Removing Trail Graffiti
Over the past year, the number of people taking to the outdoors for enjoyment has increased. Along with the number of people heading out to our parks for enjoyment, the number of people going out for negative reasons has increased as well.
In January of 2019, the U.S. Government experienced a shutdown, and during this time our parks were heavily destroyed by people leaving behind trash and graffiti. The Washington Post has a great article about the effects in Joshua Tree National Park.
Graffiti is not only an issue in your larger, well-known national parks. It has also become an issue in our smaller, lesser-known National Parks and State Parks. I have been spending time exploring my local parks and it hurts me to see a waterfall covered in green moss and orange spray paint.
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) published an article about how you can remove graffiti from rocks in your local parks.
I would recommend you take a look at the article but here are a few important points
Always document the location. Record the trail, where on the trail. If you have a GPS record the coordinates.
Take photos of the graffiti to document it. The Trail conference recommends you use the Avenza Map App. It is a free app.
Work quickly to remove the issue. It does not only effect the experience of hikers, other people might see it and be encouraged to do the same.
Always try to remove the graffiti first, before you try to cover it up.
Before you go to remove the graffiti, always check to make sure it is ok that you do so with the owner of the land, especially if you are in a state or federal park.
If you would like to help remove graffiti or if you have seen some on your favorite trail and would like to remove it, I put together a list of the tools and safety gear you will need to get started Click Here. If you do come across graffiti on a trail but do feel comfortable cleaning it, report it to who over sees the park or reach out to your local outdoor club. If you are not sure who to reach out to, send me an email with the location and photos, I will find out who to report it to.
Lastly, Get involved with the New York New Jersey Trail Conference or your local outdoor club. Most trails are maintained by these volunteer organizations.
