In 2021, ancient spear points, hammer stones, and picks were unearthed by a bulldozer fighting a wildfire in western North Carolina, shedding light on early human history in the Appalachian Mountains. Scott Ashcraft, a U.S. Forest Service archaeologist, had long warned forest managers about the presence of hidden artifacts on steep terrain, urging them to reconsider outdated modeling when planning projects on national forest lands.
Ashcraft's concerns were detailed in a letter sent to top officials, highlighting a pattern of illegal behavior by forest managers in North Carolina. Allegations of retaliation against Ashcraft surfaced as he faced reassignments and communication restrictions.
The Biden administration's efforts to include Indigenous expertise in land management decisions were contrasted by the situation in North Carolina, where tribal consultations were reportedly sidestepped.
Forest officials in North Carolina have since initiated reviews to ensure compliance with federal laws and tribal consultation obligations. However, some tribal officials claim they were not contacted during these reviews.
Ashcraft's whistleblower disclosure, supported by legal nonprofit Whistleblower Aid, emphasized the destruction of Native American heritage sites due to forest management practices. The disclosure cited instances where forest managers obstructed archaeological investigations and proceeded with projects without adequate assessments.
The Center for the Investigation of Native and Ancient Quarries collaborated with Ashcraft to uncover significant cultural materials and evidence of ancient land use in the region. Discoveries near Asheville revealed tools and artifacts dating back thousands of years, underscoring the need for site documentation and protection.
Native American tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, were informed about the whistleblower disclosure. Despite revised forest management plans, concerns remain about the lack of meaningful consultations with tribes.
Ashcraft emphasized the collective responsibility of government agencies, tribes, and civil society in preserving Native American heritage sites. The protection of these irreplaceable cultural resources is crucial for maintaining the connection to ancestral lands.
