'Irreplaceable' Petroglyph Panels Destroyed By Vandals At Volcanic Tableland: Authorities

BISHOP, CA — Authorities are offering an up to $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal or vandals who damaged three petroglyph panel locations at the Volcanic Tableland north of Bishop, according to the Bureau of Land Mangement.

“Those responsible have destroyed an irreplaceable part of our national cultural heritage,” Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius said in a news release Friday. “We have increased surveillance of our sites and are determined to bring the responsible parties to justice.”

The site is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most significant rock art sites in the region and has cultural importance to local tribes, according to the bureau.

Violating the act can lead to felony charges, with first-time offenders facing up to $20,000 in fines and two years in prison, and repeat offenders facing up to $100,000 in fines and five years in prison, according to the bureau. The law also allows federal or tribal authorities to impose civil fines, the bureau said, adding courts can seize vehicles and equipment used during a violation as additional punishment.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call 1-800-782-7463 or visit www.wetip.com, according to the bureau, which noted tipsters can remain anonymous.