Law enforcement officials are offering a $1,500 reward for information that leads to the vandalism who damaged ancient Native American petroglyphs on federal land near Bishop.
The vandalism at the Volcanic Tableland, north of Bishop, was first reported Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Damage was discovered at three separate sites, the agency said in a written statement. Chunks of rock appeared to have been smashed from the detailed engravings, as seen in photos provided by the BLM.
Ancient petroglyphs were discovered damaged at three different locations within the Volcanic Tableland, north of Bishop, in early March.
It represents the loss of “an irreplaceable part of our national cultural heritage,” according to BLM Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius.
“We have increased surveillance of our sites and are determined to bring the responsible parties to justice,” she said.
What are the Volcanic Tableland petroglyphs?
The Volanic Tableland region is known for ancient Native American stone carvings, or petroglyphs, dating back as far as 7,000 years, according to the Bishop Chamber of Commerce and Information Center. The region is the historic homeland of the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.
The site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, according to the BLM.
“This site is one of the most significant rock art sites in the region and has significant cultural importance to the local Tribes,” the statement said.
Violating of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act is a potential felony, officials added.
A first-time offense carries a prison sentence of up to two years, along with a $20,000 fine. Additional fines may also be imposed by tribal authorities.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7462.
Tipsters can remain anonymous and still claim the $1,500 reward, provided the information provided leads to arrest and conviction.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Suspects sought in vandalism of ancient California petroglyphs
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