An archaeological survey of the Hemlock Cliffs Geological Area, near Mifflin, was conducted June 10-14 by the U.S. Forest Service to locate sites of Prehistoric inhabitants.

This was a Passport in Time project supervised by Ruth Brinker, Forest Service archaeologist from the Bedford office, with the work being done by volunteers. Passport in Time is a program that educates the public on the preservation of archaeological sites.

Several days were spent checking out citizen reports of sites and caves. Rock shelters and caves were located, no actual digging was done, only mapping and surveying of the areas. Looters had damaged every site found. "Once a site is disturbed, it can never be returned to its natural state," said Steve Preflatish, of English, who took part in the project.

The fine for digging, removing, or disturbing Historic or Prehistoric objects, ruins, or sites, can be up to $200,000 or imprisonment. Spot checks to these will randomly be made to insure no further looting goes on.

Some of the other participants of the project were Julie Ruminer and Harold Crooks of Evansville, Earl Biffle of Murphy, Missouri, Glen Horn of Columbus, and Ralph Eaden of Lynnville. Most of the participants spent the week camping at Tipsaw Lake in Perry County. Despite the heat, high humidity, hard work, and ticks, all found it an enlightening experience.

The group was also featured on the "Backroads" segment on WEHT Channel 25 in Evansville.

Questions about archaeological sites on U.S. Forest Service properties should be directed to Brinker at (812) 275-5987.