Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100

NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay
Public Affairs Officer
(406) 363-7122
(406) 531-1130 - CELL
tgmckay@fs.fed.us
April 12, 2011

PUBLIC TIP LEADS TO IDENTIFICATION OF LAKE COMO VANDALS

Hamilton, MT. – A tip called in by the public to 1-800-TIP-MONT has helped Forest Service Law Enforcement
officials identify the individuals responsible for the recent vandalism at Lake Como. Vandals overturned
numerous picnic tables back on March 25th destroying at least one and damaging several others. The damage
was discovered by an officer on patrol.

According to Forest Service Law Enforcement the five individuals involved are all juveniles from the Bitterroot
Valley and all have confessed to being involved in the incident. Based on the investigation by FS Law
Enforcement Officers, no criminal charges will be filed at this time. However, the juveniles have agreed to pay
restitution to the US Forest Service for the damages caused and have volunteered to assist the Bitterroot
National Forest in repairing the broken picnic tables.

“We take vandalism on the Forest very seriously,” said Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King. “I
would like to thank the citizen who came forward and reported this information and also our Law Enforcement
Officers for their professionalism in conducting the investigation and resolving this matter.”

The names of the individuals will not be released as the Federal Privacy Act prohibits releasing such
information.

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