Monument Rocks Despoiled

Monument Rocks is a National Natural Landmark, located in western Kansas. Cretaceous chalk formations rise up to 70 feet from the Kansas prairie. The classic photo op, especially for tourists, is standing in this large oval window. Not anymore :(. My wife and I made the 2.5 hour trip out to Monument Rocks, arriving after dark. Walking around, waiting for the moon to come up, my wife happened to point the flashlight out into the pasture, where it reflected off of the truck. I took this photo in the pre-dawn light, feeling extremely blue about the whole situation. Even though I prefer one of the other rock formations for my night photography, it really bothers me that they are drilling this close to one of Kansas' "Eight Natural Wonders". The rig is only a few hundred feet at most from the Rocks. This oil company is drilling all across this part of the state. This rig was not there a month ago when I last visited the Rocks.