Citizens of Oklahoma continue to dig for information about the destruction of archeological sites and historical structures, although it looks like the moguls behind the Keystone XL pipeline do not want us to know which sites are scheduled to be bulldozed so that a Canadian company can sell oil to China, Europe and South America.
It seems that it was Bob Blackburn, in his role as Oklahoma’s “Historic Preservation Officer”, who signed the paperwork to let TransCanada bulldoze 71 of our archeological sites and 22 historical structures.
Today I asked Melvina Heisch, a division head a the Oklahoma State Historical Preservation Society, if the public could get a list of the archeological sites and historical structures that Bob Blackburn has agreed to let TransCanada destroy. She would not volunteer a single iota of specific information. She did say, however, that she would send me information on how to legally demand the data from them.
I also spoke with Alex Yuan at the US Department of State. He too refused to give me the list. He said they keep this information under wraps to keep collectors from pillaging the sites. I said,
“Do you mean you will let a foreign company bulldoze the sites, but you won’t let local citizens even know where they are?”
He tried to refer me to the government website, but admitted that it does not have the exact descriptions and locations of the sites. He does think that it might be possible to get the information if we can show that we have a legitimate reason for wanting the info. He suggested that we contact our state representatives and ask them to try to get it for us. I ask him if they would give the information to the Sierra Club, and he did not answer that question.
I have submitted a Freedom of Information Request asking for all correspondence and other documentation regarding TransCanada and the Oklahoma State Historical Preservation Society, but my dear Uncle Sam can drag his feet if he does not want to.
Lily Teague of Burbank, Oklahoma stated:
Oklahoma law governing the Historical Society considers information and maps about archaeological sites to be public as long as there is no risk that the sites will be tampered with in any way (as in if they feel there is a risk you will enter the property and remove things, they aren’t telling you anything). The majority of property involved here is private property and the information about it is considered private. Texas law goes a bit further than Oklahoma law does. It actually says flat out that the information about archeological sites is not public and will not be publicly released… During the survey process, they even identified new archeological finds that were previously unreported. I think it said seven of them.
The Arbuckle Karst Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and the Coalition Against Keystone XL Pipeline continue to seek the vital information we need in order to defend ourselves against this onslaught of corporate greed, apparently laced with government corruption.
Citizens are urged to:
1. Call your county commissioner about the 200,000 pound lime green TransCanada trucks that are headed our way.
2. Call your Senator and Representative about helping us get this vital information.
3. If you are a member of a tribe, contact your tribal council.
Footnotes:
On p. 11 of the document sited below, it lists the titles/authors of the reports that were done on route variations / resources. This could be a good “starting” place for those who want to learn more:
Melvina Heishch’s phone number: (405) 522-4484
Alex Yuan’s phone number: (202) 647-4284.
It would be interesting in somebody decided to occupy Bob Blackburn’s world.
I’m trying to get a job there, so I can’t be too vocal in this. I doubt they will hire me. That’s all right. I just need to stay a little low profile. I feel very strongly about what is happening here and it is upsetting b/c I am very much into the history of this state. My great grandparents drove cattle thru here on the Chisholm Trail. I hope it doesn’t go thru that. . . Some reminants remail, like the crossing going toward Chickasha, but headed west up to Enid.
I’ve thought about this, and would like to mention that the part of my comment that is left out here mentions that the “they” I identify is TransCanada. During the survey process TransCanada identified and reported seven previously unidentified archaeological sites to the state which were along the path of the original line. Without this information being presented, no one would have known about these locations.
TransCanada is required by federal law to report any recognizable Indian burial grounds it comes across. I am not especially appreciative, since I know about all the horrible things they have done to Indian lands North of here. TransCanada is not a person with a conscience. It is a giant corporation that exists only to make money.
Rena,
Where did you learn that there were “71…archeological sites and 22 historical structures” ? Have you spoken with Earl Hatley (Cherokee)? He knows a lot about the process which involves the BIA. I’ll send his phone number via facebook.
Mary Francis
And have you talked with Blackburn?
If you are aware of what the Keystone Pipeline really will be and do, please get active NOW and contact everybody on the LOCAL and state and national level and show up wherever you can to FIGHT AGAINST this catastrophic project and our treacherous double dealing politicians who couldn’t care less about our planet or us.
How does a 36″ dia. pipeline cross a rural state and smash 22 historical sites and 71 archeological sites? I get the sense that you’re being a tad too dramatic or misleading. This tactic scares off those who are on the fence.
I got these numbers from an article in the OU Daily Newspaper. The student journalist got the information from a state agency housed at OU. No one has made any serious effort to refute these numbers. If you are from Oklahoma, you probably know that the Southeast part of the state is repleat with interesting relics from our colorful and diverse history. I filed a Freedom of Information Act request about a month ago. Hopefully, the results will clear this up.