“So why didn’t they just close the supply valves?”
That wouldn’t send the same message, would it?
Sure it would send the same message,,,no water for the peasants. Did anyone see Rangers doing it? The article doesn’t mention any witnesses. NPS Rangers have already done a lot of horrible and spiteful things in the name of their Master. Things we KNOW they have done. They might have done it, we just don’t know. (if they did do it, i imagine they would be thumping their chests and bragging about it)
So regardless of the culprit's identity, have the Rangers replaced the missing handles? It's not as if they're too busy these days.
I live near the "public lands" in question. Maybe I'll risk the $100 fine this weekend and have a look.