For Immediate Release: Juniper Dunes Toilets Vandalized

Contact: Cheyne Rossbach (509) 536-1200
October 22, 2009
Release No: OR130-FY2010-003

SPOKANE, WA – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is investigating recent vandalism to two temporary toilets within the Juniper Dunes Off-Road Vehicle Area, located at the junction of Peterson Rd. and Juniper Rd, 12 miles northeast of Pasco, in Franklin County, Washington.

After shelving initial plans to install permanent toilets, the BLM placed four temporary toilets at the Juniper dunes off-load/parking area on October 1, 2009.

On October 16, 2009, the contractor who provided the temporary restroom facilities notified the BLM that someone had shot at two of the units, and the bullet holes had caused extensive damage.

The BLM has requested the contractor remove all toilet units to avoid further costs associated with replacement.

At this time the BLM does not plan to return temporary toilets to the Juniper Dunes Off-Road vehicle Area.

It is a federal offense to damage federally contracted equipment or facilities. The BLM will be conducting an investigation of the incident. Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact BLM Law Enforcement at (509) 536-1224.

The BLM manages more land (256 million acres) than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.