*and* the owner has been MIA for a while

Is there a way to know this??

What I mean by MIA is if the owner of the box hasn't logged into AQ in a really long time (cobwebs on their profile). It's possible they may be out there boxing in the mysterious corners of the world somewhere, but they aren't active online anymore. Which means the status and clues aren't being updated, although sometimes you can read through the finders' comments (if they're even visible) and look for "updates" about the box, such as changes to the landscape, if it needs repairs, etc.

And then there are the folks who appear to be actively reading their messages but never reply to you. I can definitely empathize with your situation. We've came across two different damaged/destroyed boxes... sent both owners a friendly message about them, with details about the situation and offers to help repair/replace, to mail the lonely little logbook we found, etc. -- any of which should have prompted a reply or at least some sort of acknowledgment that they give two shakes about their boxes or appreciate getting info from fellow boxers, but so far nothing from either person... it's been weeks. For all I know they deleted the messages without even reading them. That's my guess, so I'm not holding my breath at this point. They can find the time to log in and tool around on the site for a while but they can't be bothered to change the status of the box so other people aren't going on what is most definitely a wild goose chase... and it must not be worth their time to type a couple words like "thanks for the info"... it seems rude imo... basic lack of courtesy.

It's their issue though! There are lots more boxes awaiting and plenty of people who DO appreciate getting a friendly update. :)

~Ohana

damaged/destroyed boxes... sent both owners a friendly message about them, with details about the situation and offers to help repair/replace, to mail the lonely little logbook we found,

If its close to your home, I would repair/replace anything that needed it. If you liked the location/box enough. Or felt it worthy of doing so. This after tries of response. It could some day become one of your own if you wait long enough and contact Ryan about it, talk it over....and adopted the box. I found out that it is not truly yours after all if the owner comes back and decided to box once again. That was fine with me as it was a friend of mine that this particular box belonged to and I had conversed with her about it before hand. I had carved the whole series and she planted them. But you would not be in that situation and there may be more to it than what I speak of, hince the talk with Ryan. Suggest leaving the old logbook in place, however. Add a new one.
Just my 2 cents,
OD