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Heritage - It's about time!

The Plumas National Forest (PNF) is responsible for management of well over 1 million acres in the northern Sierra Nevada. This responsibility includes stewardship of a large share of the region’s heritage resources.

Our Heritage Resources Program is tasked with ensuring that the important cultural, educational and scientific values of these resources are preserved for future generations. All Forest Service undertakings comply with federal historic preservation laws, and management strategies are designed to balance heritage resource preservation, cultural values, and sustained use of forest resources.

National Heritage Strategy Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/heritage/heritage_strategy.shtml

Information regarding Historic Preservation can be found at: http://www.achp.gov

Plumas National Forest Heritage

Archaeology, the systematic study of past human life and culture through the examination of material remains, is an important means of understanding our history and the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural landscapes of our forests.

This bedrock milling feature was used to process acorns and is an example of a prehistoric site type found on the Forest. Prehistoric sites represent activity by Native Americans prior to European contact. The Maidu, Paiute and Washoe were the original inhabitants of this region.

The Forest Service also manages traditional cultural resources which are critical to the continuation of the long-established lifeways of Native Americans. For example, the PNF works with local Tribes and the California Indian Basketweaver’s Association (CIBA) to burn Bear Grass for use in basketweaving.

The Plumas manages some of the largest and most complex historic sites in the Sierra Nevada including thousands of resources related to the California Gold Rush and our rich logging and railroad histories. Fire lookouts and other historic buildings provide tangible reminders of the dynamic history of the Forest Service and its role in shaping the American west.

Now and Then

*Click for on black and whites for a larger image.

Heritage Resources are Protected by Law

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act sets criminal and civil penalties for looting, vandalism, and artifact trafficking.

Archaeological resources found on public lands are fragile and irreplaceable. These sites all have stories to tell, and lessons to teach us about our history. When vandals damage archaeological sites, and looters remove artifacts, they are stealing YOUR heritage!

Be an active part of preserving our history:

• Always treat remains of past cultures with respect.
• Always leave artifacts where you find them.
• Tread lightly when visiting public lands.
• Help preserve the past by volunteering your time and talents.

Volunteer!

The US Forest Service provides many opportunities for volunteers to work with, and learn from, professional archaeologists and historians. For information regarding volunteer opportunities on the Plumas National Forest, visit our partnership link at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/partnerships/

If you have any questions, or would like more information regarding the PNF’s Heritage Resources Program, please contact:

Julie Burcell
Heritage Program Manager
159 Lawrence Street
Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-7795
jburcell@fs.fed.us

Additional Heritage Information

Additional information regarding heritage resources and archaeology can also be found at:

US Forest Service National Heritage Resources

California State Office of Historic Preservation

Society for California Archaeology

California Native American Heritage Commission

Society for American Archaeology

Society for Historical Archaeology