Since January 1st vandals have wracked up a $10,000 bill at the Big South Fork National Park.
Chief Ranger Matt Hudson says it's putting a strain on their already tight budget.
"It's a waste of all of our tax dollars," explains Hudson.
Rather than using the money for things like trail repairs or buying educational materials for school children, he says they have to replace things that were already there.
Earlier this month vandals knocked the roofs off two of the park's map stations.
It may seem like minor damage, but Hudson says when you add up the time spent documenting and repairing the bulletin boards it can cost $1,000 a pop.
There have been nine similarly minor but costly instances since January 1.
The park is enormous and Hudson says when vandals strike they rarely catch them in the act.
That's why he says they need the help of park visitors and neighbors.
"First and foremost we're federal law enforcement agents," says Hudson. "Our local residents and park neighbors are so important in helping us to deal with this."
Rob Andrys recently moved near the Mount Helen trail head in Big South.
He and his wife frequently host out-of-state trail-riders.
He says they also take evening walks to pick up litter and other debris left by careless visitors.
The vandalism concerns him because he's afraid it will tarnish the area's reputation.
"The vandals need to realize it's the tourism that brings the money," says Andrys. "People see this kind of wanton litter, broken bottles, it turns everyone off."
But he's also concerned for the safety of his horses.
"If one of my horse get's it's foot cut, that's a big deal," says Andrys.
The stunning landscape is preserved for the public's enjoyment. But it's still federal land.
"Any kind of offense that occurs here is a federal crime," says Hudson."It's a very serious crime that comes with serious penalties."
He encourages people with information about past vandalism, or who see vandals in the park to report it anonymously.
The tip line is 423-569-2404.