Archaeological resources are fragile and irreplaceable. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 and Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 Protect them for the benefit of all Americans.

Please Don't Erase The
Traces of America's Past

Any person who, without authorization, excavates, removes, or otherwise alters or defaces any historic site, artifact or object of antiquity on public lands of the United States is subject to arrest and penalty of law. Upon conviction this person or persons will be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both. Provided, however, that if the commercial or archaeological value of the archaeological resources involved and the cost of restoration and repair of such resources exceeds the sum of $5,000, such person shall be fined not more than $20,000 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent such violation upon conviction such person shall be fined not more than $100,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.