Federal Authorities Seek Help to Identify Men Vandalizing Rock Formations at Lake Mead

Federal authorities are reaching out to the public for assistance in apprehending two individuals who were observed causing destruction to rock formations at a national recreation site in Nevada. The incident occurred near the Redstone Dune Trail on the north side of Lake Mead, a popular hiking destination known for its petrified red dunes.

Alarming Behavior

A widely circulated video captured on the evening of April 7th and posted by CBS Las Vegas affiliate KLAS-TV depicts two men pushing sandstone off an outcropping while a bystander screams. John Haynes, public information officer at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, expressed dismay, stating, "It's one of my favorite places in the park and they're up there just destroying it. I don't understand that."

Legal Consequences

Officials condemned the behavior as appalling, emphasizing that the damage inflicted is irreparable. Haynes warned that individuals engaging in such destruction at federally protected sites could face felony charges, substantial fines, and imprisonment. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, spanning 2,344 square miles, attracts approximately 6 million visitors annually.

Community Vigilance

In light of limited staffing, park officials often rely on the public to assist in safeguarding park resources. Visitors are encouraged to use their cellphones to capture videos or photos of any suspicious activity. Additionally, authorities advise collecting information such as license plate numbers to aid in identifying offenders. The National Park Service operates a tip line, both online and via phone at 888-653-0009, to report any pertinent information.

Prevalence of Vandalism

Notably, incidents of vandalism on federal land in the western United States have been reported over the past decade. These include defacing petroglyphs, toppling rock features, and damaging centuries-old rock art.