Kindness rocks have surged in popularity this summer, but they’re a source of concern for a National Park.
The rocks painted in bright colors with phrases and designs are placed all around communities as a way to spread kindness. As a result “rock hunters” often spend their time looking for the stones and then they can contact the original stone painter through Facebook pages.
At first thought, National Parks may make an exciting place to hide a kindness rocks, but some park rangers have serious concerns about the ecological impact the painted rocks may have.
The Courier Press in Indiana reports that the rocks have become an issue at George Rogers Clark National Historic Park in Vincennes, Indiana.
Vincennes Chief Ranger, Joe Herron told the Courier Press, “While George Rogers Clark National Historical Park does not have the delicate ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park, we treat these cultural heritage areas with the same respect,”
Herron said they’ve had to be the “party pooper” and go and pick up all the rocks.
As of the time of this writing, a Google search does not show any other National Parks overtly banning the kindness rocks and there does not appear to be any mention of the rocks on the National Park Service’s website.
However, National Parks leave no trace policy it’s probably just a matter of time before the NPS begins a campaign discouraging the kindness rocks in National Parks.
Enjoy The Silence will monitor the story as it develops.
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