Three Pay For Resource Damage Caused In Catalog Shoot

In September, 2011, a photograph in a Patagonia clothing catalog appeared of two climbers making a “first ascent” of a climbing route in the park. Rangers identified the route and determined that new bolts had been installed and that trundling of rocks on the route had occurred. Both of these actions are prohibited under a 36 CFR 1.5 closure.

During the investigation, two additional climbing routes were identified as first ascents completed by the individuals identified in the Patagonia catalog and by a newly identified third party not associated with the Patagonia photograph. All three individuals were held liable for damages in accordance with the Park System Resource Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 19jj), which provides that any person or instrumentality who injures, destroys or causes the loss of any park resource is liable for response costs and damages. In May a sum of $4,000 was paid to Capitol Reef National Park after negotiations between the NPS Intermountain Office of the Solicitor and the defendants’ attorney.