Thieves snag copper from USFS Tahoe sites
By Kathryn Reed
Copper thieves have hit the South Shore again; this time U.S. Forest Service structures.
USFS spokeswoman Cheva Heck told Lake Tahoe News the thieves caused “extensive damage in order to get to the copper.” She said it could cost as much as $200,000 to make the repairs at the Kiva picnic area, Fallen Leaf Campground, and Pope and Baldwin beaches.
The goal is to repair the damage by Memorial Day – the normal time the seasonal areas open for the summer.
Damage done by copper thieves to a USFS bathroom on the South Shore. Photo/USFS
The damage was discovered in the last several weeks.
Thieves this winter have also made off with copper pipes from Camp Concord, and Emerald Bay and D.L. Bliss state parks.
No one has been arrested in any of the heists and authorities have not identified any suspects.
The Forest Service is working with El Dorado County sheriff’s detectives to track down the culprits.
The violations, which include damaging and removing government property, carry the standard criminal penalty of fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail for each charge. The Forest Service said it could also pursue civil penalties aimed at recovering the cost of repairing the facilities.
Some of the sites had been recently renovated. Non-copper plumbing will be used when the fixes are made.
The copper plumbing is targeted because the pipes can fetch cash at scrap metal yards that will buy it.
Anyone with information may anonymously call Secret Witness Program at (530) 541.6800 or USFS law enforcement at (530) 545.9853.
Knowing these crooks are in the area you’d think the USFS would install cameras. And a $5000 fine is ridiculous. These guys should be hung upside down and their butts beaten to pulp. Better yet, our society has deteriorated so much, I’d vote for punishment similar to the Middle East. Steal once – lose a hand. Steal twice – lose the other hand. Steal three times – well you get the message. They’re laughing at all of us folks. Laughing all the way to the bank.
This means putting security (persons) at each facility which includes spending more of our tax dollars……..and ‘they’ are reducing money for our State Parks????????????
Historic places at Tahoe are part of Tahoe’s charm. What next?
Bushmaster cameras strategically placed at recreation sites would probably be the best option, as long as the units are quite when they engage in taking photos. These wouldn’t require extra “man” hours at tax payers expense.
With snow on the ground (except for right now when you could just drive around the gates and onto the paved surfaces) how did these guys access the restroom facilities, which are pretty far from the HWY? Did they use snowmobiles in the middle of the night?
I serious doubt if the USFS will spend money on anything that is optional (CCTV Cameras).
I am the person that started the boat wash program at Fallen Leaf Lake over 7 years ago, we have been asking the USFS to get involved at the Campground and wash hand launch vessels before they are launched into Fallen Leaf Lake. They have time and time again refused to do anything. We have even offered to provide, install, operate, and provide maintenance for the system at absolutely no cost the the USFS and they would not even entertain the idea. This being said, if Fallen Leaf Lake is ever infested by Aquatic Invasive species (Tahoe is full of them Eurasian Watermilfoil, Asian Clams, CurleyLeaf Pondweed, etc…) you can thank the USFS.
Karma works in very strange ways !!
Admittedly, I have not researched the law, but I believe there should be strong financial and criminal repercussions for buyers who work thieves. Unfortunately, there will always be a market for stolen property of any kind.