The Volcanic Tableland, is home to some of the most significant rock art in North America—petroglyphs that date back as far as 8,000 years, created by the ancestors of the Paiute-Shoshone people. These carvings aren’t just “old drawings on rocks.” They’re sacred. They hold meaning, history, stories, and connection to the land. And now, reckless thieves, thave defaced three sites.
Thieves Destroy Petroglyphs in Bishop
“An Irreplaceable Part of Our National Cultural Heritage. This isn’t just vandalism. It’s destruction.” said Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius, as the BLM announced a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible.
“Those responsible have destroyed an irreplaceable part of our national cultural heritage.”
And let’s be clear—this is a federal crime. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act makes it a felony to damage cultural sites like this, with first-time offenders facing up to two years in prison and $20,000 in fines. Repeat offenders? Up to five years and a $100,000 fine. The government can also seize vehicles and equipment used in the crime.
What the vandals did isn’t just ignorant—it’s a straight-up act of cultural erasure. Imagine if someone carved their initials into the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. People would lose their minds. Well, that’s exactly what happened here—except instead of international outrage, this kind of vandalism in remote places often gets shrugged off.
Why This Matters (If You Need a Reminder)
These petroglyphs are one of the last direct links to the people who lived here long before borders, before roads, before “discovery.” They hold spiritual and cultural significance for the Tribes connected to this land.
The BLM has increased surveillance around cultural sites in the area, and they’re determined to track down the people responsible. If you know anything—even a whisper—now’s the time to speak up. The agency is offering $1,500 for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.
You can report anonymously by calling WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visiting www.wetip.com.
A Deeper Reflection on Land and Legacy
Lastly, it is not lost on us that much of the public outrage over the theft and destruction of these petroglyphs comes from those who themselves occupy stolen land. The Volcanic Tableland and surrounding areas are the homelands of the Paiute-Shoshone people, whose ancestors created these petroglyphs long before modern borders and land management policies existed.
The destruction of these sacred sites is more than an act of vandalism—it is part of a long history of erasure. While demanding justice for these crimes is necessary, it’s equally important to acknowledge the broader context: Indigenous lands were taken, and now, even the records of their histories—etched in stone—are being defaced.
Preserving and protecting these sites is not just about history—it’s about respect, responsibility, and reckoning with the past, and this lays the table for a larger conversation about the #Land Back movement.
The call to return land to Indigenous stewardship isn’t just symbolic—it’s a tangible step toward restoring sovereignty, protecting cultural resources, and ensuring that sacred spaces like these are safeguarded by the very people who have cared for them for generations. If we are serious about protecting what remains, then we must also take into consideration, who gets to protect it.
