Stolen Signs and Trash Dumping at Lake Como [AUDIO]

The Bitterroot National Forest is asking for the public’s help in identifying whoever is stealing signs from the Lake Como Recreation Area near Darby.

In the last several months, someone has stolen 10 signs from the recreation area, including 4 stop signs and 6 recreation symbol signs. Forest officials also recently discovered an illegal dumpsite filled with trash on the north side of the lake. The cost of replacing the stolen signs and cleaning up the garbage is more than $2,500.

Spokesman Tod McKay says each year, the Bitterroot National Forest spends approximately $25,000 replacing stolen and damaged signs, broken posts, repairing vandalized buildings, and picking up trash that has been dumped illegally on the National Forest.

Stealing signs and vandalism on Forest Service lands is prohibited and violators face substantial fines of up to $5,000. Please respect your National Forest lands and sites and help the Forest Service cut back on the unnecessary costs associated with theft by reporting any illegal activity or vandalized property. Anyone with information about the stolen signs or illegal dumpsite at Lake Como is encouraged to call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) or the Darby Ranger District at (406) 821-3913. Callers can remain anonymous.

Spokesman Tod McKay