Public land vandalism shifts resources away from recreation improvements

RAWLINS (WNE)— The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office is asking the public to help protect recreation infrastructure on Wyoming’s public lands after a recent vandalism incident at the Continental Divide Campground (McCarty Canyon turnoff), where a vault toilet sustained significant damage from gunfire.

The incident damaged the vault toilet’s frame, door, hardware, and other infrastructure, resulting in repair and replacement costs estimated at approximately $5,550. The damage has now created additional maintenance demands for BLM staff and taken away funds set aside for other recreation projects.

“These vaults are the newest and nicest in the entire Rawlins Field Office. They are routinely praised by the public for their cleanliness and overall appearance. Had somebody been in there using those facilities, it could have been fatal. We ask the public to help protect these taxpayer-funded facilities by reporting those who produce these illegal actions on our public lands,” said Andy Williams, outdoor recreation planner with the BLM Rawlins Field Office.

Vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure on federal lands can result in costly repairs funded by taxpayer dollars. Recreation site maintenance, repairs, and replacements divert funding and staff time away from other public land priorities, including trail maintenance, facility improvements, habitat work and visitor services.

The BLM reminds visitors that damaging federal property is illegal and may result in fines, restitution, and criminal penalties under federal law.

This story was published on May 30, 2026.