Photo via Instagram
Rule No. 1 on defacing property might be not to deface said property. However, Rule No. 1a might read: Don't share the act on social media.
That's a lesson being learned rather well at the moment by Vanessa Hudgens, a name you know because "High School Musical," "Spring Breakers" and Zac Efron were things that people watched and enjoyed.
Recently, Hudgens performed extremely well as Rizzo in the television performance "Grease: Live."
However, more recently than that, she was off proclaiming her love by etching her name and that of her boyfriend Austin Butler in the hard, red rocks of Sedona.
Obviously, the Instagram post in question has been deleted. However, some, like ABC 15's anchor Danielle Lerner, have archived it for all to enjoy.
As has been reported by various outlets, carving anything into a national landmark is against the law.
US Weekly actually spoke with Coconino National Forest Public Affairs Officer Brady Smith who explained a bit further the reason this seemingly innocuous act is such a problem.
Smith tells the publication: "This incident is currently under investigation, so there is not much I can share specifically since I am not privy to the details of an investigation until it is complete. However, I can say that the issue of people carving their names and other things in rocks in the Sedona and surrounding area is always a challenge we face, and try to inform people about its destructive nature. We have found that when one person carves something, it encourages others to carve."
Now there are myriad ways to express your love and capture the moment. You know these as Instagram photos that don't feature defacement of property.
Hudgens procured a few:
As the report states, Hudgens could very well face "a fine of up to $5,000 or six months behind bars."
Even if she gets a figurative slap on the wrist, we are glad something like this comes to light if only to remind you travelers that it's important to leave landmarks as they stand.
Time will diminish or alter its façade, whether they are manmade or natural rock formations. There is certainly no need to aid its deterioration.
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