Nevada men face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead recreation area

LAS VEGAS — A trial has been scheduled for October 8 for two Nevada men accused of damaging rock formations estimated to be… 140 million years old at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

A federal indictment charged Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, with one count of battery and destruction of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. The U.S. Justice Department said the men could each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The two Henderson residents were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their initial court appearances Friday. They both pleaded not guilty and were released on personal recognizance, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Authorities say Fain and Cosper pushed rock formations over the edge of a cliff on Redstone Dunes Trail near Lake Mead on April 7, causing more than $1,000 in damage.

Just outside Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area attracts about 6 million visitors a year and covers 2,400 square miles (6,071 square kilometers) of mountains and desert canyons.

Authorities say the park’s staffing levels are such that park managers often rely on the public to monitor resources within park boundaries.