WISE, VA. — Last week, vandals damaged one of the two signature boards at High Knob Tower in Wise. These boards were installed when the new tower was constructed to give visitors a place to leave their mark without defacing the rest of the tower. The vandalism means that many of the signatures and quotes left by visitors the past few years have been lost.

Recently, Forest visitors and employees have been finding trash, including piles of household garbage, dumped in forest recreation areas. Any form of trash creates a health and safety hazard for people, pets and wildlife.

In addition, illegal off-road vehicle use near Birch Knob Tower and Mullins Pond Road in Dickenson County has damaged natural resources. Motor vehicles licensed under Virginia law for general operation on public roads are authorized for use only on designated National Forest roads. Motorized vehicle use off-road is prohibited.

The Forest Service asks to discourage and report vandalism and off-road driving when you see it. Call Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, David Ford, at 276-679-8370 extension 225 to report these and any other activities that damage public lands. Purposely damaging public resources could result in fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.

Contact the Clinch Ranger District office in Norton, Virginia at (276) 679-8370 for more information.