Visit our Popular Forums

aftermath · 04-30-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocinante

It's disappointing, but not a new problem - a tour of Carlsbad Caverns NP will quickly introduce you to cavern rooms where the floor of the room has been reduced to dust. Before they had trails with guard rails to "keep you safe", people walked all over the place and ruined all the delicate structures on the floor. The only formations left in those rooms are the ones too big to crush underfoot.

Here is just one example: Carlsbad Caverns NP - Casa Rocinante

The room looks pretty impressive, but study the floor a few moments. Ranger told us the smooth powdery-looking floor is 100% man-made by crushing feet of the early tourists wandering thoughtlessly throughout the cave to get closer to (and possibly climb up and/or sit on) an interesting formation.

Regarding the mountain lion in the prior photo - it's tempting to wish a busy tagger becomes an amuse bouche for one of those critters, but then rangers would just have to go out and kill the poor animal, so I'll refrain.

Thanks for this. Abuse of our natural treasures occurs on a spectrum. Boondock has focused on the extreme end where people overtly ignore the laws and choose to carve and paint with no concern for others. At the other end is the more subtle disregard of our stewardship of these natural wonders. Choosing to walk past the ropes, handle the formations and take flash photographs are all signs of disregard. Few will carve and paint but many think nothing of removing artifacts, walking where they want and taking pictures. After all, these are "our" parks and why can't we do what we want?

In the long run I believe that those that operate on the subtle end are doing more harm. It is like an army of ants, individually they can't do much but collectively, over time, they can destroy many things. The photos attached are great proof. Subtle disrespect for the law is a concern of mine. Parents are actually teaching their children that the law should be followed unless we don't consider it legitimate. Instead of trying to change the law, we choose to ignore it. These lessons are not lost on our youth. This attitude is compounding much like a simple stroll past the ropes and it does more damage than we can imagine.

AtomicNo13 · 04-30-2015, 09:26 AM

There are 2 types of people in this world.... thinkers and non thinkers. Thinkers live thoughtful, productive lives making little negative impact on their fellow man. When they do make a mistake, they say sorry, and strive not to do it again.

The other makes lots of impact on others lives, pilfers, drains and uglies the world as much as they can. This is why we have bug spray!

Seriously, how much fun is it to spray paint, and carve ones initials on fixed objects anyway?

boondockdad · 04-30-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dayner

El Morro National Monument, where yesterday's graffiti is tomorrow's protected history.....

Worms.
In can.
Open.

dznf0g · 04-30-2015, 09:31 AM

"Judge not, that ye be not judged.." Matthew 7:1

"Teach you Children well..." David Crosby (?)

Tincampers · 04-30-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wingeezer

Idiots! ........ Oh no, sorry, the poor dears just feel not a part of society and we need to show them more understanding!

Brian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r carl

They have nothing to fear, guns are banned in national parks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmaah

You are wrong. Guns are allowed.

You can carry a gun in a national park but you cannot fire your gun in a national park except in rare circumstances.

r carl · 04-30-2015, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmaah

You are wrong. Guns are allowed.

Just half wrong.

mocus · 04-30-2015, 02:22 PM

Hire a few mothers like the one caught on camera in Baltimore trying to train her youngster in front of God and everyone else. If that didn't get his attention, nothing will. I feel the hurt and disappointed feelings most of us have and I pray something can eventually be done. Or, better yet, bring in the cat in the photo with a few friends!!!

n2916s · 04-30-2015, 02:35 PM

Heading into my 7th year at Yellowstone. You would not believe the behavior we see. Park regulations concerning safe distances from wildlife -- apparently don't apply to "special" people. Boardwalks? Only for sissies... Collecting artifacts, skulls, minerals? "Well, the park won't miss this tiny piece".

On the bright side, pretty much everyone in the park has noticed that more and more people are " calling out" these miscreants. Seems like the vast majority of our visitors that actually cherish the place are getting pretty tired of seeing this crap and will grab photos, get verbal and get on the phone(when able) to get it straightened out.

Makes a fella proud.

Mike

n2916s · 04-30-2015, 02:43 PM

I forgot,

About guns: the rules in the park are the same in the park as they are in the state the park is located in. So, for example, in Yellowstone (Wyoming), you can open or concealed carry any lawful firearm without a permit. In Everglades (Florida) you cannot open carry but can carry concealed with a permit.

Federal buildings are off limits everywhere and concessionaires must comply with state law (in YNP the concessionaires can bar firearms if they choose).

Discharging the weapon is still unlawful but, obviously, circumstances would dictate whether you would be prosecuted.

Mike

boondockdad · 04-30-2015, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mocus

Hire a few mothers like the one caught on camera in Baltimore trying to train her youngster in front of God and everyone else.

THIS
x1,000

**Stefrobrts** · 04-30-2015, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2916s

On the bright side, pretty much everyone in the park has noticed that more and more people are " calling out" these miscreants. Seems like the vast majority of our visitors that actually cherish the place are getting pretty tired of seeing this crap and will grab photos, get verbal and get on the phone(when able) to get it straightened out.

Makes a fella proud.

Mike

I like to hear that. I think our society has gotten more and more to where you keep your mouth shut and stay out of other people's business, but when they're wrecking OUR stuff, it's OUR business.

boondockdad · 04-30-2015, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2916s

Heading into my 7th year at Yellowstone. You would not believe the behavior we see. Park regulations concerning safe distances from wildlife -- apparently don't apply to "special" people. Boardwalks? Only for sissies... Collecting artifacts, skulls, minerals? "Well, the park won't miss this tiny piece".

On the bright side, pretty much everyone in the park has noticed that more and more people are " calling out" these miscreants. Seems like the vast majority of our visitors that actually cherish the place are getting pretty tired of seeing this crap and will grab photos, get verbal and get on the phone(when able) to get it straightened out.

Makes a fella proud.

Mike

7th time at YNP?
Pretty selfish, don't you think?
Shouldn't you think about other folks who haven't seen it yet?
You realize, every time a person steps foot in there, they're destroying natures delicate balance, right?

IanPoulin · 04-30-2015, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I like to hear that. I think our society has gotten more and more to where you keep your mouth shut and stay out of other people's business, but when they're wrecking OUR stuff, it's OUR business.

Exactly. Nicely said!

2011 Airstream International Serenity 28' - 30a/taupe
2013 Ford F150 v6-ecoboost with max tow and HD payload packages

n2916s · 04-30-2015, 03:57 PM

Never mind

boondockdad · 04-30-2015, 04:25 PM

Sorry, bad joke

r carl · 04-30-2015, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondockdad

Sorry, bad joke

Just bad timing.

eubank · 04-30-2015, 04:52 PM

El Morro is a bit different. The oldest there are pre-Columbian petroglyphs; the most recent that I was able to find were from the late 19th century, when surveyors made their way through the area in the larger effort to decide on a way westward for the railroad and marked their visit with their names.

By the way, the more southerly route went past El Morro through Zuni country and westward. The more northerly was chosen, however, and went along what was to become Route 66/I40. You can see and hear the railroad up there now. The southerly route was effectively abandoned as a trade route at that point. El Morro became effectively frozen in time.

Lynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondockdad

Worms.
In can.
Open.

boondockdad · 04-30-2015, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r carl

Just bad timing.

Yeah, story of my life,
and a Ford with a busted tensioner.

TomKirk · 05-01-2015, 08:50 AM

If you think about it, his is similar to what ISIS is doing in the Middle East - destroying antiquities.

Tom

Msmoto · 05-01-2015, 09:16 AM

While my emotions get carried away with what I would like to do to those who are malicious in their behavior, this is probably not the path to a solution. The value system they are demonstrating was formulated years before in families, or at least whatever family figure was present. It is this venue where the practice of love for our fellows and nature needs to be taught. Trying to undo the current aberrant behavior by punishment has no demonstrable effect.

Maybe we can attempt to set a positive example......

Please understand, this is my perspective only and does not suggest anyone except me needs to be following this.

Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871