Illicit Digging, Illicit Collecting, and Archaeology

Abstract

This chapter addresses issue of the illicit digging, collections, and sales of artifacts from archaeological sites, specifically North and Central Florida. The problems with site protection, and sites specifically stewarded by the State, are addressed. The authors discuss both how these problems evolved in and the future trajectory of site preservation of Florida. For many participants of the 2015 First Floridians Conference, site preservation directly influenced their livelihood (if there are no sites or site data, there can be no research). For others, it dictates their cultural legacy (if society does not preserve heritage, it will not exist for posterity). As for the State of Florida, state-owned and managed lands are a legislative imperative (Floridians create laws that govern the protection of sites in state stewardship). State actions such as the Isolated Finds program was discontinued at the recommendation of the Florida Historical Commission (FHC) because of its contribution to illicit collecting and sales.