Two men indicted for damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead

Two men from Henderson, Nevada, have been indicted for allegedly causing significant damage to ancient rock formations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. On April 7, 2024, Payden David Guy Cosper and Wyatt Clifford Fain reportedly pushed large chunks of these formations over a cliff near the Redstone Dunes Trail, resulting in damages exceeding $1,000. The incident was captured on video, prompting an investigation by the National Park Service and the arrest of the suspects by the United States Marshals Service. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to a charge of injury and depredation of government property during their arraignment. Their attorneys argue that there were no clear signs indicating that the area was federally protected or that pushing rocks was unlawful. Cosper's attorney stated that his client was unaware of the legal implications until law enforcement intervened months later. The case has drawn significant attention, with park officials expressing outrage over the destruction of the formations, which are remnants of 140-million-year-old sand dunes. The spokesperson for the recreation area described the act as “appalling,” questioning the motivations behind such destructive behavior in a beloved natural setting. A jury trial is scheduled for October 8, 2024, and if convicted, both men could face up to 10 years in prison. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the preservation of natural resources and the impact of human actions on protected sites, especially in the context of increasing visitor numbers to the park.