Things such as impromptu shrines, geocaching, rearranging rocks, and similar acts are increasing on public lands. At best these are instances of littering, and at worst crimes of vandalism. People who need shallow entertainment or want to establish their “legacy” should stay in the city. Leave no trace, or as little possible when in nature. If you think that’s elitist, then you really belong in the city.
Basic animal behavior...marking out territory. Bears put their claw marks on trees, dogs mark bushes. People don't have the scent glads that other animal have so they have to leave visual markings. It is a compulsive behavior, very similar to the compulsion for hoarding.
When even the early twentieth century tin can remnants remain, how can you tell in what decade folks "defaced" this spot? People have been camping in these areas since before cars were widely used, and leaving landmarks probably as long. This is not to say that somebody scratching "joannie loves Chachi" next to ancient native glyphs is appropriate, but arranging rocks on the ground seems harmless.
Did you even look at the pictures? That happy face isn’t from the early 20th century, and there would be soil accumulated around the rocks if they were arranged even a decade ago. Defacing ancient glyphs is just inappropriate? Great wilderness ethics! Like I said, some people belong in the city.
You are entitled to your opinion but that doesn't make it the only opinion. Maybe we'll see you out there sometime And chat about my love for broken glass bottles. Kidding by the way. That's my hot button, broken glass. I'll take some organized rocks any day over all the gall darn broken glass. You know what though? At the end of the day they are all first world problems.
True, rocks can be re-scattered easier than broken glass can be picked up. They’re all hot buttons for me though. These may be comparatively small issues, but I think they signify changing attitudes that could well end in a decline to third world status.
Things such as impromptu shrines, geocaching, rearranging rocks, and similar acts are increasing on public lands. At best these are instances of littering, and at worst crimes of vandalism. People who need shallow entertainment or want to establish their “legacy” should stay in the city. Leave no trace, or as little possible when in nature. If you think that’s elitist, then you really belong in the city.
ReplyDeleteBasic animal behavior...marking out territory. Bears put their claw marks on trees, dogs mark bushes. People don't have the scent glads that other animal have so they have to leave visual markings. It is a compulsive behavior, very similar to the compulsion for hoarding.
ReplyDeleteI find this kind of thing somehow very sad to see. A form of graffiti, not at all pleasing.
ReplyDeleteHey,give em a break.People with nothing to do all day need entertainment too.
ReplyDeleteWhen even the early twentieth century tin can remnants remain, how can you tell in what decade folks "defaced" this spot?
ReplyDeletePeople have been camping in these areas since before cars were widely used, and leaving landmarks probably as long.
This is not to say that somebody scratching "joannie loves Chachi" next to ancient native glyphs is appropriate, but arranging rocks on the ground seems harmless.
Did you even look at the pictures? That happy face isn’t from the early 20th century, and there would be soil accumulated around the rocks if they were arranged even a decade ago. Defacing ancient glyphs is just inappropriate? Great wilderness ethics! Like I said, some people belong in the city.
DeleteYou are entitled to your opinion but that doesn't make it the only opinion. Maybe we'll see you out there sometime And chat about my love for broken glass bottles. Kidding by the way. That's my hot button, broken glass. I'll take some organized rocks any day over all the gall darn broken glass.
DeleteYou know what though? At the end of the day they are all first world problems.
True, rocks can be re-scattered easier than broken glass can be picked up. They’re all hot buttons for me though. These may be comparatively small issues, but I think they signify changing attitudes that could well end in a decline to third world status.
Delete