Social Narcissism

Years back, I did a 30 day Outward Bound course in the canyonlands of Utah. Our instructors taught and preached minimal impact and “leave no trace” behaviors, so that those who followed us could enjoy the natural beauty as much as we did.

We learned something interesting when we entered the actual Canyonlands National Park toward the end of our course. A “national park” designation increases human traffic at least ten-fold, making “leave no trace” impractical to impossible. Instead, we tried for minimal impact, using established trails and established camp locations. Re-damaging what has been damaged many times is better than blazing new ground.

This is good, respectful, and socially conscious behavior, so naturally government can make a hash of it.

Behold, the story of Michelino Sunseri, a competitive mountain runner who was criminally prosecuted for using an unapproved trail in his ascent/descent of Grand Teton peak.

Not fined, prosecuted.