VALLEY — Several large interpretive signs and a few smaller signs along the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway were vandalized recently. The defaced signs are located on La Manga Pass and Cumbres Pass.

The signs were installed two years ago to share the story of the cultures and histories of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) and explain to visitors the rich history of the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic and Historic Byway.

The Portal signs signature project was a collaboration between the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, US Forest Service, Colorado Historical Society, Colorado Division of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, San Luis Valley Resource Area, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration, The Nature Conservancy, SLV Development Resource Group, SLV Youth Conservation Corps, Conejos County Road and Bridge, CDOT, ALCON, Ion Graphics, Chris Oritz and Van Iwaarden Builders Inc.

Some of the signs that were graffitied gave information about local trails, wildlife of the region, stories of heritage and fiber art legend Eppie Archuleta. The Los Caminos Byway is currently run by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. SdCNHA preserves the history, religion, culture, and biodiversity of Costilla, Conejos and Alamosa counties. These counties are special places in the nation’s history known for their unique culture and identity, as well as being great locations to live and visit.

“We are saddened by this recent act of vandalism that disrespects the hard work of many people that went into creating and installing the interpretive signs. The people of El Valle del San Luis are proud of the history, culture, tradition, and heritage unique to this area and an act such as this dishonors the entire community not just the organizations that gave time and funds toward this project,” said Tori Martinez, executive director for SdCNHA.

The local community, along with SdCNHA are stewards of our land, water, natural environment, culture, history and heritage. Stewardship is taking on the responsibility to safeguard the valuables of others. The quality of the local environment is a key element in what makes these communities a good place to live and visit. Whether a place looks clean, tidy and pleasant can affect people’s interpretation of the area. Some visitation to this beautiful part of Colorado is encouraged, but the local community ask that visitors respect what is special, sacred, and valuable here.

“There are several organizations that have been collaborating to get our youth and visitors out into our public lands. We are working to teach them about the importance of being stewards to our local areas, to take care of our lands and share our stories. When we show up to a site that is defaced it really has a negative impact on their moral, community pride, and in the work that they are doing,” said Anne Lee Vargas, board member of SdCNHA.

Part of the local economy is based on tourism and tourists like to come to a beautiful, clean and safe place--and graffiti doesn’t represent any of those characteristics nor does it reflect the deep care local organizations have for the land, people and heritage of this unique area. SdCNHA has filed a police report and is now asking the public for any information they may have regarding these tags. Work is being done to get these issues resolved as soon as possible.

To report any information regarding this incident or to volunteer in the clean up please contact SdCNHA at (719) 580-4070 or at [email protected].