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Protection
of Cultural Sites: Ruins, Rock Art
Today, a
large problem facing our canyonlands parks is unintentional damage caused
by visitors. When visiting archeological
and historical sites, minimum-impact techniques are important, and of course,
are required by law -- but law isn't the point, common sense and caring for
future generations is. Here are some points to keep in mind:
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Do
not touch, lean on or enter structures. Entering structures and climbing
on roofs and walls can destroy in a moment what has lasted for centuries.
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Consider viewing these structures from a distance. You might
think:"It's
just a couple of us and it's just this one time," but there may be thousands
of people thinking the same thing.
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Try
to locate the midden area (the trash pile), so you can avoid walking
on it. Middens
contain
important archaeological artifacts and information. They are
extremely fragile and walking over them will cause damage.
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If
a trail across a site exists, stay on it. Foot traffic, especially
on the midden, causes erosion that may undermine the walls
of structures
above. This is the most severe type of impact caused by continual
visits to a site.
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When you see potsherds and other artifacts,
leave them. If each visitor took just one artifact, there would soon
be none left.
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Do
not camp in or near cultural sites. It is illegal to do so but more
important, camping in/near these sites will inevitably lead to damage.
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Moving rocks and tree branches to climb to high places destroys site
integrity.
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Enjoy
rock art by viewing, sketching, and photographing it. NEVER chalk,
trace, or otherwise touch rock art or even the plaster walls. Any kind
of direct contact causes
these ancient figures and plaster to disintegrate more rapidly.
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Creating
modern "rock art" is
known as vandalism and is punishable by law. But, more to the point,
it ruins the experience
for those of us who follow your footsteps.
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Never build fires in alcoves, even alcoves that don't seem to
contain archaeological remains. Sites may not be obvious.
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Cultural
sites are places of ancestral importance to Native Americans and should
be treated with respect. Think of it as someone entering your church
or a cemetary where your relatives are buried.
Courtesy of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Bureau
of Land Management.
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