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San Bernardino National Forest Archaeology
Your National Forests & National Monuments hold the evidence of more than 10,000 years of human history. Most people don’t realize that the history of 99% of human life in southern California was made during a time when there were no written records.
Archaeology is the science that studies the physical remains of past lifeways’. Since there are no documents or photographs of this distant past, to learn more about these cultures we study the evidence they left behind. Even a few broken pieces of pottery, flakes or stone tools, when found in place, can provide important information about how people used to live. It is important that we protect our past. You can help!
Protect our Past!
You can help by not disturbing archaeological sites or artifacts. Artifacts including arrowheads, pottery, shreds, stone tools, bed rock, mortar, rock art, and historic bottles are protected by federal law. Penalties for removing artifacts or disturbing sites include fines up to $5,000, prison sentences, forfeiture of property such as automobiles and civil damage assessments. Leave artifacts as you found them and encourage your family and friends to do the same.