| Contacts: | Christopher B Joyner, BLM Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 210-2126 |
BLM Needs Help In Identifying Vandalism Suspect (08-06-12)
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking immediate help in identifying an individual believed responsible for damaging an archeological artifact on public lands.
The suspect was caught on video allegedly vandalizing a petroglyph in the Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area. The alleged crime took place during late February 2012. If anyone recognizes or has information leading to the prosecution of the suspect, please call BLM law enforcement Rangers at (303) 239-3803. A reward may be offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of the suspect(s).
The Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, among other public laws and regulations, protects archeological resources upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States. It is a crime to remove, damage or deface items of historic or scientific interest on federal lands. The BLM maintains routine on-going patrol presence on multiple sites of historic or scientific interest. However, your assistance is also requested in aiding these federal law enforcement rangers by reporting suspicious activities or crimes to BLM law enforcement officers at (303) 239-3803.
Note to media: Attached is still photos of the suspect. We are requesting your assistance in releasing this information to the public in hopes that we can identify the person responsible for the damage.
For more information, contact BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Bryce Stewart at (970) 244-3111.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
2815 H Road Grand Junction, CO 81506