BLM offers reward for information on vandalism case
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(MILES CITY, Mont.) – Historical remnants left by long-ago Montanans are a rarity that informs local history; reminding each of us that we are not the first people to call this place home. When these relics of the past are destroyed, we all lose out.
The Bureau of Land Management is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of any person or persons involved in the destruction of historic petroglyphs located on BLM-administered lands in the Pumpkin Creek area south of Miles City.
The incident took place sometime between Sept. 4, 2017 and Nov. 25, 2017 and was reported to the Miles City Field Office by a concerned citizen familiar with the area. Unfortunately, names had been newly carved into the rock panel and a historic figure was obliterated by a careless shooter who used it for target practice.
The defaced rock panel features several historic inscriptions, or “petroglyphs,” previously documented by BLM archaeologists. They are a vanishing resource, lucky to survive untold decades for modern recreationists to enjoy and reflect upon.
Public Lands are a resource that belongs to everyone. If you, or someone you know has any knowledge that may help this ongoing investigation, please call the BLM at 406-233-2830 or 406-896-5010. The names of callers will be kept anonymous.
BLM Public Land is your land. Do your part and help care for it.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.