Many cultural and archaeological artifacts—prehistoric and historic—remain along the Columbia River. These artifacts can reveal important information about the people who lived in the region before us—how they lived, how they interacted with the land, and what their concerns, motivations, and priorities were. They also tell us about ourselves and how we have come to be the people we are today. In many cases, these artifacts are more than interesting historical objects. They are often sacred to the people who left them and to their descendants.

These artifacts are our cultural heritage. Their wonder and intrigue should captivate and inspire us all—not just looters and collectors. Please respect their historical, cultural, and religious significance; do not disturb or remove them. It is a serious crime to:

• Deface a pictograph or petroglyph
• Use a tool (even just a stick) to remove an artifact from the ground
• Dig for or possess human remains
• Remove any artifacts
• Dig of probe the ground for historic or prehistoric material
• Vandalize old buildings

The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Enforcement Office works with Oregon and Washington law enforcement officials and Federal land management agencies to protect cultural and archaeological resources along the river. If you witness any of these activities, do not get involved. Call CRITFC at (800) 487-FISH.