‘Toxic’ decorative rocks found hidden at another national park as ‘vandalism’ spreads
“Vandalism” in the form of decoratively painted rocks has been found at yet another national park, federal officials said, suggesting the potentially “toxic” trend is spreading.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas reported Nov. 21 some of the stones were discovered by rangers, just days after Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico made a similar discovery.
A photo shared by Hot Springs officials showed one stone was painted to look like a multicolored owl.
“Recently, visitors left this and other painted rocks in the park,” officials wrote. “Some may find this to be a kind gesture, but painted rocks are problematic for a variety of reasons.
“Leave your painted rocks at home.”
Such rocks have also been discovered in some Arkansas state parks, according to Facebook posts.
It’s not clear when the practice started, but a Facebook page called RVing Rocks! is devoted to the practice of decorating rocks and “hiding” them. There is no evidence any members of the group, which started in 2016, are behind the rocks found at national parks.
“What started out as a fun family camping activity has become an over 14,000 member group with people hiding rocks everywhere from campgrounds to stores to their neighbors front porch,” the page reads.
“This group is about making people smile and feel special and to help us realize we are all connected some how some way, whether we cross paths in person or literally just cross the same path at a different time,” it continued. “Happy hunting, happy campers, happy people.”
Federal officials consider painted rocks to be a form of graffiti that can take away from “the natural beauty of an area.”
“Some may think leaving a painted rock is harmless, but the paint may be toxic to the creatures that call the park home,” Hot Springs officials wrote. “Paint breaks down over time and the particles that are left behind can be harmful to the environment.”
Stones found at parks have featured decorative images of plants and wildlife, along with sayings such as “Be Happy” and “Jesus loves you.” Others ask the finder to post photos of the stone on social media.
Some are defending the practice, leading to debates on national park Facebook pages. This includes people who believe park system trash cans and signage are just as unsightly.
“Sounds like more government overreach,” one man wrote on the Hot Springs National Park Facebook page. “That little printed rock not going to do anything. I think (it) was better for the little kid that left it to have a good experience.”
“I would rather see the rock than all the water bottles and cigarette butts people toss,” another wrote.
This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 12:41 PM with the headline "‘Toxic’ decorative rocks found hidden at another national park as ‘vandalism’ spreads."