LACK OF RESPECT — A marijuana leaf dominates multi-color graffiti that was spray painted last week on rock barriers at the main entrance of the Holt Pond Preserve.

Some vandals apparently believe rocks make a good canvas for their art.

Their work was hardly appreciated at the Holt Pond Preserve parking lot.

Vandals defaced the rock barriers at the Holt Pond Preserve parking lot last week. All of the large rocks were spray painted and had to be painted over. The preserve is open to the public and the Grist Mill Road parking lot is the main entrance.

Lakes Environmental Association operates the preserve, which includes a square mile of streams, wetlands, woods and Holt Pond itself. There is an extensive trail system, including wetland boardwalks. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating and snowmobiling are all welcomed.

LEA Executive Director Peter Lowell was disappointed at the lack of respect for preserve property.

“The actions of a few force us to consider restrictions on times of operation and parking lot access,” Lowell commented last Friday.

LEA is seeking help from the public in identifying those responsible and is offering a $250 reward for information that will allow a successful prosecution of the vandals. The first person offering information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible will be rewarded and identity will be kept confidential.

“I would hope that those who enjoy the unrestricted access to the preserve’s many opportunities will join us in strengthening stewardship for the land,” Lowell said. “LEA has limited resources to address this type of damage.”

Earlier this summer, vandals kicked in a wall at the preserve’s outhouse building. The reward also applies to that event.

Information on Holt Pond Preserve can be found on LEA’s website: www.mainelakes.org and LEA can be reached by calling 647-8580 or by e-mail at lakes@leamaine.org