THE SHOALS-TVA archeologists and TVA Police, along with other experts, work to raise awareness about how the public can help protect local cultural resources in the Muscle Shoals area. The Shoals have a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is critical for folks to understand what to do if they see artifacts and how they can prevent looting and vandalism by joining TVA’s Thousand Eyes program. TVA’s Thousand Eyes program works with local groups and communities to protect archaeological sites and preserve them for future generations. Staff members conduct cultural resources presentations and field trips in which communities can learn more about the protection of sites on TVA land, are encouraged to take action when they see suspicious activity (digging, unpermitted dredging, etc.)
On Friday, March 11 TVA along with Erin Dunsmore, TVA Archaeologist, Tim Dilbeck, TVA Police, and Brian Murphy, Florence Indian Mound Museum were on hand to educate the public and stress the importance of preserving artifacts along the banks of the Tennessee River.
TVA Police and cultural resources staff were enteracting with lake users at the McFarland Park boat ramp, River Front boat ramp, and Pride boat ramp. TVA Police engaged with with boaters on Pickwick Reservoir with the assistance of Alabama Marine Patrol and Alabama Game and Fish officers.
The purpose of the saturation/education event is threefold. First, to actively look for signs of illegal activity and criminally prosecute those committing violations. Second, to engage with the public and provide educational material about the ARPA regulations. Third, to provide the public with information about TVA’s Thousand Eyes program and the importance of reporting violators to TVA Police.
If you witness the looting of an archaeological site on TVA land, or see someone using a metal detector, call the TVA Police toll-free at 855-476-2489.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) makes it illegal to excavate archaeological sites on federal property, which includes TVA land. An individual who is convicted of looting under ARPA can be charged with a felony and face fines of up to $20,000 and/or 2 years in prison for a first offense and $100,000 fine and/or 5 years for a second offense as well as forfeiture of any vehicles or equipment used to commit the violation.
JUST A FEW OF TVA’S THOUSAND EYES
