I am writing to express my concern over the increase of graffiti in some of our forests, especially in the Train Wreck area. What some might call “art” is, in reality, a blatant act of disrespect toward nature and the community that values these spaces.
Painting trees, rocks, and bridges with graffiti not only damages the natural landscape but also shows a profound disregard for the environment and the people who enjoy these areas. Our forests are not blank canvases waiting to be defaced. They are living ecosystems that deserve to be treated with care and respect.
What makes this worse is the long-lasting impact such actions have. Graffiti on trees can harm their bark, making them vulnerable to disease, while spray-painting bridges and trailsides creates a visual disturbance in what should be a pristine setting.
I understand some people may feel the urge to express themselves artistically, but this is not the way to do it. There are many other outlets for creativity that do not involve defacing public property or damaging nature.
As a constructive solution, I propose the community work together to create more designated art spaces—murals, public walls, or sanctioned areas in the urban environment—where graffiti artists can showcase their talents without harming nature. We could even organize community art events where artists are given permission to paint in specific areas while raising awareness about the importance of respecting our natural surroundings.
I hope this letter sparks a conversation about the importance of protecting our environment from vandalism. Let’s encourage art in the right places and, most importantly, safeguard our forests and natural spaces for future generations.
