$1,000 reward targets rock art vandalism

PRICE — Vandalism discovered on one of the most significant rock art sites in Utah has led two agencies to offer a $1,000 reward for information on the perpetrators.

Bureau of Land Management officers discovered the defacement on the Buckhorn Pictograph Panel in the San Rafael Swell on July 24.

By later this month, they hope to have a leading rock art conservator remove the graffiti.

Both the BLM and Emery County are offering the reward in an attempt to apprehend and convict the suspects, who used a chalky substance to scrawl "I love you Wendy," near the rock art, which is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old. The name "Sherrie" was also found scrawled in charcoal next to another pictograph.

In 1995, the Emery County Commission spent more than $100,000 to remove graffiti from the site and improve the area in anticipation of Utah's Centennial observation.

Those with information on the latest graffiti can call (800) 722-3998. Reporting parties will remain anonymous.