GEOVANDALISM: ASSESSING THEFT, VANDALISM, AND OTHER DEPRECIATIVE BEHAVIORS RESULTING IN THE IMPAIRMENT OF GEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM AREAS

Our shared geologic heritage is both valuable and vulnerable. Geoheritage sites, whether designated or undesignated, are threatened by urbanization, development, and general neglect. Too often, the actions of an individual or a group result in damage or loss of irreplaceable and non-renewable geoheritage resources. Geoconservation practitioners and decision makers who deal with people-related conservation challenges, including Geovandalism, must be aware of and address the human dimensions of resource conservation. Human dimensions approaches consider human attitudes toward natural resources, cognitive processes and resulting behaviors that contribute to depreciative behaviors. Understanding the human dimensions of geological and paleontological resources enhances our ability to manage and protect our geologic heritage and promote their scientific and educational values.

In this presentation, we examine numerous examples of theft, vandalism, and damaging use of geoheritage in the National Parks. Incidences range from high profile criminal cases, to serial vandalism, to thoughtless damaging behavior. We show how the NPS Paleontology program is using these cases to assess resource stewardship attitudes and improve resource stewardship behaviors. For fossil heritage resources, we’ve developed strategies to aid managers in addressing stakeholder beliefs, attitudes, and behavior that contribute to human-wildlife habituation. The goal of raising awareness is being addressed through National Fossil Day and the NPS Junior Paleontologist program. A partnership with The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics helps to connect with national messaging efforts, especially “Travel and camp on durable surfaces” and “Leave what you find”.