BLM offers reward for information on vandalism

The Bureau of Land Management has announced they are offering a $250 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the people involved in stealing and vandalizing fire rings at the Weston Hills Special Recreation Management Area.  

According to a report from the BLM, in October, the BLM discovered a fire ring to have been ripped from the ground and stolen despite being anchored with concrete. Additionally, multiple other fire rings have been vandalized since their installation.  

Weston Hills is located 25 miles north of Gillette and is a popular place for recreationists to four-wheel, hunt, and dispersed camp. Over the past several years, the BLM and U.S. Forest Service has worked to enhance the area by improving roads and trails, removing garbage, fixing fences, and providing facilities for users. Fire rings were installed for the convenience of campers, as well as to minimize wildfire risk and limit resource damage by establishing campsites.  

Unfortunately, the area has experienced multiple incidents of vandalism over the years and a portion of the time and money spent on improving the area goes towards fixing user-caused damage. In 2021, newly installed fire rings were vandalized within two months of being placed, and in 2014, a vault toilet on the Forest Service managed portion of the area was damaged by an explosion. The recreation area also sees persistent littering and resource damage from unauthorized off-roading, requiring constant cleanup and restoration efforts.  

“While it’s frustrating to fix and replace amenities that were put there for everyone to enjoy, the biggest impact is to the public,” Buffalo Field Manager Todd Yeager said. “Vandalism results in additional costs to the taxpayer and can take opportunities away from the people who use those sites. Rather than using additional funding to make areas like Weston Hills a better place, we’re left cleaning up after a few inconsiderate people.” 

Anyone with information may contact the BLM Buffalo Field Office at (307) 684-1100.