In a land of artifacts, what are the rules for collecting arrowheads and other artifacts (etc) on public lands?
As the new manager of the Bureau of Land Managements Tres Rios Field Office, I am tasked with the management, protection and maintenance of resources on our public lands for the citizens of the United States. Recently, weve had people inquiring about the rules regarding the collection of arrowheads and other artifacts on federal lands.
What I would like you to know: Visitors are not allowed to collect, keep or sell historic and prehistoric artifacts such as arrowheads, pot sherds, stone tools or historic mining items found on public lands.
The Bureau of Land Management is charged (as are other federal agencies) with managing the public lands and their vast and varied resources. We are obligated by law to ensure that these special public lands are managed and protected for all people for the long term. These objects are historic and archaeological resources and remain the property of the United States.
So what does that mean? It means if you find or see artifacts, study them, take a photograph to share the memory, but leave them in place to allow the next person to experience the excitement and wonder of discovering those special items from past inhabitants. If you have questions about things you have seen and want to learn more, contact our office at 970-882-7296.
We encourage everyone to learn more about the importance of archaeological sites and to visit these places with respect. The Bureau of Land Management has archaeologists on staff to assess the significance and integrity of historic and prehistoric resources and to ensure their protection. To help the public learn about the importance of these fragile cultural resources, please stop by the Anasazi Heritage Center Museum (27501 Highway 184, Dolores) or watch the Visit with Respect film produced by the BLM in cooperation with American Indian tribes at www.blm.gov/canm to gain insight on modern American Indian perspectives.
As stewards of your public lands, the BLM asks for the publics assistance in preventing the loss of these irreplaceable artifacts. Remember, we are blessed with these incredible remnants of the past in our own backyard, and these are globally significant and highly valued footprints of those who came before.
Additionally, anyone who witnesses vandalism or looting, or has information on artifact trafficking, is encouraged to report illegal activities to BLM law enforcement at (303) 239-3803 or www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/law_enforcement_-/report_a_crime.html.
If you are interested in helping us preserve these public resources, please consider joining the Cultural Site Stewardship Program in partnership with the San Juan Mountains Association (http://www.sjma.org/cultural/cssp/cssp.htm or 970-385-1267).
Collecting archaeological resources is a violation under Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations 8365.1-5(a)(1), the Antiquities Act of 1906 and Title18 of the United States criminal code. Violators may face prosecution and prison sentences of up to one year or more and/or possible fines in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Connie Clementson is manager of the BLM Tres Rios Field Office in Dolores.
