The restroom facility destroyed by the pipe bomb. NPS photo.
At a time when budgets are tight for government agencies and citizens alike, it's a shame when senseless vandalism results in destruction of facilities intended for the common good. That was certainly the case at Saint Croix National Scenic River, where a pipe bomb was used to blow up a restroom.
It's a challenge to provide basic facilities such as restrooms at locations along rivers where periodic flooding can occur, so the park had constructed a small structure specially designed to be flood-proof at Old Railroad Landing, a remote camping, trail and boat launch area.
Unfortunately, it wasn't immune to human mischief.
On March 9th, the park received a report of vandalism at Old Railroad Landing, but investigation revealed this wasn't a typical incident--the restroom facility had been destroyed by what appeared to have been a bomb.
Ranger Rod Turner served as lead investigator, and coordinated a multi-agency investigation team that included the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. According to a park spokesman, evidence painstakingly collected and documented at the scene indicated that the explosive device was a PVC pipe bomb, and, through forensic analysis, a suspect was identified.
Further investigation and subsequent search warrants and subpoenas revealed that the suspect, Travis Chinander, had purchased the material to construct the bomb at local stores. Chinander was arrested on state felony charges and is awaiting federal charges.
Work on the case is continuing, but no specific reason for the bombing has yet been identified.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I was taught that it was a sign of maturity to "let the easy ones go". There are SO many good one-liners here I wouldn't know where to begin anyway. Audience, fire away as you see fit.
a remote practice session for something more urban down the road?
I can see why the government is becoming more concerned about home grown terrorism. This - on the heels of that disturbing incident at a Denver shopping mall - are definitely indicative of a trend of disgruntled individuals that are becoming more violent.
My bet is that he liked thing that went boom and had terrible judgement. Stupid in any case. I detest vandalism and hope they slap him around some for all of us.
The unibomber was a violent and disgruntled individual. Charles Manson was a disgruntled individual. Adolf Hitler was a violent and disgruntled individual. The man who blows up a John in the midde of nowhere probably isn't disgruntled. He probably isn't even overtly violent. He was more than likely bored and high.
There's a lesson here: Next time you're bored and high, don't pick a quiet piece of FEDERAL PROPERTY to "have fun" on. Them Feds like having fun stuff to do.
If this had taken place in the southeast, I would have bet that before he lit the fuse he said "...Hey y'all... hold my beer and watch this!"