls, baskets, arrowheads, simple hand-made tools and beads.

Inspired by a true story.

A beautiful mountain valley is covered with evergreen and deciduous trees.  In the foreground is a large grinding rock. A stream winds its way through the valley. On one side is a roundhouse and on the other side is a trail with paths leading to bark shelters. Near the bark shelters are Native Americans doing various tasks - some are cooking and some are grinding. Flutes play in the background as a butterfly flutters about.

Time passes, the Native Americans, roundhouse and bark shelters disappear. The trail is now used by settlers as they pass through on a horse drawn covered wagon. Dust clouds billow out from beneath the horses’ hooves and wagon wheels. A man and woman sit in the front seat of the wagon. Unknown to the settlers, a barrel falls off the wagon and lands on the trail.

Time passes....it is modern times.

A young man sits at his desk in front of a computer screen searching the web.  On a bookshelf sits an old pottery bowl very similar to a bowl used by the Native Americans. The young man searches the web for places to find old artifacts for fun and profit.  He finds the "Artifact Hunter" website with a picture of the same valley that had once been used by the Native Americans and the Settlers.

The website says it’s a great site; pottery, arrowheads and tools to be found. The young man visions "dollar signs" as he prints out the Global Positioning System coordinates for the dig site location.

The young man, on his off-highway vehicle, loaded with digging gear, camping gear, ropes, shovel and the rest of his working tools, heads to the beautiful mountain valley.  The bumper sticker reads “I brake for Artifacts—Pot Hunter Inc.”  Along the trail he passes a sign that states: “Archaeological Area, Please Stay On Trails”. He says “eah, who cares!” turns off the trail, runs over the sign, and leaves tire ruts and billowing dust in his wake. 

The young man and off-highway vehicle zooms over the grinding rock, where so many years ago Native American's sat and grounded seeds and plants. Near where the bark lodges use to stand, the young man screeches to a halt and starts to dig.   Not caring about the destruction he is causing; hole after hole appears on the beautiful valley floor.  First an arrowhead is found and then couple of small work tools.  As the young man continues to dig for artifacts he discovers a handsome pottery bowl.  He can’t believe his eyes or his good fortune!

“Wow!”

Suddenly, a shadow covers the young man and the hole he is standing in. The young man "gulps" loudly. Looking up into the bright sunlight the young man sees what appears to be the outline of a man....a Native American who's hands are raised and holding weapons. Is it a spirit or is it real? Sweat begins to pour off the young man as he becomes frightened. The shadowy vision blends into that of a warrior with headband, beads and leather clothing, holding a small branch with feathers at the end and a flute-like instrument.

Sweat continues to pour off the young man, and his vision becomes clearer as his eyes focus. It is a Law Enforcement Ranger holding up copies of the laws that the young man is breaking. The Law Enforcement Ranger holds up The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 and The Antiquities Act of 1906.  Both laws are punishable with fines and/or imprisonment.  ARPA of 1979 also includes forfeiture of any equipment used in the commission of the act.

The Law Enforcement Ranger impounds the young mans truck, ATV, tools and camping gear.  The Law Enforcement Ranger also confiscats all the artifacts the young man had found.

The once happy young man who was looking for a fast way to make a few bucks now finds himself in an orange jumpsuit, looking through the bars of his jail cell. He is not very happy any more.

"Case Closed."

“Removal and disturbance of cultural artifacts and properties is against Federal law and penalties are severe.”

“Disturbance of these areas not only destroys archaeological and sacred sites, but also permanently damages their scientific value.”

“Enjoy, but do not destroy your American heritage.”

For more information:

BM California Cultural Resources Website
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/archcult.html 

Cultural Resources Use Permits
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/archcult/faq.html

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979
http://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/FHPL_ArchRsrcsProt.pdf

Antiquities Act of 1906
http://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/FHPL_AntiAct.pdf

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