Vandalism Strikes Coldwater Lake Recreation Area
The popular Coldwater Lake Recreation Area at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument recently fell victim to a disheartening act of vandalism. The incident, which took place on either Oct. 9 or Oct. 10, saw significant damage to the restrooms at the picnic site. Three toilets and one urinal were completely smashed, and sink fixtures and plumbing were also damaged.
Park ranger Rebecca Hoffman expressed her dismay, noting that the vandalism negatively impacts the popular recreation site. The estimated cost to repair the damages is around $10,000 or more. This unfortunate event will divert limited staff and funds from managing and maintaining other recreation facilities on the forest.
Damaging any property of the United States can lead to severe penalties, including a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. The level of destruction that occurred at Coldwater Lake Recreation Area is also considered a felony under United States code.
Local law enforcement has observed a significant increase in theft and vandalism on forest lands. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or vandalism they witness.
