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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
Heritage Resources: Rockshelters
Rockshelters—large openings in clifflines—may be the oldest "homes" used by prehistoric people in the gorge. These early people enjoyed using rockshelters for the same reason we do - rockshelters provide shade from the sun and protection from wind and rain.
When we camp or build fires in rockshelters, we destroy much of the information archaeologist can learn from these sites. To protect these archaeological sites, the Forest Service has banned camping and firebuilding in these shelters.
There are LEGAL, CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL reasons why we don't allow the destruction of archaeological sites.
LEGAL: The Forest Service is required by law to protect archaeological sites on land it manages. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 was designed to secure the protection of archaeological resources and sites which are on public lands and Indian lands.
CULTURAL: Some rockshelters were burial sites and sacred areas for Native Americans. These areas are sacred to them. You would probably be upset if sometone turned your family cemetary or church into a campground. Out of respect for the Native American's reverence for these areas, camping is prohibited.
EDUCATIONAL: Today's forest managers use information gleaned from archaeological sites to determine what the forest was like years ago. Seeds, charcoal and vegetable matter found preserved in rockshelters provide this valuable information that will help us today. If you build a campfire, dig, or sweep the floor in a rockshelter, you destroy this information.
Archaeological sites in the gorge are the remains of more than 10,000 years of prehistoric and historic cultures. They are a fragile and non-renewable resource. You are responsible for the stewardship of these areas both for public enjoyment and education and the preservation of their scientific value. The following guidelines will help you minimize your impact to the archaeological sites that you visit.
Do your part to help preserve archaeological sites!
- Artifacts, in context (where they lie), tell a story. Once they are moved, a piece of the past is destroyed forever. Digging, removing artifacts, or piling them up changes what can be learned from these pieces of the past. This is especially true when you move rocks to build fire rings.
- Cultural deposits, including the soil in an archaeological site, are important for scientific tests and are used in reconstructing past environments. For instance, from such information we can learn what kinds of plants the inhabitants were utilizing. Please carry out any trash (especially organic remains) you may have brought while visiting a site.
- Fragile rockshelter plants and soils that are part of archaeological sites are destroyed when you stray from the trail. Also, snakes and other small animals make their homes here. Please stay on trails.
- Fire destroys prehistoric organic materials, impairs the dating potential of artifacts and damages or even destroys rock art by covering it with soot. Absolutely no fires, candles, or smoking should occur at archaeological sites.
- Oils from even the cleanest hands can cause deterioration of prehistoric rock art and destroys the dating potential for future scientists trying to unravel the meaning of symbols painted and pecked on stone. Please refrain from touching rock art.
- Archaeologists often find extensive "Toilet Paper Gardens" at rockshelters popular for camping. This makes unsanitary conditions for archaeologist to work in. Please dispose of human waste properly, using Leave No Trace techniques.
Title: Heritage Resources
Last Updated:
August 13, 2008
