Archaeology and Cultural Resources
People have been living, working, and playing in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument for more than 9,000 years. Evidence of Native Americans, explorers, miners, loggers, and herders remain at the thousands of prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and historic buildings and structures scattered throughout the Sequoia. Remember these special places (anything over 50 years old) are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act; removal or disturbance of any artifact, structure, or buried material is illegal. Enjoy the cultural resources of the Sequoia, but please help us protect them for future visitors.
Cultural resources on federal land are protected by laws including:
- The National Historic Preservation Act
- The Antiquities Act
- The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
- The Archaeological Resources Protection Act
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
It is Illegal to excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise deface any archaeological resource located on public or Indian lands. Damage to archaeological sites in excess of $500 is a felony punishable by up to $250,000 in fines and imprisonment for up to two years for the first offence. All materials, equipment, and vehicles used in the commission of such crimes are subject to forfeiture.