A Chinese visitor was fined $1,000 for leaving a boardwalk to approach Liberty Cap in Yellowstone National Park/NPS, Jim Peaco
A week after a young man died after he wandered far off a boardwalk in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin and fell into a hot spring, a Chinese visitor has been fined $1,000 for walking off a boardwalk in the park's Mammoth Hot Springs thermal area.
Park officials said the unnamed visitor was spotted walking on the terrace formantions near the Liberty Cap formation and collecting water from the thermal runoff. He also was seen breaking througth the fragile travertine crust, according to a park release.
A park ranger took the witness’ statement, photos, and location of the violation.
The subsequent law enforcement investigation identified the individual, who stated that he did not read the safety information given to him at the park entrance. He also admitted to collecting hot springs water. A federal violation notice requiring a mandatory appearance in the Yellowstone Justice Center Court was issued for off-boardwalk travel in a thermal area.
A week ago Colin Nathaniel Scott, 23, of Portland, Oregon, died when he and his sister wandered nearly 700 feet off a Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk and either slipped or fell into a hot spring near Porkchop Geyser. Rangers were unable to recover any of the man's remains from the hot spring, which was slightly acidic and had a temperature of around 199 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the most recent case, park rangers expressed their appreciation for the willingness of the witness to document and report the violation.
Park employees call on all visitors to protect their park and protect themselves. Regulations to stay on designated trails and boardwalks in thermal areas are for visitor safety and the safety of the exceptional park natural resources. Without visitor cooperation, park natural wonders will continue to be damaged and more individuals may be injured or killed. It is a violation of federal regulations to collect any park resources.
Comments
I agree that the fine is not stiff enough. The tour company should be held responsible as well for the stupid acts that a few tourists do. Maybe if they would be aware of the stiff penalties that they would and should pay before going back to their homeland, they would be more respectful and obey the rules. If we were visiting their country, we would be expected to obey their rules and most likely if we did not, we would be jailed for not doing so.
It's time for Yellowstone to ban boardwalk closures; guests do NOT appreciate the natural beauty. Their stupidity will close natural settings for all.