Coronado National Memorial (AZ)
Restitution Settlement Arrived At In Vandalism Case
Two visitors vandalized the entrance of Coronado Cave with graffiti in February. However, a remote wildlife camera captured their images while in the act of vandalizing the cave, one of the park’s most popular features. Rangers working the case prepared a press release, seeking assistance in identifying the pair. The press release was picked up and distributed by local newspapers and TV stations; within a day, the two vandals called the park to confess. In order to mitigate damages to the cave entrance, resource management staff created a graffiti concealment and restoration plan and implemented treatments to the affected area. Following this restoration work, rangers worked with the Investigative Service Branch, US Attorney’s Office and the guilty parties to finalize a restitution settlement. By quickly concealing the damage to Coronado Cave and resolving the case, park staff hope to deter future vandalism of this resource.