Recent vandalism to some historic sites in the Joshua Tree National Park is the topic of Park Ranger Pam Trip’s report this week…
Here at Joshua Tree National Park, there are numerous historic sites near trails, roads, and campgrounds. Places such as Ryan Ranch, Wonderland Ranch and other remnants of homesteading and mining are visible and reachable to those who wish to explore places of the past.
Unfortunately, many of these historic areas have been victims of graffiti and other acts of vandalism such as etched or painted graffiti, walls tumbled, and artifacts moved around or taken. The marker of a spot where a gunfight once took place was recently kicked over and broken, causing removal of the historical marker. With the loss and damage of these places, we lose much of the history and story that helps us to know the how, when and why of our wonderful historic past.
To help us preserve our historic buildings and artifacts, please remember that they are not to be entered, climbed on, disturbed, camped in, or tampered with and destroyed.
For more information on how to help protect historic sites, call us at 760-367-5522, or check out our website at www.nps.gov/jotr.
HELP PRESERVE JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK’S HISTORIC SITES
