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

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Published Date

April 21, 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. 

 

 

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Comments

Submitted by Randy lex on April 21, 2020 - 10:36pm.

I use to build hiking trails in the high sierras and off road vehicles do far more damage then a guy with a crayon they are selfish people  


Submitted by Rick B. on April 22, 2020 - 1:22am.

This graffiiti started in January 2019, and NOW they think his cooperative attitude should be a mitigating factor? Where has that cooperative attitude been for the past ~15 months or so?


Submitted by Carlie on April 22, 2020 - 2:27am.

Kick his ass back to Canada and charge them for cleanup


Submitted by Mike B. on April 22, 2020 - 3:10am.

To borrow a phrase popularized by the Dear Leader, "Lock him up!"


Submitted by Amanda J on April 22, 2020 - 7:47am.

How about a ni e big fine, ban him for life, and make him go and make him go back azad and clean it?


Submitted by Dennis the Menace on April 22, 2020 - 8:37am.

Since he lives in Canada just ban him from entering US for 10 or 15 years.  Not likely US will pursue action against him in any other manner.


Submitted by Mangi on April 22, 2020 - 11:00am.

As gross as it is that he did this in the first place, I gotta give him credit for owning up to it. 


Submitted by Kandy on April 22, 2020 - 11:41am.

Tattoo "STUPID" on his forehead and find the dog a new home.


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