Graffiti In Jasper National Park Leads To Hefty Fine

By NPT Staff - December 18th, 2022

Volunteers scrub paint off a rock on Whistlers Summit in Jasper National Park/Parks Canada

A Jasper National Park visitor who was spotted vandalizing boulders and rock with spray paint along the Whistlers Summit Trail this summer has pleaded guilty in court and been fined $4,000 (2,970 USD).

Quick-thinking visitors recorded the August vandalism and reported the incident to Parks Canada. Video footage and images were a key factor in laying charges under section 10 of the National Parks General Regulations. The individual — whose name and gender were not released — appeared in court in Alberta in Nov. 24.

After receiving reports of the vandalism, the Friends of Jasper National Park put out a call for help. Volunteers spent hours scrubbing several large rocks and boulders to remove the graffiti. It took less than a week for the Friends and Jasper SkyTram employees to return things to a near-natural state.

Before and after the graffiti removal on rocks along a trail in Jasper National Park/Friends of Jasper National Park

In 2015, the Friends, Parks Canada and the Jasper SkyTram began work to realign, redefine and rehabilitate the Whistlers Summit Trail to protect the fragile alpine landscape from degradation and the impacts of heavy use. The popular trail showcases pristine alpine landscapes from an easily accessible peak.

When visiting Jasper, visitors who see concerning activity are encouraged to record and report them to Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155. If safe to do so, people are asked to take photos and record details of incidents including the time of day, location, description and licence plate numbers.

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Jasper National Park

Comments

Submitted by Jasper Visitor on December 18, 2022 - 11:00am.

Glad they were recorded, caught, and fined. They should have ALSO had to participate in the clean-up at their own cost. Vandals are disgusting.

INN Member

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