Five Ordered to Pay $25,00 After Destroying Pumphouse on Public Lands
PAYETTE COUNTY, Idaho—Five individuals were ordered to pay restitution after admitting to shooting and destroying a pumphouse on BLM-managed public lands in western Idaho’s Payette County. The vandalism caused extensive damage that left critical water infrastructure inoperable and disrupted operations for local ranchers who depended on it.
The pumphouse, located on a BLM grazing allotment near Sand Hollow Road in Payette County, was heavily damaged in August 2023 after multiple rounds were fired into the structure. Investigators determined the gunfire caused a cinderblock wall to collapse, disabled the electrical system and rendered the essential facility unusable.
An investigation identified five individuals who admitted responsibility for shooting the pumphouse during interviews. Physical evidence collected at the scene confirmed multiple firearms were used and that the group collectively caused the damage.
The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office subsequently charged all five individuals with Malicious Injury to Property. Plea agreements were reached and each individual was court ordered to pay $5,000 to the ranchers, totaling $25,000 in restitution, for the reconstruction of the pumphouse.
Visitors to BLM and other public lands are reminded that infrastructure on public lands, including water systems, fences, gates, signs, and monitoring equipment supports working landscapes, wildlife management, grazing operations and public land stewardship.
Recreational shooting on public lands must be conducted safely and responsibly. Shooters should always know their target and what is beyond it and should never shoot at infrastructure, signs or other improvements on public lands. Anyone witnessing vandalism or unsafe shooting activity on public lands is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or the nearest BLM office.
The BLM extends its appreciation to the Payette County Prosecutor’s Office for its partnership and diligent work on this case.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.