$500 reward offered for information on ATV trail equipment vandalism.

For the third time in recent months, ATV trail counters have been destroyed or vandalized on the Fishlake National Forest.

A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone destroying these trail counters.

The counters are used to monitor and collect information on use patterns and numbers of ATV users on the Paiute and Great Western Trail system. "The monitoring information collected from these counters has been instrumental in helping us receive trail grant money from the State of Utah and other grant institutes. The money is used to support trail maintenance and construction, build trail bridges and hire trail rangers to monitor trail use and be of assistance to those using the trails," said Max Reid, Fishlake National Forest public service staff officer.

"These counters are not cameras," said Reid. "They help us to determine use patterns so we know where to focus our time and money in helping to make our ATV trail system a great system".

There are 27 counters located across the Forest. They are generally placed in inconspicuous locations, mounted on trees or fence posts.

Of the three destroyed this summer and fall, one was taken, one was Shot Up and the third was broken. The cost to replace each counter runs approximately $750.

"Every time government property is destroyed, our ability to make a positive difference on the land is affected," said Reid. "Please help us by leaving the trail counters as you find them."

Anyone with information concerning the vandalized trail counters, should contact Maggie Williams, Fishlake National Forest law enforcement officer, at (435) 896-1085.

Information can also be left anonymously on the Sevier County Sheriff's department tip hotline at (435) 896-2650.