Vandalism continues to be a problem at Bitterroot National Forest recreation sites.
“Illegal activity and vandalism occurs across the Forest and is costing the tax payers a lot of money,” said Erica Strayer, Recreation Tech for the Darby Ranger District. “For example, last year within the Lake Como Recreation Area, the Forest Service spent thousands of dollars replacing stolen signs, broken posts, and repairing vandalized buildings and picnic tables.”
On January 14, 2010, most all the groomed trails maintained by the the Como Trails Club were severely damaged by a man on an ATV. All the damage was done in an area closed to motorized vehicle use from October 1-June 1. According to Tony Neaves, founder of the Como Trails Club, the ATV left foot deep ruts to the cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Despite great effort, the club has not been able to repair the trails to satisfactory conditions as of February 8. “There are about 30 miles of groomed trails between Lake Como and Tin Cup and nearly every inch was sorely damaged,” stated Tony. “The ATV rider entered from a private gate and passed three gates clearly marked closed to motorized travel.”
Como Trails Club received a permit from the Forest Service this year to build the groomed trails for their ski/snowshoe club. Tony talked to leaders of the Bitterroot Ridge Runners as well as the Ravalli County Off Road User Association prior to filing application with the Forest Service and received their blessings for the project. Spokesmen for both groups voiced outrage at the incident. Thankfully, the perpetrator was apprehended by Forest Service investigators after they followed the ATV tracks to a nearby home.
If you are interested in the Como Trails Club, you can reach Tony Neaves at Valley Bicycle and Ski, (406) 363-4428.
The Forest Service manages and maintains recreation sites for the safety and benefit of the public. Please respect your National Forest lands and sites. Help the Forest Service cut back on the unnecessary costs associated with vandalism by being a steward of the public land. Report any illegal activity or vandalized property to a Forest Service office or call (800) TIP-MONT.
For more information or comments, please contact the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913.
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