Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
typically former legal or trespass users of the property when the land was vacant. They often un-
intentionally destroy project infrastructure (e.g., erosion control measures, fencing) and biotic
elements (e.g., plantings, seeded areas).
WILLFUL ACTS OF DESTRUCTION
Trespassers who purposefully enter a restoration site to destroy elements of a restoration project
(e.g., irrigation systems, monitoring equipment) are typically individuals who do not want a project
to succeed. This type of vandalism is the most difficult to control because the perpetrators do not
respect signage, fencing, and other barriers.
THEFT
Sometimes individuals steal plants to put in their yards or to use elsewhere for other landscape
projects. Stealing of valuable components (e.g., sprinkler heads made of valuable metal) for resale
is also a potential problem.
We have found it is possible to minimize vandalism by understanding the social environment with-
in which each project is being constructed. Is the restoration site located in a rural area protected
by public land managers or private property owners? Is the project being constructed on open
space lands located in the middle of an urban area? Do the adjacent property owners support the
project, and are they willing to report vandalism? Does the local community see the project as a
benefit to their environment? In general, the greater the degree of stakeholder involvement, the
lesser the likelihood for vandalism and the greater the likelihood that vandals will be caught and
disciplined.
It is best to do advance planning that incorporates design features to deter vandalism. Following
are some measures that can be taken in advance:
• Installing educational signs explaining the purpose of the restoration project
• Installing temporary fencing around the project area
• Hiring a local neighbor to look after the site
• Hiring teenagers to water, weed, and care for plantings
• Installing larger-sized plants in areas where theft is a concern
• Burying the irrigation system in areas where trespassing is anticipated
• Getting neighbors involved in volunteer activities caring for the site
• Conducting public tours of the restoration project
• Educating law enforcement on the importance of protecting the site from unauthorized
visitor access
• Hiring security to look after the project site
Many project planners design structures to physically prevent access to a project site (e.g., fenc-
ing, off-road vehicle barriers) and inspirational signage (e.g., to psychologically deter vandalism).
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