OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Park service officials are investigating vandalism to rocks near centuries-old Makah petroglyphs, which offer a window into the tribe’s history.
Park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said the vandalism, which included scratching pictures into rocks within the Wedding Rocks area, happened last weekend at the hands of a Boy Scout troop from the Seattle area.
“There were marks within the archaeological area, but not within the petroglyphs themselves,” Maynes said.
Maynes said the Boy Scout troop, which was not identified, consisted of teen-agers.
“We are discouraged that anyone would deliberately make new impressions on rocks associated with the cluster of Makah petroglyphs,” said Janine Bowechop, executive director of the Makah Cultural and Research Center.
“The petroglyphs are a antique part of our cultural heritage, and we will continue to work to preserve them for future generations.”
Museum staffers were notified of the vandalism Monday by park officials and accompanied park staff members to document the extent of the damage to the rocks, she said.
The Wedding Rock Petroglyphs, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are within traditional Makah tribal territory and are part of the Ozette Archeological Site.
The incident happened within Olympic National Park boundaries, and the petroglyphs are protected by federal laws.
