Large National Park Service Entrance Sign Arrowhead Stolen
The Friends of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (NHP) is offering a $500.00 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the individual(s) who stole a large National Park Service arrowhead from the park entrance sign located at the national park visitor center parking area in Middlesboro, Kentucky.According to Park Ranger Aaron Scott the sign arrowhead, valued at $1300.00, was stolen sometime between January 28th and January 31st, 2015.
John Brown, Chairman of the Friends of Cumberland Gap NHP, explains that when Chief Ranger Gene Wesloh connected with him "We immediately offered to help the park in any way which we could. "Brown also comments "I can't tell you the number of times I've seen park visitors posing in front of the park sign for that photo which captured moments and memories of their visit to this very special place and which helped them share their vacation stories with others.Visitors love the arrowhead and now that one is gone!"
Chief Ranger Wesloh further emphasizes that the stealing of any park property is a federal offense punishable by a fine and imprisonment or both. Wesloh also elaborates "that thefts such as this continue to take money out of the park budget that had been allocated to protect resources and provide more programs for park visitors. This is tax payers' money. $1300.00 will now have to be used to purchase another arrowhead."
Information on the theft can be left on the park's 24 hour tip line at (606) 246-1089. Those preferring to speak with a Protection Ranger can contact Chief Ranger Gene Wesloh at (606) 246-1054 or Park Ranger Aaron Scott at (606) 246-1081.
For more information on the Friends of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and how to become involved, please visit www.friendsofcumberlandgap.org or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/friendsofcumberlandgap.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
