Vandalism of ancient rock art sparks public outrage and offers

Public outrage over graffiti that marred ancient rock art panels in Red Rock Canyon has turned into an outpouring of help offers and donations to restore the American Indian artwork.

"Offers of assistance have been pouring in after the vandalism ," Robbie McAboy, manager of the national conservation area, said in a news release Thursday.

According to Bureau of Land Management officials, NV Energy and the Red Rock Canyon Interpretative Association each have pledged $5,000 to restore the panels that are in and around a rock shelter off Lost Creek Trail.

BLM archaeologist Mark Boatwright estimates it will be the middle of next year before the damaged area can be restored.

Sometime in early November, vandals tagged the rock wall panels with maroon spray paint, leaving street names and 2-foot-tall letters, "NHC" where Indians had put pictograph symbols about 1,000 years ago. One slab has a petroglyph, or stone etching, that might be older.

"NHC" has several meanings, including the Nasty Habits Crew, according to investigators.

This week, police arrested a suspect in the case, a 17-year-old known by the nickname Pee Wee. He was charged as a juvenile under the state's anti-graffiti law and is due in court today.

Information about making donations for the restoration effort can be found at friendsofredrockcanyon.org.