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Tire Track Vandalism Mars Racetrack Playa In Death Valley National Park

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Tire tracks left by an illegal motorist at Racetrack Playa are the worst a park official has seen.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports motor vehicles are banned on the playa, where visitors come to see paths left behind when wind and ice push rocks on the dry lake bed.

About 10 miles of tracks appear to have been made late last month.

Park management assistant Abby Wines says new tracks show up on the playa every couple years. She said this recent incident was extensive and is the worst case she's aware of.

Wines said officials may try to restore the protective crust on the lake bed.

Signs and barriers are posted in the area.

Wines said the National Park Service has a lead in the case.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

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