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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
No Camping or Firebuilding in Rockshelters
RESPECT ROCKSHELTERS!
Rockshelters contain valuable archaeological evidence and historic structural remains that provide insight into the lives of historic and prehistoric people who lived in this area.
Description:
Rockshelters provide excellent preservation for plant remains, animal bones, and other objects used by ancient Native Americans and early pioneers. The earliest signs of prehistoric agriculture have been documented from botanical remains found in rockshelters in eastern Kentucky.
Rockshelters also provide habitat for unique plant and animal species like the white-haired goldenrod (found only in the Red River Gorge) and the Virginia big-eared bat.
Threats:
Camping, climbing, rappelling, burning, and digging in rockshelters can impact or even destroy these non-renewable resources. When rockshelter soils are mixed, compacted, or heated by these activities, the historic and prehistoric remains (especially the botanical remains) can be destroyed. Once destroyed, this valuable evidence is gone forever.
Forest Service law enforcement officers work hard to prevent damage to fragile resources in the Red River Gorge. “Operation Overhang” combines education with law enforcement to curb impacts on the cultural and biological resources found in cliff overhangs (i.e. rock shelters) of the gorge. You may be given a citation if found camping or firebuilding in a rockshelter.
To help, remember...
- Camping in rockshelters is prohibited forestwide. Camp at least 100 feet away from the base of any cliff, or the back of any rockshelter. Obey signs like the at left and stay out of fenced areas.
- Building a fire is prohibited in rockshelters. Fire destroys prehistoric
organic materials, impairs the dating potential of artifacts,
and damages or even destroys rock art by covering it with soot. - Do not build a campfire or use a stove fire within 100 feet of the base of any cliff or the back of any rockshelter.
- Leave rockshelters undisturbed by not digging in the soil, moving rocks, or trampling the ground. Collecting or digging for artifacts is prohibited by federal law.
- Do not use historic wooden remains found in rockshelters as firewood. These are pieces of our heritage.
- Rockshelters are not toilet facilities. Please dispose of human waste properly using Leave No Trace techniques.
- Avoid climbing in or rappelling into rockshelters. Archaeological sites often extend outside of rockshelter driplines. For your own safety, please do not climb above fenced area.
- All artifacts and cultural resources are protected by state and federal
laws. Report looting or vandalism to the nearest District
Office or law enforcement officer.
More information on rockshelters and heritage resources is available at the Gladie Cultural–Environmental Learning Center located in the Red River Gorge on Cumberland Ranger District.
Kentucky law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public places and prohibits open containers of alcohol.
Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated:
May 5, 2010
