Las Vegas – The Las Vegas community's outrage at the graffiti vandalism at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) is translating into numerous offers for assistance to help restore the three prehistoric rock art panels damaged in the Lost Creek Children's Discovery area. NV Energy and the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association have pledged $5,000 each to restore the site.
“Offers of assistance have been pouring in after the vandalism,” said Robbie McAboy, Red Rock Canyon NCA's manager. “We are thankful for the people who have offered to volunteer their service and equipment to repair the damage.”
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Archeologist Mark Boatwright estimates that it will be mid-2011 before the damage to the area can be restored. “While we want to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible, we have to make sure we use the methods and tools that will result in the best restoration of the area and additional damage isn't caused by our restoration efforts,” said Boatwright.
The next steps include preparing a damage assessment and treatment plan, preparing an environmental assessment, which will include opportunities for public comment, and coordinating with the appropriate Native American Tribes and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.
A $2,500 reward is offered by the Friends of Red Rock Canyon and Conservation Lands Foundation to those who provide information that leads to the conviction of the suspect(s.) Friends of Red Rock Canyon are still accepting donations for the restoration. Please go towww.friendsofredrockcanyon.org and click on “donate.”
Those who are interested in volunteering at Red Rock should call 702-515-5350.
BLM Law Enforcement is actively investigating the crime in cooperation with Metro.
A conviction for violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act may lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and five years in jail.
The BLM manages more land - more than 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
