Utah Lake rock art vanishing
The removal of the images of snakes, owls, hunters, warriors and sheep from boulders, cliff faces and cave walls could be the work of vandals or collectors, according to Troy Scotter of the Utah Rock Art Association.
"It's a real issue for us, there is a lot of vandalism and graffiti going on right now," said Scotter during a recent lecture at Lehi's John Hutchings Museum of Natural History.
Stealing pictographs, petroglyphs, painted or incised figures is a federal crime under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. The penalty is up to $200,000 in fines and two years in prison, Scotter said.
In Utah County the removal of such artifacts may be made easier by their size. Much of the rock art here is small and carved, or painted on chunks of rock that are mobile or could be easily removed, he said.
Population growth, the increased popularity of all-terrain vehicles, and even online auctions sites are also affecting the future of the art, he said. Because the art is so small, it's possible that some recreation vehicles could cause damage without realizing it. Some pieces may be sold or taken by collectors.
At least one American Fork man has been working to document Utah Lake's rock art troves. Ronald Myers brought the pictures he's taken of art along the lake to Scotter's lecture.
"I spent two years ago walking the shores of Utah Lake trying to record everything," Myers said. "It's a hidden secret, if you will; we want to preserve it."
Myers' effort parallels the work of the association, which works to encourage appreciation, protection and research of rock art. But Scotter said it's important to balance that appreciation with protection. He said the more who know about the art, the more at risk it is.
"Rock art is much more meaningful in real life," he said.
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