Under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, 327.14- Destruction, injury, defacement, removal or any alteration of public property including, but not limited to, developed facilities, natural formations, mineral deposits, historical and archaeological features, paleontological resources, boundary monuments or markers, and vegetative growth, is prohibited except when in accordance with written permission from the district engineer.

Cultural Resource Protection

Various bands, groups and tribes of Native Americans have inhabited the area around Bardwell Lake during prehistoric and historic times. Some of them may have established a permanent residence here, relying on the native plants and animals for their sustenance, while others may have been merely passing through the region, following the thunderous herds of bison as they migrated from one part of the continent to another. In either instance, knowledge of these early Texans has been and continues to be discovered largely from the study of artifacts that they left behind. Frequently much of the information, obtainable from such items, lies in their location in relation to other items at the site. Although it is very temping to pick up an artifact such as an arrowhead or pottery fragment, such action destroys the knowledge that could be obtained from it.

Furthermore, removal of any artifact from federal lands is a violation of both federal regulations and federal law. Conviction can result in both substantial financial penalty and jail incarceration. Persons can be cited under Title 36 CFR Section 327.14(a) [Destruction, injury, defacement, removal or any alteration of public property including, but not limited to, developed facilities, natural formations, mineral deposits, historical and archeological features, and vegetative growth, is prohibited except when it is in accordance with written permission of the District Engineer.] Person may also be prosecuted under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) or under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

To prevent the destruction of this valuable information and prevent possible prosecution, please leave any artifact found where you see it. If you see anyone picking up such items or digging in a site, please report this to the nearest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gatehouse or to the Bardwell Lake Office. Remember: These artifacts are part of the heritage that belongs to all Americans, and it is up to all of us to help preserve this heritage.