The thefts occur despite multiple signs and oral reminders of the law both when visitors enter and prepare to leave the park. We don't have staff to police all areas. Dave Simon, Southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, who is based in Albuquerque, N.M., said it is shocking how petrified wood has disappeared from some areas of the national park. At New Mexico's Petroglyph National Monument, the ancient petroglyphs, which are carvings into rock, are being chipped away by souvenir hunters and vandals, he said. For every 80,000 tourists at the nation's parks, there is on average one ranger to serve them, Simon said.
Volunteers help with the challenge at busier parks.
Bob Reid, a National Park Service manager who analyzes annual crime data and visitation at all parks, is estimating the number of additional rangers needed at selected parks in the next budget cycle.