[Az-Geocaching] Destruction of geological site(s?)

[Jason Poulter]

has anyone heard of a new invention called... WIND!!!



Edchil38@aol.com wrote:
> The first time I've heard of your organization was when I read the 
> article in this morning's edition of the /Arizona Republic/.  I promptly 
> came home from breakfast and located your website for more information. 
>  What you do for kicks seems to be a complete waste of time and a clear 
> sign of a bunch of people who don't have enough to do.  However, it also 
> appears to be perfectly legal so if that happens to flip your switch, - 
> - have at it.
> 
> BUT, - - DON'T DO IT IN MY BACKYARD.
> 
> 
> Now having passed the intro, I'll give you a few things to ponder.
> 
> We happen to have a remote parcel of land not too far from the Phoenix 
> metro area.  It sits at the end of a primitive road that crosses a wide 
> swath of public land.  The property is an isolated parcel, the entry 
> gate is locked and posted and, depending on how you count, it is 
> surrounded by at least 60,000 acres of public land.
> 
> Now, perhaps you clean living folk can tell me why it is that instead of 
> recreating on land that is owned by every citizen, a vast number of 
> uninvited trespassers find the need to walk, ride, climb, go around or 
> crawl under our gate to look, play, trash, steal and vandalize.  They 
> shoot holes in our signs, trees, rocks, and fences and let their dogs 
> and horses shit on every available flat spot.  The leave their Frito 
> bags, pop cans and tracks;  - - hiking boot or ATV, - - it's still a 
> track.  They avail themselves of the green grass as a mating ground and 
> used condom depository.
> 
> Now save your breath if you're getting ready to tell me that you don't 
> do that sort of thing.  As a preamble to telling hundreds of intrusive 
> bastards to get the hell out and stay out, I patiently explain why they 
> are not welcome.  So far, I've heard the same indignant retort from 
> almost every damned one of them.  It goes something like this:
> "I've been coming here for more than ___________ years and I've never 
> left so much as a cigarette butt of gum wrapper".  "I always carry out 
> my own trash and pick up the other guy's litter when I leave".
> 
> In order for me to believe that, I've got to also believe some raving 
> idiot in an aerial tanker is kicking out a dumpster full of crap at 
> least monthly.  (Considering the number of beer cans and vodka bottles, 
> I suppose it could be an America West crew).
> 
> To make bad matters worse the property is home to some very significant 
> archeological sites and petroglyphs.  Those people who never disturb 
> anything have also used them for small arms and pistol targets and have 
> chiseled away at some of the ancient artwork.  They climb around on them 
> like they're the Jungle Gym of the ancients.  With whatever instrument 
> they have the dexterity to master they have etched their names on every 
> thing within reach.
> 
> To provide more detail is to give directions to the place which will 
> only invite more trouble, so let me try to sum it up for you:
> 
> 1.  When you enter private property, do it as I would do if I entered 
> your home.  Wait 'til you're invited.
> 
> 2.  If you are possessed with the overwhelming urge to screw up 
> property, either do it at home or on public land where you at least hold 
> some smattering of an ownership interest.
> 
> 3.  If you see a locked gate and a sign that clearly tells you to stay 
> out, then STAY THE HELL OUT!
> 
> 4.  If you happen to be among the illiterate minority, just study and 
> memorize the shape of the letters,   N-O - - T-R-E-S-P-A-S-S-I-N-G.
> 
> Thanks, and Good Geocaching,
> 
> Ed
> 
>