When Theodore Roosevelt was 24-years-old he came to Dakota Territory on hunt bison as skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York and at the time could not have envisioned how his epic adventure in this remote place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous lifestyle the future president experienced on what now Theodore Roosevelt National Park would help shape a conservation policy that Americans still benefit from today.
During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt established approximately 230 million acres of public lands between 1901 and 1909, including 150 national forests, the first 55 federal bird reservation and game preserves, 5 national parks, and the first 18 national monuments. His conservation efforts have echoed well past his two term presidency and the folks at his namesake National Park want to ensure the continue to do so, that includes abiding by the Leave No Trace policy which are set of principles that empower people visiting the outdoors to leave nature as unchanged by our presence as possible.
The fourth principle of Leave No Trace is “leave what you find” and Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Ranger Peelee took a few minutes out his busy schedule to create this tongue in cheek video to discourage visitors from going home with shed elk antlers or some of its petrified wood which dates back as far as 55 million years ago:
“The summer season is kicking off and Ranger Peelee is already in trouble. One of our Park Rangers found him attempting to steal petrified wood and an elk shed from the park. That look of disappointment would make anyone feel guilty. Don’t disappoint our rangers. Leave all rocks, plants, and other specimens inside the park for other visitors to enjoy. Photos are a great way to reminisce on your discovery once you get home, but you know what isn’t a cool souvenir? Fines for poaching our natural resources! Always remember to leave no trace and keep the park a place of discovery for everyone!” -Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Remember if you visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park or any of our amazing National Parks, leave what you find and take only pictures.
