BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Residents along the Duck River are concerned with vandalism that has been popping up along the river banks.
The paint, which seems to be done by the same person or group, was seen on the Normandy Dam, logs and even private property in the area.
The messages contain offensive language and as many as ten were reported on natural rock formations and trees in the area.
Graffiti appeared sometime before last Thursday and is on both private and governmant land.
Karen Steele, owner of Float-A-Boat in Normandy, first heard about the vandalism from someone else who lives on the Duck River.
"There's public access starting at Dement Bridge to Three Forks Bridge. So, I went out yesterday to float myself and I saw the graffiti starting after Dement Bridge, right at Bridge and for the rest of my float," said Steele.
Steele said she was worried whoever painted the graffiti might've rented a boat from her, but there's no indication that is the case.
A representative from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said whoever did this meant to be offensive. He said he hopes the vandal is caught.
Locals in the area have collected a $390 reward for information that leads to a suspect in the case.
The Tennessee Valley Authority said told NewsChannel 5 they were unaware of the graffiti, but will be increasing police patrols near the dam.
TWRA plans to spray paint over the offensive graffiti on trees and use scrub brushes or wire cleaners to remove the paint on the rocks along the river.
If someone is caught, they will be facing multiple counts of vandalism on both private and government property.
