This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Alongside centuries-old petroglyphs of a bear, a coyote and a bighorn sheep stand the newly etched words "DALLAS TX."
The phrase — along with "Ivan Dallas TX" and "Henn/Hena" — is the most recent graffitied marking in Capitol Reef National Park, though officials say incidents of vandalism are becoming more prevalent.
The newest graffiti appears at a petroglyph site along Highway 24, which provides an "easily accessible" spot visited by thousands of people each year, according to a news release from the park. The area was inhabited by the Fremont people, who carved the petroglyphs, from about 250 to 1275 C.E.
Restoring the site will be a "complex, difficult process" that is "not always possible," the release states. "Once damage occurs at these remarkable works of art, they can never be fully repaired."
Other affected areas in the park include Capitol Gorge, Grand Wash, Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch.
Under a federal protection act, it is illegal to vandalize "archaeological resources and sites which are on public lands and Indian lands." If convicted, offenders can face up to two years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
Capitol Reef National Park asks that anyone with information regarding the recent graffiti call 435-425-4135.
Twitter: @CourtneyLTanner