Every time I encounter a display of graffiti in a wilderness
area, two questions pop into my mind.
It's tough
enough maintaining the illusion of wilderness as we're out
paddling in areas that are close to populated areas. We
know in our hearts that we're just around the corner from that
lodge, and maybe only a day's paddle from that highway, but it
feels like wilderness to us.
As we sit in our canoe and stare out at the morning mist, we
convince ourselves that we are the first person that has ever
seen that vista.
Graffiti is a visual affront that destroys that illusion.
It destroys the illusion for years and years to come.
Those that yield a can of spray paint must realize that they are
destroying not just a rock face, but an entire section of
scenery and landscape, and the damage they cause will remain for
many years.
Particularly despicable are those that have defaced historical /
spiritual native pictograph sites with modern graffiti.
These people, if caught, should be banned from travel in
wilderness areas.
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