"Green" Vandals Take Big Toll
On Fences In Central Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. — Vandals claiming to be "Islamic Jihad Ecoterrorists" caused at least $100,000 in damage by cutting fences on several central Wyoming ranches recently, officials said.

They apparently timed their attack to coincide with the annual meeting of the Wyoming Cattlemen’s Association, reasoning that most ranchers would be away from home.

In addition to the damage itself, ranchers are worried because cattle from different herds have already mixed, said Sgt. Mike Sanfort of the Natrona County Sheriff's Office.

"After three solid days of rain, ranchers are still trying to finish branding ... now we have to worry about our herds mixing before we can repair all the damage," said Gaynell Park of Dumbell Ranch.

Park said she is angry and confused about the group's motive.

"(These people don't understand that) ranchers work hard. In addition to that, ranchers do what they can to contribute to their communities ... how is this action helping anyone?" she asked.

More than 150 cuts were made to fences adjoining federal, private, and state lands in Natrona, Fremont and Carbon counties, causing at least $100,000 in damage, according to the Natrona County Sheriff's office.

At least two people traveled down county roads, cutting fences and leaving notes under rocks and nailed to posts, says to Sgt. Mike Sanfort of the Natrona County Sheriff's Office.

The notes contained statements calling for "no more welfare for cowboys" and "just in time for the welfare cowboy's convention."

The vandals, who could be charged with felony property damage and trespassing, began approximately 50 miles west of Casper on Dry Creek Road and extended north and northwest on Orr Road through the Gas Hills, officials said.

The Clear Creek Cattle Company, where more than 700 feet of fence was cut, suffered the most damage, officials said.

Park said the vandals targeted areas where BLM land is intermittently dispersed among private lands.

"It is obvious these people are well informed about where public and private land exist," she said.

Jennifer McIntosh of the McIntosh Ranch said she suspects those areas were targeted because the group wants ranchers off public lands.