Zach Urness

Statesman Journal

Oregon State Police will investigate the destruction of a natural sandstone pedestal at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, according to a press release.

Known locally as "The Duckbill," and located in a fenced off area of Cape Kiwanda, the formation was knocked over by a group of visitors last week, according to video first obtained by KATU.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the site, initially said the formation collapsed naturally. However, the video evidence sparked a change in course.

The fine for damaging the natural feature could reach $435, OPRD spokesman Chris Havel said. State Police will decide whether criminal charges are filed.

"The department takes vandalism of a state park's natural features seriously," OPRD said in the news release. "(OPRD), in cooperation with the Oregon State Police, will review the incident immediately and decide how best to respond."

The video was shot by David Kalas of Hillsboro, who told The Oregonian that when he confronted the group that knocked over the feature, they told him a friend of theirs had broke his leg on it and that it was a "safety hazard."

The rock was located in an area that is fenced off and is considered very dangerous. Six people have died in the area during the last two years and numerous people have been injured.

Cape Kiwanda: Risking death for the perfect photo

UPDATE: Cape Kiwanda's famous sandstone pedestal collapses