Walking Trails

Hard to believe the damage can be that persistent, but the example you give of the Oregon trail seems indisputable. They look like vehicle, as well as walking ruts to me..
Great shot documenting this problem Sandy.

Sorry Howard, I guess I didn't make that clear. They are vehicle tracks. When the ruts get too deep in one set, people just move over and create a new set....thus the trail "walks".

Oh you made it clear enough Sandy - My bad

This problem is everywhere. Just like when people cut switch backs or go around muddy spots. here in Alaska, the tundra can never really grow back once it has be destroyed.
carl

There are probably many of us who feel "but I'm only one person, what difference can...."

Nancy, for me this photo speaks to that phrase very strongly. You have captured an image that truly illustrates the collective impact human activities can have on the surrounding environment. The terrain there could probably handle a single trip from a single person/vehicle/wagon quite easily - even sporadic multiple trips - and still not show as if too much damage was going on.

But over time all the insignificant trips do add up, and this really shows that... perhaps all too well.

Thanks for sharing!

A sad but telling image.
Congrats on the WP!
Sandy