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.