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A Vandal And His Dog Turn Themselves In At Death Valley National Park

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By NPT Staff - April 21st, 2020

Death Valley National Park rangers have connected with a Canadian man who has been vandalizing the park/NPS

A Canadian man has come forward to claim responsibility for leaving graffiti on rocks and historic structures in Death Valley National Park, though what punishment he will face remains to be seen. His dog, however, is blameless.

Earlier this month the park issued a release calling for information behind the painting of "Steve & Lacy" on rocks and historic structures in Echo Canyon, Butte Valley, Homestake Dry Camp, and Crankshaft Junction. 

Repair of vandalized sites is costly and time consuming, and often cannot restore the site to its former condition; in some cases the vandalism permanently defaces unique historic sites or natural features.

Park rangers had some leads pointing to the man’s identity, and appealed to the public for more information on April 14. 

The man who confessed said that his acquaintance saw the story on social media and brought his attention to it. “Steve,” a resident of British Columbia, called the National Park Service tip line himself on April 17. The following day he spoke with the investigating park ranger, confessed, and apologized.

Charges are pending. Penalties could include a fine and/or restitution charges. The man’s cooperative attitude will likely be a mitigating factor, said park staff.

Lacy is blameless – she is a dog, park staff said.

This graffiti happened in January 2019 and January 2020. Park rangers are still patrolling Death Valley National Park during the current temporary closure due to coronavirus. 

 

 

Comments

Submitted by Rebecca Latson on April 21, 2020 - 9:34am.

They need to make Steve clean up every bit of graffiti he left, and charge him the costs of the cleanup.


Submitted by mtgnppics on April 21, 2020 - 11:20am.

Totally agree!   Plus, how about banning him from all U.S. national parks for 10 years!!??


Submitted by X on April 21, 2020 - 12:17pm.

I have a bucket and scrub brush for him to use


Submitted by Ed123 on April 21, 2020 - 6:49pm.

Dog probably  talked him into confessing 


Submitted by ecbuck on April 21, 2020 - 7:09pm.

X - I'm thinking a tooth brush might be more appropriate.


Submitted by JRSs on April 21, 2020 - 7:39pm.

I agree there must be some sort of restitution and restrictio however, you have to give the guy credit for coming forward.


Submitted by Peter on April 21, 2020 - 8:21pm.

I agree!  What an inconsiderate knot head.


Submitted by William McDaniel on April 21, 2020 - 10:08pm.

There really should be jail time and a fine.


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