Contributed Photo/Courtesy BLM: The cost to replace bullet-ridden signs along the route to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area cost taxpayers $2,613.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reported increased vandalism in BLM-managed lands in the Safford area.
Recently reported incidents include shooting signage along Haekel Road leading to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area and in areas of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.
The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is southeast of Safford and provides 2,000 acres of sand dunes utilized by off-road enthusiasts. The area also has camping spots and natural hot spring tubs to relax in after a day of riding.
According to the Safford Field Office, staff have recently observed 35 signs riddled with bullets, leaving some nearly unreadable. The cost to replace the damaged signs came to $2,613 of taxpayer money that could have been better utilized for site maintenance and improvements.
Additionally, signage and a toilet were riddled with bullet holes at the Indian Breadrocks Recreation Area in the Dos Cabezas Mountains.
