A few months ago, a huge amount of vandalism was discovered at Hidden Forest Cave in Deschutes National Forest. When we first featured the story, there were no leads, and a local caving group had started pooling money for a reward if tips led to an arrest. It looks like the efforts of those involved to getting the word out helped, and last month Forest Service law enforcement officials apprehended the vandals that did so much damage to the Hidden Forest Cave area.
Five suspects were identified and interviewed. A statement by the Forest Service said that “the case has been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice. The suspects may face misdemeanor, felony, or civil action in the matter.” More information has not been made available because the case is active.
So often with stories like this, the vandals or perpetrators of crimes are never apprehended. The Forest Service acknowledged the efforts that were put into the search for the vandals by local caving group, Oregon High Desert Grotto, as well as local police and Crime Stoppers. Oregon High Desert Grotto actually received so many donations to the reward fund that they raised more funds than needed for a sufficient reward. Excess funds will be donated to restoration efforts of Hidden Forest Cave and surrounding areas that have been hit by vandals.
Restoration has not yet begun but a plan to restore the area will be developed once the full extent of the damage has been assessed. The vandalism was excessive, so when restoration work does begin, those working on the project will have a lot of work ahead of them. It is hard to say if they will even be able to completely restore the area, but Jean Nelson-Dean, the forest’s public affairs officer hopes that they will have a plan developed very soon.
These vandals should be made to serve their time working on the restoration. Surely there will be a lot of grunt work they can be easily trained for. They should to be around people who really care about Nature more than they need to be around hardened criminals, even if they are returned to prison after a day’s work restoring the area.
Linda is correct.
I hope he/she who sets up punishment or somebody related reads her comment.
Serving time in jail will not change these vandals, it may stop them from vandalizing caves but they will continue to be criminals