Tips sought on vandalism on Nature Conservancy lands

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are seeking information on a recent vandalism on The Nature Conservancy lands in the Placid Lake area near Spook Lake.

A driver, traveling in an area closed to vehicles, broke two gates and caused some damage to the roads and surrounding areas, resulting in damages estimated at around $4,000 to repair. The gates and areas impacted were in the Spook Lake and North Blanchard areas.

TNC is a private land partner that provides public access to lands like this on thousands of acres in western Montana, but incidents like this can impact those privileges as well as the natural resources.

Game wardens say that crimes like this one are often solved because of leads from the public and encourage anyone with information to make a report.

To provide information about this case or other crimes involving fish, wildlife, or parks regulations, visit myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont, call the FWP violation reporting hotline at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.