MARINA – Two men have successfully been investigated and convicted in State Court for felony vandalism by the Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement staff in a case that involved spray painting on a cliff in the Fort Ord National Monument.
In March 2025, the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office received a report of graffiti occurring on rock outcrops within the monument, reportedly on a cliff side near Sandy Ridge Road. A Bureau of Land Management Special Agent opened an investigation and identified two suspects based on a review of physical evidence. Both subjects were charged with felony vandalism for causing malicious damage exceeding $400.
The defendants plead guilty in Monterey County Superior Court and were ordered to pay restitution to the Bureau of Land Management for graffiti removal, along with fines and fees to the county. As visitation to Fort Ord National Monument continues to grow, the Bureau of Land Management reminds visitors to recreate responsibly, stay on trails and report any vandalism.
The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office administers approximately 284,000 acres of public land in Central California. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Joaquin Valley to the east, elevations range from sea level to over 5,000 feet and major landforms include the Diablo Mountain Range, Salinas Valley and San Joaquin Valley.
The Fort Ord National Monument preserves more than 14,000 acres of the former Fort Ord Army Base, honoring the heroism and dedication of the men and women who served our nation and fought in the major conflicts of the 20th century. The landscape remains largely undeveloped due to its role as a U.S. Army facility from 1917 to 1994.
Since the government first purchased the property in 1917, Fort Ord served primarily as a training and staging facility for infantry troops. The 1991 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended Fort Ord be closed and troops relocated but was not completed until 1994, when the post formally closed.
In April 2012, President Barack Obama signed a Proclamation to designate the Fort Ord National Monument with his proclamation stating that, “The protection of the Fort Ord area will maintain its historical and cultural significance, attract tourists and recreationalists from near and far, and enhance its unique natural resources, for the enjoyment of all Americans.”
Today, the Fort Ord National Monument comprises 14,658 acres of public land offering 86 miles of rugged trails near Monterey Bay, administered jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Army. The monument is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Campfires, fireworks, target shooting and hunting are prohibited.
For more information on Fort Ord National Monument visit the BLM website or call the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.
