05/26/2026
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Apache Agency
would like to respectfully remind the public to help protect government equipment and property that is being used to serve our communities.
Recently, a dozer assigned to work near Cedar Creek was vandalized, resulting in significant damage to the equipment. Incidents like this not only create costly repairs, but also delay important work projects that directly benefit tribal members and surrounding communities.
Heavy equipment is often staged near active project areas for practical and operational reasons. Leaving equipment on site allows crews to efficiently resume work without the added time and expense of transporting machinery back and forth each day. This helps keep projects moving forward in a timely and cost effective way.
When equipment or vehicles are damaged, the impacts reach far beyond the machine itself. Repairs require funding, time, and manpower that could otherwise be directed toward community services, road improvements, land management efforts, and other essential projects.
We also respectfully ask those who spend time out on the land including ranchers, cattle associations, hunters, wood haulers, recreationists, and nearby community members to simply help be mindful and aware when passing through work areas. Many eyes in the community help protect resources that ultimately serve everyone.
It is also important to understand that equipment such as this may be needed during emergency response situations, including wildland fire operations and road access during critical incidents. When equipment is vandalized or damaged, it cannot immediately be placed into service. Instead of being available when needed most, it must first undergo inspections and repairs, which can delay response capabilities and impact operations that help protect communities, natural resources, and public safety.
Thank you to the many community members who continue to support and respect the work being done across the reservation.
