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Gettysburg investigates relic hunting
Holes found in the area of Spangler's Spring on the battlefield.
By TIM PRUDENTE
The Evening Sun
Posted: 07/09/2012 10:46:16 PM EDT
Law enforcement personnel are investigating an incident of illegal relic hunting and digging that occurred in the area 149 years after Confederate and Union soldiers fought on the Gettysburg battlefield. (THE EVENING SUN - TIM PRUDENTE)
The ground near Spangler's Spring on the Gettysburg battlefield was seen torn and damaged Saturday.
Holes appeared to have been dug into the grass. Areas were taped off and signs were posted to keep out the public.
Law enforcement personnel are investigating an incident of illegal relic hunting and digging that occurred in the area 149 years after Confederate and Union soldiers fought there.
Staff at Gettysburg National Military Park reported the torn ground on Saturday and it's believed the incident took place sometime during the weekend, according to park spokeswoman Katie Lawhon.
"I think it comes down to violating the core mission and promise of Gettysburg National Military Park, which is that the resources will be here for future generations," she said.
Park staff was conducting interpretive programs when they discovered 23 holes dug into the ground. Such incidents occur about two or three times a year, Lawhon said, sometimes by those who are unaware their actions are illegal.
Archeologists are now investigating the holes for clues, and rangers are asking anyone with information to contact the park office.
Park officials have voiced concerns in the past of professional relic hunters in camouflage who make a business out of digging and selling artifacts with the use of expensive metal detectors.
The use of metal detectors on the battlefield, as well as digging or hunting for relics is a violation of federal law and those
found guilty can face harsh fines and penalties.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 proposes fines and possible jail time to those who remove, vandalize or damage archaeological resources.
Under the law, costly fines can be imposed simply for digging, regardless of whether an artifact was recovered. The maximum penalty for a violation is a $100,000 fine and 10 years in prison.
Federal rules also provide for a $75 fine and other penalties just for possessing a metal detector in a national park, regardless of whether it has been used. The park works to deter relic hunters and launched in the 1990s the Park Watch Patrol, a troop of more than 100 volunteers who patrol the grounds. The battlefield is also monitored by rangers, some in plain clothes and others who are camouflaged and use specialized equipment to detect violators.
HOW TO HELP
Rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are seeking information about an incident of relic hunting and digging in the area of Spangler's Spring. Those with information are asked to contact the park office at 717-334-0909.
Holes found in the area of Spangler's Spring on the battlefield.
By TIM PRUDENTE
The Evening Sun
Posted: 07/09/2012 10:46:16 PM EDT
Law enforcement personnel are investigating an incident of illegal relic hunting and digging that occurred in the area 149 years after Confederate and Union soldiers fought on the Gettysburg battlefield. (THE EVENING SUN - TIM PRUDENTE)
The ground near Spangler's Spring on the Gettysburg battlefield was seen torn and damaged Saturday.
Holes appeared to have been dug into the grass. Areas were taped off and signs were posted to keep out the public.
Law enforcement personnel are investigating an incident of illegal relic hunting and digging that occurred in the area 149 years after Confederate and Union soldiers fought there.
Staff at Gettysburg National Military Park reported the torn ground on Saturday and it's believed the incident took place sometime during the weekend, according to park spokeswoman Katie Lawhon.
"I think it comes down to violating the core mission and promise of Gettysburg National Military Park, which is that the resources will be here for future generations," she said.
Park staff was conducting interpretive programs when they discovered 23 holes dug into the ground. Such incidents occur about two or three times a year, Lawhon said, sometimes by those who are unaware their actions are illegal.
Archeologists are now investigating the holes for clues, and rangers are asking anyone with information to contact the park office.
Park officials have voiced concerns in the past of professional relic hunters in camouflage who make a business out of digging and selling artifacts with the use of expensive metal detectors.
The use of metal detectors on the battlefield, as well as digging or hunting for relics is a violation of federal law and those
found guilty can face harsh fines and penalties.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 proposes fines and possible jail time to those who remove, vandalize or damage archaeological resources.
Under the law, costly fines can be imposed simply for digging, regardless of whether an artifact was recovered. The maximum penalty for a violation is a $100,000 fine and 10 years in prison.
Federal rules also provide for a $75 fine and other penalties just for possessing a metal detector in a national park, regardless of whether it has been used. The park works to deter relic hunters and launched in the 1990s the Park Watch Patrol, a troop of more than 100 volunteers who patrol the grounds. The battlefield is also monitored by rangers, some in plain clothes and others who are camouflaged and use specialized equipment to detect violators.
HOW TO HELP
Rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are seeking information about an incident of relic hunting and digging in the area of Spangler's Spring. Those with information are asked to contact the park office at 717-334-0909.
