HikeArizona.COM

*Saguaro National Park Seeks Community Assistance
for Second Vandalism Incident in May*

*Tucson, AZ –* Saguaro National Park is seeking the public’s assistance in
connection with a second significant vandalism incident. At
approximately 11:40 p.m. on Thursday May 23, park natural resources along
the Douglas Springs Trail in the Rincon Mountain District (east) were
damaged or destroyed, including at least one saguaro cactus.

N.P.S. Law Enforcement Rangers are requesting the community’s help to
identify two persons of interest, believed to have knowledge of this event. “National Parks belong to all of us,” according to Chief Ranger Paul
Austin. “We take all incidents of damage to park resources very
seriously. These incidents are investigated and those individuals found to
be involved will be held responsible”.

Anyone with information regarding this or other illegal activity in Saguaro
National Park is encouraged to contact the park information hotline at
(520)733-5150. Callers can remain anonymous.

Once again, please let me know if you don't feel comfortable coming forward and I'll happily pass any info along on your behalf.

I have no idea if these two are considered suspects or if they were just on the trail at about the time that the incident supposedly took place and could have seen something. My understanding is that several plants and cacti were damaged by machete. Pretty pathetic stuff.

The photos I saw earlier were a bit fuzzy but nevertheless it was obvious that anyone who knows those guys would have recognized them. I'll bet someone will come forward. If no one comes forward pretty soon, then a reward should be offered.

Thanks to the sequestration the Park is barely scraping by. The Friends' group could offer it, though...

I'm not one to judge or stereotype (ok maybe I do) but I can say those 2 hillbillies did it!

what part of the trail were they on that they got such good pictures of those fools?

ASUAviator wrote:those 2 hillbillies did it!

At least they weren't rednecks!

That one fool smiled for the camera. I hope this doesn't encourage legislation attempting to ban Machetes.

It happened right near the trailhead, but that's about all the detail I know...

@beterarcher: The next thing you know, you'll have to go and present ID to get them unlocked from a special counter.

the two "persons of interest" have come forward: http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/209032111.html. they have apparently not been charged.

They were just charged. Chalk one up for the good guys.

cindyl wrote:the two "persons of interest" have come forward: http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/209032111.html. they have apparently not been charged.

The story was later updated to indicate that two men have been charged.

So, maybe a lawyer or family member told them if they didn't come forward to confess, it would be worse for them when they were caught?

(Sure was a poor newscast. Wow. I knew that local news presentations have gone downhill since I quit watching TV, but I had no idea they had gotten this bad.)

@azbackpackr
Channel 9 is by far the worst of the local newscasts for Tucson.

Two Men Charged for Vandalism in Saguaro National Park

Tucson, AZ – Two men, identified as Beau Campbell and Colton Salazar, have been charged with violations of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations in response to vandalism which occurred on May 23. Both Campbell and Salazar will be issued dates of mandatory appearance in Federal Court. Saguaro National Park is requesting the cost of restoring the damaged resources as restitution.

One saguaro, two barrel cacti and one palo verde tree were severely damaged at approximately 11:40pm, on May 23 along the Douglas Springs Trail in Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District (east). These two individuals do not appear to be involved in an earlier vandalism incident in the same area of the park on May 11, which remains under investigation.

In response to the earlier vandalism case, rangers placed motion sensing cameras in the area and captured images of the two men. In an attempt to identify and locate the two individuals, images were released to the public on May 27. Both men in the photographs independently contacted NPS law enforcement, identified themselves, and are cooperating fully with investigators.

“We are immensely grateful for the public’s assistance in helping to protect Tucson’s backyard national park,” according to Chief Ranger Paul Austin. “We take our responsibility to protect the resources placed in our care seriously.”

The Park continues to request the public’s help in regards to the May 11 vandalism incident. Please call 520 733 5150 with any information. This information will be confidential and caller’s identities can remain anonymous.

Chief Ranger Austin added a reminder that, “individuals charged in an offense are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

jeffmacewen wrote:Saguaro National Park is requesting the cost of restoring the damaged resources as restitution.

And what exactly is the cost of "restoring" several hundred year old cacti?

eye for an eye, arm for an arm?

chumley wrote:

jeffmacewen wrote:Saguaro National Park is requesting the cost of restoring the damaged resources as restitution.

And what exactly is the cost of "restoring" several hundred year old cacti?

I asked...apparently, it will involve the ecology and trail maintenance folks trying to replace the damaged cacti with others that are about the same size, dimensions, etc. I agree, they're essentially irreplaceable.

Personally, I'd like to see them both wearing GITMO-style orange jumpsuits out there walking the trails throughout the Cactus Forest picking up every piece of litter and doing whatever other maintenance the Park needs. Part of that punishment should be that they be polite and courteous and explain what they're doing and why to anyone who comes along and asks.