USFS seeks help in bridling vandalism

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service is appealing to the public for help in curbing vandalism on public lands.

More than $7,000 worth of damage was discovered this summer in the Sandpoint Ranger District alone. The damage included stolen or defaced signs, and illegal trash dumping. In addition, 15 abandoned camp fires had to be extinguished.

"It is extremely frustrating to see a few people out there that seemingly don't care about the great treasure we have," said Sandpoint District Ranger Dick Kramer. "Maintaining our signing system is one of our top priorities and we need help from the public to report any acts of vandalism they witness."

The district used funding from the North Idaho Resource Advisory Committee to hire a summer employee this June to make visitor contacts and maintain the hundreds of road and trail signs throughout the district.

"Our law enforcement personnel are spread too thin. Most of our visitor use is on the weekends and we aren't on duty 24 hours a day. I wanted to have an employee making contact with the public and providing a positive interaction about our services and resources," said Kramer, who added there has been a "tremendous" response to the program.

The amount of vandalism discovered this summer is fairly typical, according to Ron Nelson, a Forest Service law officer.

"It's not that uncommon to see a new sign destroyed by gunfire less than a week after it was installed. I want to emphasize it is a very small minority of the visitors that are causing this damage and leaving trash for someone else to clean up," Nelson said.

Kramer points out many might not realize that the cost of repairing the vandalism comes out of taxpayers' pockets.

To report vandalism, contact the Sandpoint Ranger District (263-5111) or Bonner Dispatch (265-5525).