Vandalism on classic boulders at Rotary (Horsetooth) - and what we can do.
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For those who haven't seen it, some truly reprehensible vandals decided to desecrate some of the most classic boulders in Colorado. Most of it is on the cat eye wall, but the Eliminator boulder got it as well. |
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There was a lot of this in north Ga when I first started climbing. It’s not uncommon in certain areas. There’s a popular graffiti removal chemical called “elephant snot” that’s great for removing this kind of stuff. The local climbing club would organize clean ups. No reason we couldn’t do the same here. |
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SUper sad about the Graffiti. Some really good memories bouldering on those walls you have pictured. I mean nothing against hearts and shrooms but really this just aint the place for this stuff. PLease keep the Graffiti on the trains and bridges. Its much prettier that way. |
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Seconding elephant snot. Used it on the Morrison boulders and it worked well. |
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Third for elephant snot. Also, Worx makes a battery powered sprayer that can draw from a bucket. I think it's called 'hydroshot'. I picked up a refurb from their Ebay store for just this problem. It doesn't work as well as a pressure washer, but it won't strip off sandstone and it's an awful lot less work than a backpack sprayer. |
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Huge thanks for the input. I'm on it. |
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Last time I was there I chased some kids off that were tagging. Fuckin degens. |
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Contact Ben at NC3, I think they have may have cleaned graff off these very rocks not too long ago, might even have some elephant snot for you. |
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I’m pretty sure we cleaned graffiti off these walls in the seventies. It still sucks...I hope the cleaning chemicals have gotten better. |
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Malcolm Daly wrote: I’m pretty sure we cleaned graffiti off these walls in the seventies. It still sucks...I hope the cleaning chemicals have gotten better. They have for sure. But elephant snot is not something I’d call eco friendly! Use gloves and take serious precaution using it. I work in a career field where I’m exposed to a lot of chemicals and I can assure you you don’t want it on your skin. |
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Kyle Taylor wrote: It's not as bad as poison oak, but it's not pleasant either. For sure, put some goggles and gloves on. |
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Todd, you don't "chase off" taggers. |
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Hey everyone, |
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Bummer to hear everyone, but it will likely continue to be a problem into the future. Larimer County Natural Resources is well aware of the on going problem and continues to try and mitigate the issue. Most of the time its kids sneaking in after hours. LCNR has been patrolling the area at night but vandals still get through. Rotary is sadly an urban climbing area now and has to deal with all the bullshit that goes with it. |
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Rotary has had graffiti vandalism since before you were born. Boulders have been tagged there for years. Very frustrating and annoying. |
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grog m wrote: Rotary has had graffiti vandalism since before you were born. Boulders have been tagged there for years. Very frustrating and annoying. I mean it’s so inviting, it just calls to be painted on! |
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Ron O wrote: Todd, you don't "chase off" taggers. In a perfect world, Ron... I'd say make them huff their whole supply, they can get their jollies that way. |
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I'm not from the area but if this is a common occurrence someone should put up a Trail Camera somewhere to try to catch the vandals. |
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Ben Scott wrote: Bummer to hear everyone, but it will likely continue to be a problem into the future. Larimer County Natural Resources is well aware of the on going problem and continues to try and mitigate the issue. Most of the time its kids sneaking in after hours. LCNR has been patrolling the area at night but vandals still get through. Rotary is sadly an urban climbing area now and has to deal with all the bullshit that goes with it. Ben and Ryan- let us know how or when we can lend a hand. I have resources ( power washer, etc) we can lend to the clean up. Thanks for your stewardship. |
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Sounds good Devan. I think we're stuck with the backpack sprayer and a plastic brush, that stone is way too soft for a power washer. It might be wed/thur this week. keep ya posted. |
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there was also some graffiti at the base of the Dogleg crack |