Thieves Steal Irreplaceable Sculptures and Memorials from Redwood National Park

Northern California’s towering redwoods aren’t just home to natural wonders—they’ve also been the setting for an unusual crime spree. Park officials say thieves have been stealing everything from bronze sculptures to memorial plaques across Redwood National and State Parks, which stretch through Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

The thefts have hit locations near the famed Grove of Titans, where the Mill Creek Trail showcases some of the largest redwoods on Earth. Just last year, the site earned national recognition for its creative interpretive displays featuring bronze animals and cultural symbols. Now, many of those artworks are gone, along with donor plaques, coho salmon statues, canoe carvings, and even shower drains.

California’s redwood forests have long attracted illegal activity, from burl poaching to black-market climbing of old-growth giants. According to officials, this new wave of thefts has been ongoing since at least January 2025. While investigators have not shared specific details, they confirmed the majority of incidents occurred in the northern part of the park system.

Although operations and access remain open, staff are working to replace missing items with less expensive replicas in hopes of discouraging future thefts. Still, the cultural and historical loss is significant.

Visitors are encouraged to report suspicious activity. Tips can be shared directly with Ranger Greg McKisson at (707) 498-4362 or anonymously at (707) 465-7353.