Science in Practice Portal

Of the nearly 3000 prehistoric and historic sites recorded in the California Desert inventory, 36% have already been damaged so extensively that their condition is reduced to fair or poor. Vandalism is regarded as the major threat to archaeological sites in the desert, and both vandalism and ORV damage are increasing. Historic sites and prehistoric villages have suffered the worst. Less than 40% of them are in good condition. The damage that has been inflicted on archaeological sites in the desert demonstrates the effects of years of unmanaged use of the desert, and uncontrolled vandalism.