The National Park Service (NPS) has requested the public’s assistance in locating a couple accused of stealing artifacts from Canyonland National Park in Utah. The couple allegedly entered the Cave Spring Cowboy Camp in the park’s Needles district on March 23 and removed artifacts from a closed cabinet, handling historic harnesses in a manner that could damage them. The NPS emphasized that national parks are highly valued and protected, and visitors are expected to abide by park rules and Leave No Trace principles to preserve natural and cultural resources for present and future generations.
The NPS highlighted the significance of national parks, describing them as special, treasured, and well-protected areas in the country. It emphasized the importance of ensuring that visitors follow park regulations and guidelines to minimize their impact on park lands. The agency stated that all visitors should aim to protect natural and cultural resources for future generations. The NPS expressed concern over the couple’s behavior in handling historic harnesses during the alleged theft, which could potentially harm these artifacts.
In a separate incident, a 23-year-old hiker has gone missing in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The NPS has reported that a body was discovered in Grand Canyon National Park of a man traveling down the Colorado River with a dog. The NPS has urged anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward with tips. They have provided contact information for individuals who may have been in the area or can help identify the suspects in the artifact theft case.
Park officials are seeking tips from individuals who were in the vicinity at the time of the alleged theft at Canyonland National Park or may have information on the whereabouts of the missing hiker or the man found deceased in Grand Canyon National Park. The NPS has set up a hotline for individuals to call and provide information or submit tips via email. By encouraging public involvement and cooperation, the NPS hopes to gather essential information to aid in ongoing investigations and to protect park resources for future generations. By raising awareness about these incidents and seeking public assistance, the NPS aims to uphold the preservation and conservation of national parks across the country.
The NPS reiterated the importance of protecting natural and cultural resources within national parks by abiding by regulations and Leave No Trace principles. The agency called upon all visitors to national parks to respect park rules and guidelines to ensure the preservation of these valuable areas. By involving the public in reporting any suspicious behavior or providing information related to incidents like the artifact theft at Canyonland National Park or missing hikers in other parks, the NPS can work to safeguard these precious resources and promote responsible visitation for current and future generations. Through collaboration and vigilance, together, we can help protect and preserve the beauty and uniqueness of our national parks.
