U.S. Park Service searching for North Cascades archaeological site looters
U.S. Park Rangers are asking for the public’s help in locating the people who looted and damaged an archaeological site in the North Cascades National Park, according to a release on the park’s Facebook page.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Park rangers are investigating damage to the Newhalem Rock Shelter archeological site near Newhalem that was discovered last summer, according to the release. The damage reportedly included illegal digging at the site, which is federally protected.
“The Newhalem Rock Shelter is a significant archaeological site that is recognized as a mountain goat hunting camp and for artifacts that establish its connection to exchange networks through the greater Pacific Northwest,” the release said. “The archaeological site is extremely significant to the culturally associated tribes, and this illegal excavation has caused irretrievable damage to the site and the tribes’ heritage.”
The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible, the release said.
To submit a tip, call or text 888-653-0009, go online to nps.gov/ISB and click “submit a tip” or email mps_isb@nps.gov.
