The Ethics of Collecting

It’s common knowledge, right? We all say it, “If you find an artifact on the ground, it’s okay to pick it up. Just don’t dig!”

True or not true? NOT TRUE.

Artifact collection on public lands, including City Parks, is a misdemeanor punishable under California State law. California’s Public Resource Codes recognize that the state’s archaeological resources are endangered by urban development, population growth and by natural forces (e.g. fire, coastal and riverbank erosion). and need to be preserved.

For the sake of and respect for the land and our ancestors, please leave a found artifact where you found it and cover it.