Organization
Bureau of Land Management
BLM Office:
Barstow Field Office
Media Contact:
Kate Miyamoto
kmiyamoto@blm.gov
760-883-8528
BARSTOW, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reopening the Calico Early Man Site, an archaeological site about 15 miles northeast of Barstow in San Bernardino County after completing remediation to eliminate public safety hazards.
The Calico Early Man Site is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the United States. Made famous by the world-renowned paleoanthropologist, Louis Leakey’s work at the site between 1964 and 1970, the Calico Early Man site continues to spark discussion among the professional community as well as the general public.
In September 2016, the BLM temporarily closed the site due to public safety concerns and vandalism, including many ancient artifacts stolen. The site remained closed as vandalism and further degradation of the site increased threats to public safety. Remediation began in January 2022 and included installation of gates, backfill of excavations, and removal of dangerous structures and debris.
The BLM invites the public to visit the site for self-guided tours and to learn more about California’s extraordinary prehistoric past. During your visit, please respect and protect our ancient history. Minimize your impact and leave any artifacts you may find. Visitors can help protect America’s public lands by reporting potential resource damage to BLM Law Enforcement Dispatch at (800) 637-9152.
In 2021, the BLM completed an environmental analysis of the area. The environmental analysis and other documents are available on ePlanning here: https://bit.ly/3wtoyHd. For more information, please contact the Barstow Field Office at (760) 252-6000.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Related Content
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of archaeology, paleoanthropology, and land management, my expertise allows me to delve into the intricate details of the recent press release from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the reopening of the Calico Early Man Site in Barstow, California. I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the subject matter, emphasizing the significance of archaeological sites, the challenges faced in their preservation, and the broader context of land management by the BLM.
Louis Leakey's groundbreaking work at the Calico Early Man Site, spanning from 1964 to 1970, is crucial in understanding the site's prominence. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of paleoanthropology, and the site itself stands as one of the most significant archaeological locations in the United States. The mention of Leakey's involvement not only underscores the historical importance of the site but also connects it to a broader scientific narrative.
The closure of the Calico Early Man Site in September 2016 due to public safety concerns and vandalism highlights the ongoing challenges faced by archaeological sites. The theft of ancient artifacts and the increased threats to public safety necessitated urgent remediation efforts, which began in January 2022. The remediation process, involving the installation of gates, backfill of excavations, and removal of dangerous structures and debris, is a testament to the commitment of the BLM to protect and preserve cultural heritage.
The invitation for the public to visit the site for self-guided tours is a positive step towards fostering public engagement with archaeology and history. However, the plea to respect and protect ancient history by minimizing impact and leaving artifacts untouched underscores the delicate balance between accessibility and preservation.
The reference to an environmental analysis conducted by the BLM in 2021 adds another layer to the story. The availability of the environmental analysis and related documents on ePlanning reflects a commitment to transparency and provides interested parties with valuable information regarding the site and its surroundings. This aligns with the broader mission of the BLM to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
In conclusion, the reopening of the Calico Early Man Site is a significant event in the realm of archaeology and land management. It represents a collaborative effort to address challenges posed by vandalism and public safety concerns while emphasizing the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The call for responsible tourism and the provision of relevant information for public awareness further contribute to the overall success of this endeavor. For those seeking additional details or wishing to plan a visit, the contact information for the Barstow Field Office and access to environmental analysis documents are provided for reference.
