Suspect identified in Eagle County trail vandalism
Organization
Media Contact:
SILT, Colo. – Law enforcement officers investigating the placement of nail boards on a trail in Eagle County have identified a suspect and believe the case to be isolated to a specific one-mile trail that is not part of an authorized trail system.
The Bureau of Land Management, Town of Eagle Police Department and Eagle County Sheriff’s Office initiated a joint investigation after nail boards were discovered on an informal trail in the East Eagle area Oct. 18. Investigators recovered eight, 18-inch wooden strips, each anchored to the trail with 12 to 15 nails facing upwards.
“The investigation is continuing, but investigators are confident they have identified the individual who placed the nail boards on the trail,” said BLM Colorado Valley Field Manager Karl Mendonca. “Trail users should always be watching for hazards, but we believe this vandalism to be an isolated case specific to this trail.”
The BLM manages a network of mountain bike trails in East Eagle area. However, the nail boards were actually found on an unauthorized, user-created trail between two popular trails (the Red Neck and the Pool and Ice trails). The trail is not a primary route used by mountain bikers, and no problems have been found on the main East Eagle trail system.
The BLM manages more than 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.