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State archaeologist: Point Roberts, especially Maple Beach, is a uniquely sensitive archaeological area
Summary
Assistant state archaeologist James McCray told Point Roberts residents that Maple Beach and the peninsula contain some of Washington’s largest shell middens and that excavations or work that disturbs those deposits require state archaeological permits and tribal consultation.
James McCray, assistant state archaeologist with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, told a Point Roberts community advisory session that the peninsula—particularly Maple Beach—contains unusually large and dense shell middens and archaeological deposits that span thousands of years. "Point Roberts is a really special and unique archaeological and cultural area," McCray said, and he warned that the sites are both culturally sacred and legally protected.
McCray explained that Washington state law forbids excavating or altering pre‑contact archaeological sites without a permit from the state agency and noted that inadvertent discoveries of human remains are common in Maple Beach. He described the typical first steps after a discovery: contact 911 so the county coroner can take jurisdiction, and the coroner usually refers cases to the state office where a physical anthropologist and tribal partners are involved in repatriation and handling. "If you see suspected human remains, you should call 911," McCray said. He urged residents and contractors to consult professional archaeologists and follow the permit and survey process to minimize impacts.
