It has been heartbreaking to read about the damage to Joshua Tree National Park during the government shut-down, when tourists did incalculable destruction to the plants, trees, and surface areas. Estimates suggest that recovery will take at least 300 years. Junko @jyokota and I spent a memorable afternoon there in late November. In tribute to the park, I'll post a few photos processed in b&w for Flash of Red February. The park is known for the incredible range of cacti and the distinguished "Joshua trees" that comprise its flora. This was one among a sea of back-lit cacti early in the morning.
What??? Oh no. I did not hear about this, heartbreaking. This is s sweet dear little heart cactus. From what I’ve seen Joshua Tree is a “Dark Sky” park, I’ve seen incredible Milky Way photos taken there. This is unimaginable.
We were luckier here as there wasn't a lot of destruction in Acadia. I will never understand a people's need to destroy things to try to make themselves to be important.
I really don't understand people's destructive behaviour, just to get a good selfie, or feel that their dog has the right to into any place. We lose precious kiwi's due to dog owners letting them of their leashes in forests.
I heard about the damage and it's so sad. They kept Assateague Park open in Maryland and not too much damage thankfully. Talking to the one park ranger (not getting a paycheck) two days before the end of the shut down he said it had been a free for all since the shut down. They should have just closed the gates.
I simply cannot believe that people can be so damned stupid, selfish and thoughtless to wantonly destroy what is clearly a national treasure. I have long been an opponent of the so-called sport of 4-wheel-driving which, IMO, is a first-class way of ruining any landscape, let alone something so delicately poised ecologically. If/when there's another shut-down (thank you Donald) perhaps some strategically placed CCTV cameras or the like would be in order. Offenders should be publicly shamed and forced to help ameliorate the damage - if the beggars can be caught.
Amazing shot....and such a sad commentary on some people and wild areas. I was very glad for Sleeping Bear that the shut down happened in the winter. And for a wonderful volunteer group as well.
Its hard to fathom that people could be so ignorant, self absorbed and just down right stupid. Beautiful back lighting on the cactus and works great in B&W.
I just can't believe the imbecilic behaviour of some folk, why would you bother to go to somewhere like the Joshua Tree National Park if you weren't interested in the environment. So very sad but a wonder picture nonetheless.
@taffy such a beautiful image Taffy and such a horrifying story! I despair at the ignorance of some people and also the attitude that they can do anything they want for their pleasure! So sad that this destruction has taken place. It makes me so angry!
Incomprehensible to me that people would want to do this, or that they could have no respect for the National Park. How very sad. Your image is stunning in detail and with that lighting.
Wonderful image but I'm lost for words reading about the damage done to the park, it's sad that people are so ignorant about their impact on the environment.
I hadn't heard of this, that is terrible! I will look at your links. It really is hard to understand how some people find pleasure in destroying things.
Love the backlighting on this.
Love the backlighting on this.