St. George News reports officials at Zion National Park are battling unprecedented amounts of graffiti throughout the park as visitors continue to flock to the canyon. The level of graffiti found along the popular Narrows hike, the Kayenta Trail and on the West Rim/Angel’s Landing Trail is unlike anything rangers have seen in past years:
“I have seen more graffiti than I have ever seen before. It’s all over, and we’re trying to get ahead of it.” –Zion Chief Ranger Daniel Fagergren
To remove graffiti park staff and volunteers have to scrub it off which escalates what should be a natural erosion process:
“It devalues the experience for future guests and destroys the resource. Vandalism flies in the face of the park mission, which is to conserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.”
Fagergren wants to point out that vandalism in the park is illegal, and if caught, a person could potentially face a mandatory court appearance, up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine (serves them right).
images from Sunny Bodeen FB
