Ruins in Ruins

In Deborah Baker’s article, “National Parks: Special Program for Ruins in Ruins,” she writes about the Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico and the Frijoles Canyon. In the canyon, there are more than 1000 caves that were homes to people 500 years ago. Now, many of the caves are home to vandalism such as graffiti and carving. A park restoring program called Vanishing Treasures works to repair these damages and others. They put about one million dollars a year into park projects. In reference to the money, one of the managers said it was”just a drop in the bucket when it comes to preservation needs.” They use soot from fire to cover the graffiti and clay-like soils to fill in the carvings. Their efforts also help support the walls and discourage other vandals.

I think that vandalism like what is occurring in the caves is a complete waste of the natural land we have. This article shows that more need to be done to protect areas such as this one. If nothing is done, these areas will not be around to show the history for future generations. The Vanishing Treasures program will help, but it won’t solve all the problems. Wilderness and parks need to be conserved so that the public can see them for many more years to come.

Baker, Deborah. "National Parks: Special Program for Ruins in Ruins." USA TODAY. USA TODAY, 8 Sept. 2008. Web. 08 Apr. 2010. National parks: special program for ruins in ruins - USATODAY.com