After more than three years, a theft charge against a California man accused of stealing climbing equipment at Smith Rock State Park has been dropped.

Shawn Snyder, 47, was charged with misdemeanor second-degree theft for taking about $1,000 worth of equipment stashed at the popular park in late 2013. While most state parks ban the practice of stashing gear, Smith Rock has an exception, as long as the gear is left in a discrete place.

Court documents show the charges were dismissed after the victims changed their minds and declined to press charges.

“I always consider the input of victims when deciding whether to proceed with a prosecution, but the final decision whether to proceed is up to me,” Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said. “This case involved a relatively minor alleged theft of climbing ropes. Considering the nature of the crime and the desire of the victims, I determined it was in the interest of justice and (was an) efficient use of government resources to dismiss the case.”

When reached Thursday, Snyder was unhappy with the result.

“All the sudden these victims who cried wolf this whole time … are now losing their voice boxes. Their voices aren’t so loud,” he said, adding he is disappointed he won’t have his day in court.

Snyder, of Bishop, California, said he took the ropes because they had been left out in the elements and could have broken when their owners returned to use them. He said he took 12 ropes, and threw them away.

He said he recalls his actions well, down to the steps and breaths he took between each rock while removing the equipment. He said he stands by his decision.

“These are very, very hazardous, dangerous materials that people left behind, otherwise known as climbing ropes,” Snyder said, saying he prefers the term “lifelines.”

Leaving equipment, such as ropes or bolts, also puts a stain on a beautiful, natural place, Snyder said.

Going forward, Snyder does not plan to alter his behavior until Smith Rock bans the practice of stashing gear.

“I am going to be walking around to these well-known stash spots,” he said. “And I will be removing it.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0376, awieber@bendbulletin.com