Bandelier Requests Assistance from Public Regarding Illegal Site Damage

Duchess Castle was damaged by vandals recently.  The National Park Service needs your help to apprehend the individuals responsible.

NPS

US National Park Service (NPS) Rangers at Bandelier National Monument are seeking the public’s help with identifying those responsible for recent vandalism at Duchess Castle, a historic site in the Tsankawi Unit of Bandelier. Extensive damage was inflicted upon the site during two separate incidents in August 2017 and May 2018. The site has been significantly impacted and the damage is irreparable.

If you have information about these incidents that could help investigators, please call the Bandelier Crime Tip Line at 505-709-0077. Though you may remain anonymous, up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible.

The more than 400 sites across the National Park System preserve and protect our nation's unique natural and cultural heritage. When you visit, enjoy them and do no harm. Repair of vandalized sites, if even possible, is costly and time consuming, and often cannot restore the site to its former condition. Defacing any part of the national park or other public land you visit is disrespectful; it hurts and degrades the experience of other visitors. It is described as an act of cultural violence when perpetrated against such sites as pictograph panels, historic structures, and other places that existed before their designation as park sites. Disturbing wildlife or damaging their habitats can directly lead to their demise. These acts are also illegal.

You can help protect your treasured public lands. If you see something suspicious in any NPS location, stay safe and tell us about it. Talk to any NPS employee for help in reporting suspicious activity, or give the Special Agents of the NPS Investigative Services Branch a call. We understand that it may take time to reach park personnel and/or areas with cell or internet service. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:
·CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
·ONLINE www.nps.gov/ISB and click "Submit a Tip"
·EMAIL e-mail us
·MESSAGE via Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS


Remember - if you need to report an emergency, dial 9-1-1

For information about Bandelier National Monument, contact the Bandelier Visitor Center at 505-672-3861 x 517 or visit www.nps.gov/band, on Facebook, BandelierNPS.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at http://www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.