The Safford Field Office has been experiencing increased vandalism to information signage at their recreation areas. The latest damage occurred at the Indian Breadrocks Recreation Site. Staff found signage and the vault toilet riddled with bullet holes.
The BLM has also been experiencing increased vandalism to road information/safety signage along Haekel Road leading to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area and in areas of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Recently staff observed 35 signs that had been riddled with bullets, leaving some signs almost unreadable. The damaged signs had to be replaced for $2,613 taxpayer dollars.
Repairing the toilet and replacing the signs cost taxpayer dollars that could be used for site maintenance and improvements for a better visitor experience. It is also a Class A Misdemeanor to damage federal property that can carry a maximum 1-year prison sentence and a $100,000.00 fine.
BLM asks for help keeping public lands clean and free of vandalism for everyone’s enjoyment. If you observe destruction on BLM-managed public lands in the Safford area, please contact the Safford Field Office at 928-348-4400.
