Stop Doodling in Our National Parks!

Art has its place, but it’s not in our country’s national parks—unless, of course, we’re talking ancient glyphs, Bob Ross–style landscapes, photography (whether by Ansel Adams or dear old dad), and other media of the “leave only footprints” variety. But that’s not the kind of artistic expression (ahem, vandalism) Casey Nocket allegedly unleashed this summer on our natural treasures. Armed with acrylic paint, the 21-year-old New Yorker defaced up to 10 national parks in five states across the West, including Yosemite, Utah’s Canyonlands, and Oregon’s Crater Lake. And like many a dummy with a smartphone before her, Ms. Nocket is no smooth criminal. She boasted about her work via social media—and now authorities are hot on her trail. The vandal could face $5,000 in fines and up to a year in prison. When one critic voiced dismay about her scribbles on her now-deleted Instagram account, she responded, “I’m not a good person.” Yeah, we know, Casey. We know.

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