Border Fence Construction Could Destroy Archaeological Sites: NPS

"Bulldozers and excavators rushing to install President Trump’s border barrier could damage or destroy up to 22 archaeological sites within Arizona’s Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in coming months, according to an internal National Park Service report obtained by The Washington Post.

The administration’s plan to convert an existing five-foot-high vehicle barrier into a 30-foot steel edifice could pose irreparable harm to unexcavated remnants of ancient Sonoran Desert peoples. Experts identified these risks as U.S. Customs and Border Protection seeks to fast-track the construction to meet Trump’s campaign pledge of completing 500 miles of barrier by next year’s election.

Unlike concerns about the barrier project that have come from private landowners, churches, communities and advocacy groups, these new warnings about the potential destruction of historic sites come from within the government itself."

Juliet Eilperin andNick Miroff report for the Washington Post September 17, 2019.

SEE ALSO:

"Border Wall Construction At Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Would Likely Destroy Archaeological Resources" (National Parks Traveler)

"Park Service on Organ Pipe's Archaeological Sites" (NPS)