America's Best Idea??

Gallery: Man & FaunaPosted May 13, 2011896 views8 comments

While storm chasing a few days ago, I stopped at an overlook on the remote west side of Badlands National Park (SD). I saw this overlook on the park map and when I googled it, I saw a stunning view in some photographer's website. So, I was anticipating a beautiful sight, and felt a bit deflated when this was the view I came across when I pulled over at the overlook. And this is just a small taste of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and lack of space in my car, wasn't too much I could do--but with a couple letters/email and offer of support hopefully I can convince someone to clean the place up. Disgusting...

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on May 13, 2011 at 3:27 PM

very sad, Stan; you captured the scene well and hopefully somebody will clean it up

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Mangas on May 13, 2011 at 5:49 PM

I'm glad to hear you done what you could Stan. I would like to think my patience and understanding of humans in general is getting better as I grow older and wiser (I know that last ones a stretch) anyway, when it comes to litter and destruction of our lands there doesn't seem to be much I won't do to help stop it even if that means literally knocking sense into peoples heads! Thanks for sharing. Along with everyone's beautiful images posted here this needs to a topic that stays close to us all.

Registered on November 9, 2007, 94 Posts, 568 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Pederson on May 13, 2011 at 6:33 PM

Sad recording, but true...just about everywhere. That is a nice vista, with the right light and sky...

Registered on October 19, 2010, 95 Posts, 470 Comments

Comment posted by Hank Pennington on May 13, 2011 at 11:27 PM

Disgusting is right. I have never understood the thinking (or lack thereof) behind this kind of thing. You've done what I would do- advertise it and look for help. In this case, probably due to the bright colors in the trash and the muted light and scenery, it was good technique to show both together. As I said in my review of the previous photo from RC, it's not an easy task.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 226 Posts, 1532 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on May 18, 2011 at 9:26 PM

Sure captures America's "love" of the outdoors.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Herb Sennet on May 21, 2011 at 1:56 PM

Stan it is a good idea to make and show this picture. If you can change the attitude of just one man by showing this image
and make him aware of the impact on nature it is already a success.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 87 Posts, 106 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on May 26, 2011 at 3:22 PM

Man, this makes me angry. The stupidity, ignorance and arrogance of human beings. Not only nature, but towards other people who prefer their nature without the garbage of others. I just saw something very similar in a park along the danube in Linz. People enjoy the warm evenings in the grass and they leave all their waste (beer cans etc). The same people that go there to enjoy themselves in a recreational area leave their garbage to make the place they enjoy a disgusting place. I guess I am too dumb to understand the logic.

Ok, enough rant. But your image is successful. It stimulates an emotional reaction...

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on May 27, 2011 at 8:40 PM

Welcome to every NP in the lower 48. ;]

Seriously though, there are those that just don't care. Drives me nuts.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments