Death Valley National Park’s fragile desert ecosystem took a major hit this week. A truck violated the law by going off-road and damaging several rare plant species. The authorities are seeking the public’s help to find the driver.
Now, the park service is asking for any information that could identify the culprits.
Death Valley National Park Vandalism: The Incident
According to a National Park Service (NPS) press release, on Dec. 17, a white 2021 Toyota Tacoma illegally drove off-road for 5 miles in the Eureka Dunes area of the California national park.
The Eureka Dunes, where only foot travel is allowed, are a National Natural Landmark and are also known as an ecological island, as they contain many plant species that don’t exist anywhere else. The park is home to over 1,000 plant species.
The truck’s driving harmed or destroyed at least 74 kinds of plants. A notable plant that was damaged was the shining milkvetch, a rare species found only on sand dunes within the park.
The NPS also explained that “vehicle tracks passed close enough to other rare plants that the weight of the vehicle may have caused underground root damage. These include Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose and Eureka Valley dune grass.”
This is one of several recent incidents of vandalism in national parks. This week, reports surfaced of graffiti in Yosemite National Park.
The Investigation
Photographs show that at least two people were in the truck at the time. The truck had California license plates, an equipment rack in the truck bed, and a black Fox Racing cover on the tailgate.
The park is asking anyone with possible information to come forward by submitting a tip online, emailing NPS (nps_isb@nps.gov), or by calling 888-653-0009.
“Eureka Dunes are a special place meant to be enjoyed on foot,” Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said. “They are protected from off-road driving by both park regulations and their designation as wilderness. Please help us identify those responsible for damaging these fragile resources.”
