BLM offers reward after vandalism of recreation area

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest those who vandalized the Blackrock/Chinese Peak recreation area near Pocatello.

Vandals violated a closure that bans shooting within 150 yards of Blackrock Canyon Road from the entrance to Katsilometes Spring. They used the restrooms as targets, causing significant damage to the structures.

According to BLM Assistant Field Manager Blaine Newman the restrooms and signs are repeatedly shot at and damaged and destroyed. Replacing a restroom can cost up to $20,000 per toilet, and new doors anywhere from $600 to $800 each. With limited funding available to maintain the facilities, he said BLM may have to evaluate the feasibility of providing these types of facilities if vandalism continues to occur.

Anyone with information that might help investigators solve this crime is urged to call BLM Special Agent Linden Schlenker at (208) 524-7590 or email lschlenker@blm.gov.