ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Dozens of trees in St. Paul were destroyed and vandalized, with some being thrown into the Mississippi River. According to the St. Paul Parks and Recreation, 60 trees were destroyed and vandalized Shepard Road in the city overnight. Officials say that several of the trees were thrown into the Mississippi River.

Runners first discovered the scene early Thursday morning: dozens of newly planted trees along a stretch of Shepard Road in downtown St. Paul were either uprooted, damaged or tossed into the Mississippi River in what is being called a “senseless” act of vandalism.

The St. Paul Parks and Recreation department says some of the trees were thrown into the river. In all, the vandalism caused nearly $40,000 in damages.