A reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of individuals behind this vandalism at Cape Hatteras National Seashore./NPS
Joy riders out for a wild time ripped up parts of the Cape Point Campground at Cape Hatteras National Seashore with their free-wheeling.
Park rangers say the vandalism occurred last Tuesday night when someone drove through vegetated areas in multiple loops of the campground, destroying "significant areas of sensitive grass and low lying areas with tire tracks."
The national seashore closes its campgrounds annually during the winter months to camping activities but allow access for public entry to observe wildlife, wintering shorebirds, and jogging and walking enthusiasts.
"The recent senseless crime committed by vandals driving off-road, spinning tires, doing 'donuts' and circles in the grass, running over carsonite signs, breaking fences and ballards, and destroying the landscape leaves park managers puzzled," officials said in a release.
'We now may have to spend thousands of dollars to repair the landscape when those funds could be better spent on public access projects and more constructive amenities for our visiting public," said Superintendent David Hallac. 'The damage to public lands belonging to our local communities was unnecessary and may temporarily ruin the opportunity for others to enjoy the solitude of the winter season campground access.'
NPS law enforcement personnel continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the National Park Service directly at 252-475-9010. To leave anonymous information, you can contact the Dare Community Crime Line at 252-473-3111 or 800-745-2746. A reward for any information leading to a conviction in this case is being offered.
Destruction of government property is a federal criminal violation; each incident is subject up to a $5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.
Comments
What a bunch of d-a's - hope they get caught and have to pay a HUGE fine and the costs of repairs!!
Thank you beachdumb. Good response.
I am disappointed by the amount of support these vandals are getting in some of these comments.
Where do you see anyone giving them support?
I don't care for the local ORV orgs politics concerning CHNS but I can assure readers they find that kind of activity just as disgusting as me. Most likely this is youngsters and involves alcohol.
Minimizing the damage at first sounded to me like someone was preparing to confess and starting to mount his defense argument.
Looks more like 4x4 truck tracks to me, what a mess.
Appears to be pickup size tracks with positive traction like a 4x4 would have. Doesn't appear to be in-4wd based on the pics. It's a shame, no question. That area has an unfortunate history of vandalism like I suspect there are in other parks, especially in the off season.
Long ago, I had some of the best times of my life staying at that campground. We would mostly sleep there during the day and surf fish Cape Point, just behind the campground, from dusk till dawn.