For Immediate Release: April 9, 2003
Contact: Steven Hall, 970.244.3052

Vandals shoot up recreation facilities north of Fruita

A BLM gazebo located north of Fruita in a popular mountain bike area was repeatedly shot by vandals during the weekend. The vandals blasted holes in the roof as well as maps and travel information posted inside the shelter.

The north Fruita desert has become one of the most popular mountain bike destinations in Colorado. The area the vandals struck is near the site of the annual Fruita Fat Tire festival. The Colorado Plateau Mountain Biking Assoc. and the Mesa County Cycling Assoc. helped raise grant money to fund construction of the gazebo. Damage was estimated at more than $400.

"Unfortunately, the vandals damaged a site that had benefited from a lot of local support and local volunteer efforts, which has to be disheartening to all of the people who enjoy this area," said Phil Gezon, BLM Senior Outdoor Recreation Planner.

The vandals face up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in jail. Anyone with information should call the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at 244-3000.

-BLM-