Bog Boardwalk plagued by vanadalism

It’s been a rough year for the Orono Bog Boardwalk, with vandals having damaged the boardwalk four times since May 1.

According to reports the latest incident was this past week, when nearly a dozen railings were knocked from the boardwalk, which draws tens of thousands of visitors annually. Some of the damaged railings were thrown into the bog.

Bog Boardwalk Director Jim Bird said incidents of senseless vandalism are common at the boardwalk, with there been one or too incidents annually in recent years. While the damage usually is minor, it still takes up valuable time to repair. There have been more serious incidents, however; in 2010 about two dozens benches were pulled up and smashed through floorboards on the boardwalk; the following year, part of the boardwalk was heavily damaged. In both cases, the boardwalk had to be temporarily closed.

This past week’s damage took place sometime after 6:30 p.m. On Aug. 9 Anyone with information is asked to call local police.