Vandalism Durango, Turtle Lake

This evening myself, girlfriend and partner were bouldering at Turtle Lake at dusk we encountered 4 Native American men probably early twenties, scrambling around on the rock and messing around. We even said hi as we walked by and they asked if we were climbing further back, which we were. The men scrambled all around and we saw them walk several times. We made are way to Birdhole boulder when my partner smelled paint the had vandalized the south face of birdhole rock with us standing not 50 feet away! My partner and I ran to the lot to see one of the vehicles drive away we got the plate of the other a white SUV, Arizona Plate 8967, they also had a parking permit for Fort Lewis College. If you are climbing in the Durango area and encounter 4 Native men who are clearly not climbers, keep a very close eye on them. Big East Bock and Eastern block were also vandalized. We filed a report, hopefully something will be done.

How pathetic. I'm probably going to head out there this afternoon. I could buy some paint remover, but I'm sure there could be some ethical considerations regarding that, but probably no worse than the spray paint. Was it on any of the problems?

That would be awesome, I would not mind helping pitch for some paint remover. The police department did get back to me and said that this is an issue the city takes seriously, especially since a traffic sign was vandalized as well, so there is hope that something will be done. The problems we noticed that were effected were the dyno on eastern block, the layback arête on eastern block and the traverse. On west block the top of the boulder around the back was painted. On birdhole boulder the arête problem on the south face directly around the corner from birdhole. There could be more but this is what we noticed.

You guys might try one of the newer paint remover products. The brand I've used is called "Safer" and is non-toxic and water soluble. It does take a lot more time than traditional removers, but you wash it off with water. Just a thought.

Wow, so lame. I can pitch in funds and/or effort to help cleanup. Traveling for work through Friday but will be around this weekend and next week.

Hey Tate,

Did you file the report with the La Plata Sheriff's department? If so, can I have a report number? It would be great to loop in Fort Lewis Police as everyone that has a permit to park has to register their license plate.

I didnt have time Monday, but I'll stop by Home Depot today and grab some remover. I'll get the least toxic I can find and be very careful on the problems you listed. Don't want to be that guy.

I did contact the Durango Police Department, but conducted the interview over phone. So I do not have a number. Steven if you would like help, let me know and I will join you.

I went out there this afternoon and did some scrubbing. I was only able to get to two of the "paintings," and even then they need some more work. Two bottles of eco friendly graffiti remover and a soft brush weren't as effective as I had hoped. I counted 6 spots all together. I'll be back out on Saturday morning, probably 9ish. I'm also posting on the rock lounge's Facebook.

Awesome thanks Steven I will try to get out there Saturday morning to help-out.

Much appreciated. See you there!

Thanks for stepping up.

If they did some Native American themed artwork maybe it could qualify as an archaeologic painting instead.

They also left "pottery shards." They appeared to hold approx. 40 oz of, I'm assuming ceremonial beverages.

Ana Tine wrote:If they did some Native American themed artwork maybe it could qualify as an archaeologic painting instead.

Steven Groetken wrote:They also left "pottery shards." They appeared to hold approx. 40 oz of, I'm assuming ceremonial beverages.

I think these comments are intended to be funny. To me they read like mean-spirited mocking, not toward these four individuals who trashed your climbing area, but toward an entire cultural group. I get that you're insulted and offended by these acts, but I don't see what's gained by the snarky invoking of cultural stereotypes.

Sorry to hear about your boulders; good luck cleaning off that paint.

Okay folks-
Everyone on earth has a cell phone these days. Take pics of people, and the car and plates. I Can't believe I'm saying this: you gotta get on the city and county cops, the FLC cops, and stay on em. People have to be held accountable for this kind of BS. We have to establish a precedent.
For cleanup, a product called Elephant Snot does pretty good: apply, leave 30/45 minutes, scrub heavily and rinse with water.

Kalil Oldham wrote: I think these comments are intended to be funny. To me they read like mean-spirited mocking, not toward these four individuals who trashed your climbing area, but toward an entire cultural group. I get that you're insulted and offended by these acts, but I don't see what's gained by the snarky invoking of cultural stereotypes. Sorry to hear about your boulders; good luck cleaning off that paint.

Uh oh, PC police out on patrol. Hands up don't shoot! But really, they were pretty funny, aaaaaaand I could completely, utterly, wholeheartedly, care less about feelings. Silly words are easier to wash off than enamel paint, trust me on this.

Steven Groetken wrote: Uh oh, PC police out on patrol. Hands up don't shoot!

And now, apparently, you've turned to mocking those people who dare to express concern and alarm that police in several American cities have recently (and not so recently) shot several unarmed mean to death without cause. Will you spare no one from your incisive social commentary? A true soldier in the name of all that is just and righteous. Way to tell it like it is. Bravo.

Pump yer brakes Steven! Some proud Natives who climb around theas parts might be offended?

Steve, I'm sure your pissed. Me too. But your comments are pretty beat. MP is not place for 'em. Im sure you were trying to be funny, but you kinda blew it. Why don't you delete your comment, Ana, Kalil, Devin and I can do the same. A lot of people read this and I reckon disparaging a people for the actions of a handful of kids from who knows what background doesn't really light anyone positively. Silly words don't actually wash off the internet.

Devin Fin wrote:Pump yer brakes Steven! Some proud Natives who climb around theas parts might be offended?

I'm registered with the BIA and have a card just in case I ever need to utilize the services on the Rez. I don't ever plan to. Seriously though, I'm heading back Tomorrow morning at 9am with about $100 worth of supplies if anybody in the area wants to help pitch in labor. If not, I have no problem cleaning up the artifacts on my own. And now back to your regularly scheduled white knight crusader content.