New Mexico forest investigates vandalism at rock art sites

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Officials with the Gila National Forest are investigating vandalism at prehistoric rock art sites within the boundaries of the southern New Mexico forest.

They pointed Wednesday to damage done at Chloride Creek on the Black Range Ranger District. The damage includes names that have been scrawled onto rocks that are laden with prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs.

Officials say the forest is home to more than 200 recorded rock art sites and once damaged, such sites can never be repaired to their original condition.

They’re asking visitors to be respectful. That includes not touching the rock art as oils from a single handprint can chemically affect the rock’s surface.

It’s also illegal to collect or disturb archaeological materials on public land without a permit from the appropriate land managing agency.