More than money lost through senseless vandalism

GRAND JUNCTION, CO—The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) holds some of the region’s most significant paleontological and cultural resources. Thousands of years ago sacred images were painted in what is now known as the McDonald Creek Cultural Resource Management Area, located in a remote portion of the NCA’s Rabbit Valley. Sometime between May 30 and June 4, 2006, vandals struck with blue, white and black spray paint in hand and, in a few reckless moments, desecrated a red sandstone wall that has gently displayed Indian rock art for centuries.

“Our NCA park ranger discovered the vandalism over the weekend,” said Gene Arnesen, acting McInnis Canyons NCA manager. “Using rock art panels for senseless graffiti not only offends Native Americans and robs the American public of its cultural treasures, but it also creates an unnecessary cost to taxpayers for removing the paint.”

The vandalism occurred in a highly visible location of the NCA and has forever impacted the integrity of this prominent cultural site. Paint on desert sandstone is quickly absorbed, making the task of completely removing the graffiti a challenge. Authorities are also investigating whether stiff fines and penalties of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 would apply should the vandals be caught.

The BLM depends on the public to watch for illegal or unsafe practices on public lands and asks you to report incidents to the nearest field office. If you have any information about this senseless act, please contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 970-241-STOP, or call the Grand Junction Field Office at 970-244-3000.

-BLM-

Editor’s note: Photo available upon request.