Overview
- Retired ranger Allyson Mathis reported fresh white spray paint on Devils Garden Trail, including smiley faces, doodles, repeated “GRUG” tags, and scattered toilet paper.
- The Department of the Interior confirmed the incident near Landscape Arch and said the National Park Service has opened an investigation with no additional comment.
- Local outlets seeking details on graffiti removal received only automated voicemail responses as shutdown constraints limited National Park Service communications.
- The shutdown reached day 41 on Monday with roughly 9,296 of about 14,500 NPS employees furloughed while parks remained open with reduced services and enforcement.
- The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and former park leaders renewed calls to close parks until staffing returns, citing recent damage at multiple sites.