News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Information about Vandalism on Animas-La Plata Project Land

Media Contact: Mark Chiarito, 970-385-6577, mchiarito@usbr.gov
Justyn Hock, 970-248-0625, jhock@usbr.gov

For Release: January 05, 2011

Vandals recently damaged boundary fences on Animas-La Plata Project lands. Reclamation asks that anyone with information about this vandalism or any potential future vandalism contact the La Plata County Sherriff's Office at 970-385-2900 or Crimestoppers at 970-247-1112.

Crimestoppers also accepts tips submitted via text message or internet. You do not need to give your name, and you may be eligible for a substantial cash reward. For more information, visit durangolaplatacrimestoppers.org.

Reclamation is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information on this vandalism; contact Richard Volpe, Special Agent for the Bureau of Reclamation at 801-524-3894.

The penalty for willful destruction of federal government property is assessment of a fine and/or imprisonment up to 10 years (18 U.S.C 1361).

The area in and around Lake Nighthorse remains closed to public use until a recreation management entity is identified and appropriate recreation facilities are built to provide for public safety and protect resources from damage due to uncontrolled use. Trespassers may be subject to citation by La Plata County Sheriff.

In November, Reclamation and the Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District started developing a recreation plan which included a series of public meetings. The next step in the planning process is a design workshop scheduled for January 11 and 12, 2011.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.