New state law bans taking archaeological objects from public lands

Oregon State Police reminded the public Thursday abut a new state law that prohibits removing archaeological objects from public lands without a permit.

Senate Bill 144, passed by the 2017 Oregon legislature, took effect on Jan. 1.

Oregon Revised Statutes 358.920 prohibited a person from excavating, injuring, destroying or altering an archaeological site or object or removing an archaeological object located on public or private lands in Oregon unless that activity is authorized by a permit.

Prior to the passage of SB 144, pursuant to ORS 358.915, a person who unintentionally discovered an archaeological object that had been exposed by the forces of nature on public or private lands could retain the object for personal use. However, after the passage of SB 144, that exemption no longer applies to public lands.

Now, a person is only exempt from the prohibitions found in ORS 358.920 if they unintentionally discover an archaeological object that has been exposed by the forces of nature on private property. Individuals found to have excavated, injured, destroyed or altered an archaeological site or object or removed an archaeological object located on public lands could be subject to prosecution.

As the summer months approach and more people are out recreating on public lands, citizens are reminded to leave discovered archaeological objects in place and not to remove and/or retain them. Removing an archaeological object from public land without a permit is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor.

Citizens with questions about archaeological objects can email the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office at Oregon.Heritage@oregon.gov. Reports of anyone observed illegally collecting artifacts or looting of archaeological sites/grave sites can be made to the Oregon State Police (24/7) at 1-800–452–7888 or by using your cell phone keypad to dial *OSP (*677).