Recent and increasing acts of graffiti, vandalism and even “intentional littering” are marring Mesa Verde National Park, and officials are urging park visitors to help in reversing the disturbing trend.
An example of the destructive acts in the southwestern Colorado park includes names being rubbed into sandstone with “prehistoric charcoal,” which the vandal dug up at an archaeological site along Petroglyph Point Trail, park .
“Not only did … these individuals vandalize the cliff side, they destroyed archaeological artifacts to do so,” officials said in the post.
Such acts are in direct conflict with the mission of the park: to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources of the historic area.
Park officials asked visitors to be aware of destructive acts and report such activities to a park ranger as soon as possible. They also called on visitors to act responsibly and refrain from sabotage.
“Please help us in this effort and refrain from creating graffiti, intentionally littering, causing damage to or otherwise disturbing the landscape in all National Parks,” the release said. “Let us all leave no trace, educate others about proper stewardship of public lands, and enjoy these wonderful landscapes as they are.”
