JOSHUA TREE – (INT) - Two historical and culturally sensitive sites in the Joshua Tree National Park have been temporarily closed.

Park officials say that recent news articles and social media postings have increased traffic to Carey’s Castle and the El Sid Mine. Some historic artifacts have disappeared.

“We will look to reopen both sites when we’re confident that we have the tools in place to effectively monitor the areas and prevent any further losses,” Park Superintendent Davis Smith said.

The closures are indefinite.

Story Date: February 19, 2016