After a season of record high temperatures and the lowest lake level in years, the North Fork Community saw an explosion in day and evening use of recreation areas like Salmon Falls, North Fork Park and Three Pools. The remote and picturesque areas are filled with abundant forests, wildlife and river views that make Marion County a premier recreation destination. With the uptick in usage came an increase in injuries, littering, vandalism, trespassing and other criminal behavior that made everyday life challenging for the full time residents of the scenic canyon.
The Sheriff's Office and its partners have been working in collaboration with the residents and other community partners to address safety concerns brought by the large number of visitors. These projects have included park improvements, increased patrols and the installation of a 911 call box located at the Salmon Falls Recreation Area.
With limited, if any, cell service, the Salmon Falls call box was installed and wired over the winter, and the phone was set to be placed this spring, just prior to the recreation season. Unfortunately, vandals broke the box and post, and threw them over an embankment. Crews are now working to reinstall the post, box and finish the installation of the phone.
Commander Eric Hlad of the Enforcement Division stated, "It is disappointing that the senseless actions of a select few are delaying the installation of a vital and potentially lifesaving tool. Please, if you see someone tampering with, or damaging these phones or boxes, write down a description of the person or get a license plate, and report it to the Sheriff's Office immediately."
The Sheriff's Office is seeking any information that might lead to the arrest of the vandals. If you have any information, please call the Sheriff's Office at 503-588-5032. You may remain anonymous.
The Sheriff's Office and its partners have been working in collaboration with the residents and other community partners to address safety concerns brought by the large number of visitors. These projects have included park improvements, increased patrols and the installation of a 911 call box located at the Salmon Falls Recreation Area.
With limited, if any, cell service, the Salmon Falls call box was installed and wired over the winter, and the phone was set to be placed this spring, just prior to the recreation season. Unfortunately, vandals broke the box and post, and threw them over an embankment. Crews are now working to reinstall the post, box and finish the installation of the phone.
Commander Eric Hlad of the Enforcement Division stated, "It is disappointing that the senseless actions of a select few are delaying the installation of a vital and potentially lifesaving tool. Please, if you see someone tampering with, or damaging these phones or boxes, write down a description of the person or get a license plate, and report it to the Sheriff's Office immediately."
The Sheriff's Office is seeking any information that might lead to the arrest of the vandals. If you have any information, please call the Sheriff's Office at 503-588-5032. You may remain anonymous.