“It’s just disturbing that people feel like they need to leave a mark on the landscape. It really bothers me.”–Capitol Reef National Park Superintendent Sue Fritzke
Authorities are seeking information on a recent case of vandalism in a Utah state park. A massive redrock monolith in Capitol Reef National Park was vandalized last week with a crude etching of an eye and some lettering.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports the graffiti was first reported by visitors on June 6 at the Temple of the Moon monolith in the park’s North District. The superintendent thinks the culprit or culprits were standing on a stool or chair based on how high up the marking appears on the monolith.
Park officials say the gauging is so deep they may not be able to remove it. Park staff hope the scratches can be sanded off or the rock can be color matched to hide them but it’s possible the damage is irreparable. Cost of removal and further defacement are both factors in the decision.
If you have any information on about the graffiti to call 888-653-0009 or submit an anonymous tip at www.nps.gov/ISB.
Here’ is the official statement from Capitol Reef National Park:
“Capitol Reef National Park staff are seeking information regarding vandalism that occurred on the Temple of the Moon monolith, in the North District (Cathedral Valley). The graffiti was first observed on June 6, 2019 and documented by park staff on June 8, 2019. The graffiti measures 27.5” x 17” and is deeply gouged into the rock. Park law enforcement officers are conducting a criminal investigation. Resource management staff will determine the extent of the damage and the cost to rehabilitate the damage.
National Parks are treasured lands and protect our national heritage. Graffiti is vandalism, and is extremely hard, and costly, to remove. It is also illegal. The park is asking the public to relay any information known about who may have committed the offense. Damaging park resources is a violation of 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).
To aid an investigation or report something suspicious in any National Park Service site anonymously, visit www.nps.gov/ISB and click “submit a tip” or call 888-653-0009. For more information about Capitol Reef National Park go to www.nps.gov/care.”
images from CapitolReefNPS FB