Dozens of mesquite trees in Sahuarita, 20 miles south of Tucson,  were chopped down in February, interrupting restoration of the area. 

Pima County has been restoring Canoa Ranch Conservation Park, which is now the county’s fastest growing tourist attraction, says Valerie Samoy, with the Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department for the county.

She says the vandalism has paused restoration efforts as officials brainstorm ways to prevent this from happening in the future.

“Right now, immediately, it’s just more patrolling and asking residents in the area to be extra eyes and ears for us, and if they see any kind of activity like this or any other illegal activity occurring on the conservation park to call call 911.”

Samoy says the investigation is ongoing and that no vandals have been identified yet.