As updates on the investigation into the vandalism, the arrest and conviction of the guilty party are obtained, they will be posted here.
3/13/2015
See this link to the Keokuk Daily Gate paper regarding the arrest for criminal mischief at Shimek State Forest of Stacy Schlicher who lives only a few minutes away from the Forest .
http://www.dailygate.com/news/article_d6ebc51e-c99f-11e4-b82d-3b8ef9b3d578.html
3/12/2015 3:00 PM
DNR Technician Cody Brothersen and Shimek Forester John Byrd announced to Friends of Shimek volunteers this afternoon that a man has been arrested in the recent vandalism of Shimek State Forest Campgrounds. Look for further information to be publicly announced by the Lee County Sheriff's Department, maybe by tomorrow. Brothersen and FOS Volunteers had spent all day Thursday in Lick Creek and Brothersen and volunteers had worked on Monday at White Oak to help restore some of the damage and to better protect critical areas like water hydrants from such damage. Everyone was elated at the news that the a suspect has been arrested. We will provide further information when it is available.
3/4/15 8:00 AM
The investigation into the vandalism is being led by Cody Brothersen, DNR Technician for Lacey-Keosauqua Park and for Shimek State Forest campgrounds.
Cody reported this morning: " I met with the Lee County Sheriff's office yesterday. There is an ongoing investigation. I have contacted all the surrounding law enforcement offices to aid us in the apprehension of this person(s). I am sorry but this is all I can report at the moment. If anyone would like to talk with me regarding the incident, please fell free to call me at 319-931-9566 or you can e-mail me at cody.brothersen@dnr.iowa.gov."
3/2/15
This past weekend (Feb. 28-March 1), some person or persons driving a vehicle with a heavy bumper destroyed the hard work of many volunteers and cost all of us taxpayers several thousand dollars in materials and damaged trails and have made the campgrounds almost unusable. Friends of Shimek Secretary Lora Conrad announced this destruction to Friends of Shimek Volunteers with a heavy heart. She said: “We have all tried very hard to improve the facilities at Shimek with the help and extra funding from DNR, grants and donations of individuals. This mindless destruction is disgusting. Someone in the community is likely to know who committed these acts of destruction.” The White Oak campground had the kiosk knocked down and numerous posts broken off at the ground. The damage was found on Friday morning. But the worst damage was done Sunday afternoon after the snow quit when the vandals drove through the Shagbark Lake area and Lick Creek campgrounds and broke off 32 6-inch diameter site marker posts, broke through trail barriers, and drove on the trails with their vehicle. ATV tracks were also found. DNR staff estimate the materials cost alone at over $2,000 plus several thousand dollars in labor to take out the broken stumps of the posts and reinstall new posts, paint them and put signage on them. Anyone knowing who might have done this is urged to contact the Sheriff's office or contact the DNR Shimek office at 319-878-3811. Conrad added: “FOS Board members and volunteers are dismayed to realize we have vandals destroying what we are working to have for all community members who like to hike, or ride horses.”
Kiosk knocked down at White Oak
Posts broken off at Shagbark Lake
Posts marking and reserving campsites
broken off at Lick Creek.
Wanted to suggest that you would create a "go fund Me" type of fundraising account so individuallys across the state can donate. It is easy to share these, and it explodes across social media for great exposure.
ReplyDeleteMary: Thank you for the suggestion. We are looking into that right now.
ReplyDelete