The Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (FNRGNPP) has joined Crime Stoppers of West Virginia to provide a cash reward for information that results in solving the crime that occurred on either the evening of Dec. 20 or the morning of Dec. 21 when one of the park’s most popular areas, the Long Point Trail, was vandalized by spray paint.
A report of the incident came in on the morning of Dec. 21, 2024. NPS law enforcement responded to discover around ten trees and several rocks had been spray-painted red, some with words and others just markings. Rangers stated that, while some of the language drew question of a possible suicide, there was nothing to substantiate that anything beyond vandalism had occurred.
The incident has received a great deal of coverage on social media, and although a few tips have come in via the hotline and directly to the park, to date nothing has led to an arrest.
“We join the public in their outrage over this,” said Teddy Queen, board member of the FNRGNPP. “Long Point is one of iconic trails of the park, and while anything such as this that occurs in any public space is awful, this one really hurts. Long Point is loved by so many.”
Last week the FNRGNPP decided to donate an additional $500 to provide additional incentive to the public for information. Up to $500 is already being offered by Crime Stoppers of WV bringing the total reward to $1,000. The rewards established by both non-profit groups are for tips that lead to the conviction of those responsible for the crime.
“The Friends group is the primary philanthropic partner for the park, and they help support us in a variety of ways,” said Park Superintendent Charles Sellars. “This is yet another example of that support and for that we can’t say thanks enough.”
Tips about the incident can be reported to Crime Stoppers of WV at 304-255-7867 or on their website at crimestopperswv.com. All tips are considered anonymous.
For current information and alerts about the park go to nps.gov/neri and follow on Facebook and Instagram. More information on the FNRGNPP can be found at friendsofnewriver.org and on Facebook.
Spray painted trees and rocks along the Long Point Trail