Forest Service Looking For Illegal Dumpers
SALIDA – The United States Forest Service is trying to identify people illegally dumping at a site in Chafee County.
According to the Forest Service:Recent patrols of the Chaffee County Fourmile Travel Management Area revealed several large trash piles, discarded tires and graffiti. Volunteers also discovered spray painted graffiti on the rock foundation of the historic Sailor Homestead in the San Isabel National Forest, Salida Ranger District.
District recreation staff and volunteers who patrol and care for the Fourmile area are becoming increasingly frustrated by the illegal trash and vandalism. Volunteers from Friends of Fourmile and the High Rocky Riders Club are planning a cleanup day to remove trash and tires. Removal of the graffiti will require more extensive work.
Patrols by the Friends of Fourmile and the High Rocky Riders Off Road Club revealed extensive trash and vandalism. According to Alan Robinson, Friends of Fourmile volunteer, “One of the trash piles appeared to be household trash that was dumped along the banks of Fourmile Creek and subsequently burned”.
“It’s sad to see this senseless type of damage to our natural and historic resources”, said Bill Schuckert, District Ranger. “Routine patrols of the Fourmile area will continue but we need help from the public to stop this type of damage”, said Schuckert.
If identified, those responsible may be charged in federal court for dumping trash and damage to government property. The maximum penalty for each offense is a $5,000.00 fine and up to 6 months in jail.
Anyone with information about trash dumping and vandalism on national forests is asked to call the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 or stop by the office at 325 W. Rainbow Blvd.
