1-ton boulder goes missing from Prescott National Forest
Oct 29, 2019, 2:30 PM | Updated: Oct 30, 2019, 9:46 am
Wizard Rock (Karen Johnson Photo via Prescott National Forest)
(Karen Johnson Photo via Prescott National Forest)
PHOENIX – Have you seen this boulder?
Name: Wizard Rock.
Description: Heavyset.
Color: Black with white quartz marbling.
Last seen: About two weeks ago off Highway 89/White Spar Road in the Prescott National Forest, south of Prescott.
"Wizard Rock" Boulder Disappears from White Spar Hwy Prescott National Forest Officials Seek Its Return https://t.co/QFUtVgV2LT #WizardRock #PrescottAZ Photo #1 Courtesy of PNF Geologist Frances Alvarado; Photos 2 & 3 Courtesy of Karen Johnson pic.twitter.com/fTFRaU8PjO
— Prescott NF (@PrescottNF) October 28, 2019
U.S. Forest Service officials are seeking the public’s help to locate a 1-ton boulder known as the Wizard Rock, which was likely removed with heavy equipment.
“It’s unfortunate when we lose a treasure such as the Wizard Rock,” Sarah Clawson, Prescott National Forest Bradshaw District ranger, said in a press release. “Our hope is that it will be returned to us.”
The Wizard Rock’s disappearance isn’t the only mineral-related mystery under investigation.
Another boulder went missing west of Prescott on Dearing Road near Thumb Butte about four months ago.
“These boulders belong to the public and should be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come,” Clawson said.
It’s illegal to remove minerals from national forest land without a permit, and violators are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
“If members of the public have questions about what they can take or purchase from the Prescott National Forest, or how to obtain legal authorization to do so, they should contact any of our offices for information,” Clawson said.
Anybody with information about the missing boulders was asked to call U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-443-8110.
