WHY?
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| What the heck makes ANYONE think this is OK? |
This is disgusting and quite unnecessary.
What were they thinking?
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| Fossils, millions of years old, painted over |
This destruction takes away the ability to use the area for teaching biology or geology. Who wants to take a class out and have to deal with this?
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| Same location as above, 2013 |
Another aspect of this behavior is what is does to the natural moss, ferns, and Lichens . Lichens have three shapes or growth forms, and they can live a very long time — some are over 1,000 years old. The problem is not getting better. In fact it is worse than ever. Here's a few photos tp show the progression of bad behavior left unchecked. In 2013 when the Eagle Scouts first developed the low impact trail system the rocks were only covered in vegetation and Lichens. Fast forward to 2017 below
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| 2017 |
And then today, 2024
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| 2024 |
Nothing about this is ok! I don't understand why is it being allowed at this park and not the other PARA controlled parks? Some of the "art" took a lot of time and paint. Someone either saw or knows something about who is doing this. It is obviously getting worse. Feel free to contact PARA and or me with information and it will be kept confidential.
This park belongs to Tuscaloosa PARA and it is ultimately their responsibility to patrol and keep vandals from ruining what has been unmolested for millions of years. I have watched over the last several years and seen many of the rangers drive around the circle and leave without ever exiting the car or truck. This is a 250 acre park which can't be adequately patrolled in 30 seconds from the seat of a truck. PARA has a new director who is trying to initiate some stricter patrol measures but it seems to be taking a while. Meanwhile the graffiti gets worse.
There is only one sign in the entire park with a phone # to call and "Direct Problems or Concerns to PARA" The problem is no-one answers after office hours or on weekends or so it was the last time I tried to call. Whoever answers, probably can't help you, they can only direct you to someone else.
If you are in trouble or see trouble happen, that number isn't much help. You probably need help now. I believe you will get a better response if you use the number below.
Here's a number to call 205-361-2253 for the park on Hurricane Creek. This will take you to the ranger on duty who should respond if you see someone defacing the bluffs or any other type vandalism. We, the users of the park are the best eyes out there. Don't let some selfish, irresponsible person mess the park up for the rest of us.
Someone knows or saw who is responsible for the graffiti. Please help us stop this desecration by reporting anyone you see doing it. Spray cans of paint have no business in the park. If you see someone heading into the woods and a rattle can of paint, report it! If yo see someone defacing the rocks, don't confront them, take pictures and report them.
Dr. E. O. Wilson explains why places like Hurricane Creek need to be preserved.
