Reward Climbs For Info on Vandalism to Culturally Sensitive Site

Editor's Note: This is an update to an article originally published December 24, 2025.

Montana authorities continue to investigate an incident where a landmark to Native American tribal history was desecrated.

STATE PARK PICTOGRAPH VANDALISM

The reward for information on this case has increased significantly, as game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks continue to seek information on a pictograph panel that was vandalized at Missouri Headwaters State Park, thanks to the Skyline Sportsmen’s Association of Butte's donation of $500.

The graffiti was discovered at a popular destination for park visitors that contains a visible pictograph consisting of a human figure in solid red.

An initial assessment of the vandalism indicates a person likely used a paintbrush to paint over a portion of the existing pictograph and made about 10 markings in other areas of the limestone panel. This may have also damaged other pictographs at the site that are not readily visible.

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CULTURAL TIES THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD

This culturally sensitive site and the surrounding area have ties to many different groups of indigenous peoples dating back thousands of years. The area includes the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers to form the Missouri River, and it hosted a camp for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.

Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks TIPMONT website page to provide details or to contact a game warden. Persons may remain anonymous and with the donation from the Skyline Sportsmen’s Association added to the FWP money, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,500.