Common Impact Patterns and Dynamics Caused By Recreation

Bark and Leaf Scarification and Graffiti

Discussion of why and how visitors tend to scarify or graffiti woody plants like trees as a function of recreation presence.

Visitors over the years have cut into the living tissue of this beech tree down to the heartwood, in order to create a graffiti record of their presence.  This harms the tree and leaves it vulnerable to viral and insect pathogens.

Visitors leave lasting impact to woody vegetative species by carving into them, pounding in nails, and burning through bark with the rims of hot kerosene lanterns.