Vandals are damaging trees at Montezuma Castle. Here's how the park is fighting back
Scratching initials into the barks of trees can be a way to symbolize the permanence of a relationship. It is also a crime at national parks and forests.
Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde has had to take protection measures for its trees.
Burlap sacks now cover the trunks of vulnerable sycamore trees to prevent people from carving into their bark.
Supervisory Park Ranger Paul Santellan said the move was necessary, as extensive repairs and clean up can cause more damage to the trees.
He said those marks can last for a full year before they become “invisible.”
Vandalism of a national park is a federal crime, punishable by a fine up to $500 and up to 6 months in prison.
It is not yet clear how long the sacks will be up to protect the trees from defacement.
Santellan said other vandalism at the castle involves people leaving trails and climbing the cliff face, which often leads to rock slides.
