From the Idaho
News 2
June 12, 2003
Boise Families Cited For Illegal Camps Near Dworshak Reservoir
By Jon Hanian
State and federal officials says the leader of a group of up to 12
families
from Boise were cited recently for destroying government property
and
unauthorized construction on public land.
The Idaho Department of Lands discovered what appeared to be three
different camp sites in Magnus Bay which is near Dworshak Reservoir.
The families were said to be building structures, bridges, felling trees
and
excavating ground over a one to two acre site that includes federal and
state land. Officials say the illegal construction of that site took place
over
several seasons and has damaged habitat.
State officials say some in the group said they were building there because
of an impending meteor strike on the planet which some referred to
as 'Planet X.'
Dutch Meier, Chief of Public Affairs for the Walla Walla District of the
Army Corps of Engeineers said just the leader of the group
was cited,
"Several agencies sent enforcement officials in to examine the site
and to find
the group or group leader. That all happened on the 23rd of May. Reportedly
they were cooperative."
The Boise leader of the group was cited with destruction of government
property
and unauthorized construction. He will have to appear before a federal
magistrate.
That investigation is continuing.