In recent years, America’s national parks have been dealing with issues related to unruly visitors and vandals who are ignoring rules meant to protect the plants and wildlife within the parks. The damage caused by these individuals can have long-lasting impacts on the ecosystem of the parks, lasting for centuries. Examples of this behavior have been reported at beloved parks such as Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, where visitors left graffiti and ruined trails during the government shutdown in 2019. Former park superintendents have expressed concerns about the irreparable damage that has been done to the park, with instances of extensive vehicle traffic off roads and destruction of government property.
At the Custer Gallatin National Forest, forest service workers have been dealing with increasing amounts of unburied poop on popular trails and in unofficial campsites, in violation of the park’s “Leave no trace” rule. Visitors are asked to bury their waste so deep that woodland creatures cannot dig it up. The park service has had to conduct cleanups to address this issue, picking up garbage, toiletries, and human waste, and burying them appropriately. The disregard for these rules is having a negative impact on the environment and the overall park experience for visitors.
In 2022, the National Park Service reported incidents of vandalism at several parks, including Yosemite National Park in California and Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. Trail blocks at Yosemite were defaced with graffiti, while vandals toppled natural rock formations along a trail at Lake Mead. Gettysburg National Park also saw vandalism incidents, with graffiti found on boulders and historic structures within the park. Park officials have worked quickly to restore these sites, but the fear remains that the damage caused by vandals may impact future generations’ ability to experience these historic sites as intended.
One particularly notable incident at Joshua Tree National Park saw three tourists from Germany cited for a paintball shooting rampage that defaced road signs, bathrooms, and dumpsters within the park. Park rangers reported that at least 11 roadway signs had been shot with yellow paintballs, and Joshua trees were cut down to create new roads. This level of destructive behavior has been unprecedented in the park and has raised concerns about the long-term impacts on the ecosystem and visitor experience.
The National Park Service has been utilizing social media to raise awareness about these issues and to encourage visitors to follow park rules and respect the natural environment. However, the incidents of vandalism and destruction continue to occur, posing ongoing challenges for park authorities and staff. The damage caused by these individuals not only impacts the physical environment of the parks but also threatens the ability of future generations to enjoy and appreciate these natural and historic landmarks. It is crucial for visitors to take responsibility for their actions and to help preserve these national treasures for years to come.
