Just this last January, rangers reported that the vandal defaced rock faces, buildings and other infrastructure with graffiti that reads in part “Steve & Lacy were here.” They believe that Lacy is the name of his dog. There were similar acts of vandalism that occurred in early 2019 during the federal government shutdown, that the rangers suspect committed by the same person.

dscn0347According to the article, the park service says that, “This individual is suspected to be a male from Grand Forks, British Columbia, who traveled with a dog named Lacy on his way to an event called King of the Hammers.”

Graffiti , says the report, was found on rocks and historic structures in Echo Canyon, Butte Valley, Homestake Dry Camp and Crankshaft Junction.

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“It is heartbreaking to see treasures like Death Valley National Park get damaged by intentional acts such as these,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “We ask park visitors to help us find those who should be held responsible, and thank hard-working park rangers for efforts to prevent further damage.”

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If anyone has any information, the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch has a tip line that can be called or texted anonymously at (888) 653-0009, or online at www.nps.gov/ISB or by email at [email protected].

According to the park service, such illegal acts can cause permanent damage, degrades the natural outdoors experience for other visitors. They are also costly and time-consuming to repair. If you see such behavior, please report it to the park service as soon as possible with any information the can be collected safely.

Though the park is currently temporarily closed, through traffic is allowed on CA-190 and Daylight Pass Road, and park rangers are still patrolling the park.

Photos of vandalism courtesy of the National Park Service.