PISGAH FOREST, N.C. — Forest rangers say vandals have caused damage to gates across closed roads and various signs in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.
Officials say that in the past few months, locks or gates have been damaged on closed roads. They say the vandalism coincides with instances of broken locks at locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The officials say freezing nights and warm days loosen gravel, making it easy for tires to crumble road surfaces and create ruts. But drivers have been breaking locks and driving past gates, causing significant damage and extending the road closures.
Dave Casey, Pisgah District Ranger for the Pisgah National Forest, said the vandalism occurs just about any time roads are closed, but it's taking a heavy toll this year.
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