Cash Reward Offered For Information On Vandalism In The New River Gorge National Park

The Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Crime Stoppers of West Virginia are offering $1,000 for tips that lead to the conviction of those responsible for the defacement of the Long Point Trail.

On the morning of December 21 National Park Service (NPS) personnel discovered ten trees and several rocks on the trail had been spray-painted red with words and markings. Rangers stated that, while some of the language drew questions of possible self harm, there was nothing to substantiate that anything beyond vandalism had occurred.

Although a few tips have come in via a hotline and directly to the park, nothing has led to an arrest in the ensuing month. Vandalism of National Park Service property is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.

With overlooks to view both the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge, Long Point is one of the park’s most popular trails. NPS officials told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that cleanup efforts have been delayed due to the weather, but the Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have already offered to help with those efforts.