Vandalism to Kootenai Forest gates tops $10,000

Officials from the Kootenai National Forest are asking for information to identify those responsible for more than $10,000 worth of damages to seven forest road gates in the Swede Mountain discovered earlier this month.

In a press release, forest officials say they believe the damage occurred earlier this spring.

Forest roads 536, 533G, 533J, 533L, 533E, 533D and 4674 were found with their bell housings ripped out of the ground or bent, and the arm bars were badly bent in half or broken.

The U.S. Forest Service seasonally limits access to roads by closing gates for wildlife security, increasing big-game hunting opportunities and protecting road infrastructure from damage.

“Vandalism to Forest Service property is a significant and on-going problem on National Forest lands,” the press release states. “The cost to repair and replace property damaged by vandalism takes funds away from other management activities such as road and trail maintenance and recreational site maintenance on the Kootenai National Forest.

Those with any information concerning the incident are asked to contact the forest’s law enforcement division at 406-758-5297, or the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 406-293-4112.

A reward may be available for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible.