Capitol Reef National Park officials investigating vandalism incident at backcountry site

Capitol Reef National Park officials investigating vandalism incident at backcountry site

(Courtesy of Mason McCord)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Law enforcement officials at Capitol Reef National Park are investigating a vandalism incident in a remote location of the park.

The vandalism was first reported on June 6 at the Temple of the Moon in the far northeast section of the park, park spokeswoman Lori Rome confirmed to KSL.com Tuesday.

Photos posted on Reddit last week show white markings near the base of the rock formation. The markings depict an eye and the letters “MMGB” on the left side of the eye drawing.

Park staffers documented the vandalism on June 8, Rome said. It measures about 28 inches in length and is about 17 inches tall and is "deeply gouged" in the rock, according to a news release from the park.

Resource management officials at the park are working to determine the extent of the damage and what it will cost to rehabilitate the site, Rome added.

"National Parks are treasured lands and protect our national heritage," the news release states. "Graffiti is vandalism, and it is extremely hard, and costly, to remove. It is also illegal."

No other details about the vandalism and the investigation were available on Wednesday. Park officials are asking anyone who may have information about the vandalism to contact them.

The National Park Service accepts tips that will aid with active investigations, or from those who want to report suspicious activity in park sites. The tips can be anonymous.

Anyone who witnessed something suspicious in a park may call or text the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch at 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.

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