Vandals Disrupt Work to Restore Riverbanks in Missoula

Vandals have disrupted work to repair Clark Fork riverbanks in Missoula that had been damaged by flooding in recent years.

Missoula Parks and Recreation crews perform restoration planting every year along riparian areas under its management.

This year, crews put in a record 2,500 plants in its conservation areas.

But a day after plants were placed in one area, crews found that many had been pulled out of the ground. In addition, markings around the plants had been destroyed.

After discovering the vandalism, Parks and Rec replanted the vegetation. But officials tell the Missoulian (http://bit.ly/1Fchbpp ) that the budget and stock of plants to replace the vandalized areas is limited.