Vandalism at Buckhorn pictographs prompts enhanced enforcement testing

BLM staff told the trail committee that vandalism at the Buckhorn pictograph panels has been worse in the last two years despite signage and camera deployments, and that recent graffiti appeared in a high, visible spot near restroom facilities. "The Buckhorn has got more vandalism, I feel like, in this last two years than it has a long time," a BLM staffer said.

To address the problem, federal law enforcement has been offered a piece of equipment to test in remote areas and Buckhorn has been selected as a test location. Committee members noted that cameras have been destroyed in the past; BLM urged members and visitors to report sightings and evidence to assist investigations. "The only way you can help is if anybody knows anything about it or they saw it," the BLM speaker said.

BLM also described law-enforcement staffing increases and noted that hiring for law enforcement and fire positions is exempt from a broader hiring freeze. Members discussed social-channel coordination to amplify messaging about vandalism, and BLM said it will pursue additional outreach to help deter damage and target enforcement.