Preventing the Petrified Forest from disappearing.

Abstract

Visitors to Petrified Forest National Park have the opportunity to walk among the crystallized remains of trees that lived more than 200 million years ago. However, a small percentage of visitors threaten the preservation of these Mesozoic structures by taking petrified wood from the park (Depreciative behavior; Impacts to historical/cultural resources). To address this challenging problem, the park has promulgated a strict rule against removing petrified wood (Rules/Regulations) and established a robust education and outreach program that alerts visitors to this rule and the importance of leaving petrified wood in its place. Information is shared through a visitor center film, at entrance gates, in the visitor guide, on the park website, on signs at trailheads, and through interpretive displays (Information/Education). Park rangers and uniformed volunteers monitor popular sites, and visitors pass through a check station as they leave the park; anyone caught taking, moving, or damaging petrified wood is fined (Law enforcement). Real and fake cameras have been used to monitor heavily used sites and discourage theft (Facility development, site design/maintenance). Additionally, petrified wood from outside sources is sold by a park concessionaire for visitors wanting a souvenir. These management practices are designed to Reduce the impact of use by diminishing theft, and to Increase the supply of souvenirs by using sources of petrified wood from outside the protected area of the park.