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The Environmental Impact of Cairn Making
- October 7, 2023
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Uncategorized
The word “cairn” comes from the Scottish Gaelic for stone man can bring up images of faith and the purpose of an enlightened journey. In the backcountry, cairn making is a popular trend and it’s easy to see why people are attracted to these cute little stones that are balanced as child’s building blocks. With shoulders aching and black flies buzzing through ears, hikers will take a look at the stones around her and try to pick one that has the right amount of tilt and flatness as well as breadth and depth. After a few missed opportunities (one too bulgy, one too small), a purist will choose the stone that is perfectly positioned. The second layer of the Cairn is now completed.
But what many people don’t realize is that cairn making can have http://cairnspotter.com/generated-post-2/ a negative environmental impact, particularly when it’s done near water sources. When rocks are removed from the edges of a river, lake or pond, they disrupt the ecosystem and destroy the microorganisms’ habitats that support the entire food-chain. The rocks could be removed from the edges of a pond or lake due to erosion. They can end up in areas in which they could harm humans or wildlife.
In light of this, the practice of building cairns should be avoided in areas that have rare or endangered reptiles, amphibians, mammals or plants and flowers that require humidity that is locked in the rocks. And if you build the cairn on private property it could be in violation of state and federal regulations protecting the land’s natural resources and could result in fines or even arrest.