Deschutes County inmates and deputies remove 30% of graffiti from Bend area’s Wind Cave

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deputies and an inmate work crew from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office cleaned graffiti from Wind Cave off China Hat Road southeast of Bend last Friday. The operation removed approximately 30% of the total graffiti inside the cave.

Wind Cave stretches more than 3,800 feet, making it the longest and most challenging lava tube in the Arnold Lava Tube System. The cave is closed to the public due to fragile bat populations, persistent trash and past vandalism, with cleanups allowed only through permitted restoration efforts.

Deputies led a work crew of seven adult jail inmates deep into the cave for the cleanup project. The crew hauled 600 pounds of sand into the lava tube, using a specialized process that removes graffiti without damaging the cave's interior.

Work began on the most difficult section of the cave, located more than 3,000 feet from the entrance. By the end of the project, one deputy's phone logged nine miles walked inside the cave.

Volunteers noted the professionalism of both the deputies and the inmate crew during the operation. One inmate shared that participating was the coolest thing he had ever done, adding that contributing to the cave's restoration made him feel proud and healthier in his recovery and that he wants his children to know him for work like this.