The Ugly Side of Rock-Stacking: The Environmental Impact You Didn't Know About
Created for a viral social media post, or even just to pass the time while the sun sets, rock-stacking has become a popular pastime for many outdoors enthusiasts, but many people don't realize that it can have a harmful impact on the environment. But what is rock-stacking, how does it differ from a cairn, why is it harmful, and what can we do to help preserve our natural landscapes?
I’m a cairn karen, and proud to admit it.
First, let’s define the differences between a cairn and a rock stack. A cairn is an officially established pile of rocks designed to mark a trail. Rock stacks are piles made by individuals for fun or artistic creativity.
Rock-stacking involves stacking rocks of various sizes and shapes on top of each other to create a tower or sculpture. While some people see it as a fun and creative way to interact with nature, others (like myself) know it as an invasive activity that can damage the environment. They seem to pop up everywhere there’s a beautiful view and a populated trail. The concentration and patience that rock-stacking requires has a meditative draw towards those who are trying to escape the hustle and bustle of their every day lives and reconnect with the natural world. This past time isn’t new, either. Rock-stacks have been assembled all across the globe for thousands of years. Whether it be to direct navigation, mark a significant cultural or spiritual event, or even just to practice some mindfulness and pass the time, as long as people have been able to pick up rocks, the landscape has been littered with rock stacks.
ecological impact
So, why is rock-stacking harmful? For one, it disrupts natural ecosystems. Displacing rocks from their original locations can disturb the habitats of plants and animals, and the stacked rocks themselves can create microhabitats that alter the surrounding environment. Insects, aquatic macro-invertebrates, fish, and animals can be forced from their hiding places and homes, and while these animals are small and often unseen, they are still a critical part of our environment. Displacing these organisms can mean food insecurity not only for them, but it may expose them to predators prematurely, disrupting the natural cycle of the food chain.
Additionally, rock-stacking can cause erosion, as the rocks can loosen soil and cause sediment to wash into nearby waterways. This can have a detrimental effect on water quality and the health of aquatic life. Rocks hold delicate sands and fine sediments in place. Removing too many rocks from these also removes the natural barriers holding these features in place. According to the Leave No Trace Organization, “An embedded rock helps to hold soils in place, locking the surface and helping to effectively drain excessive water, and can even generate new plant life. When these rocks are removed from their natural resting place the soils are also released greatly increasing the rate of erosion in a given location.”
Trail markers
Cairns are created by land managers to mark designated trails and help hikers follow the most durable surfaces. They are especially common in alpine environments where painted blazes may not be as visible in the open landscape above the tree line. It's critical to note that established cairns should always be left untouched, as tampering with them (or building your own) can lead other hikers to become lost or endangered and trample sensitive vegetation. This follows the fourth principle of Leave No Trace: Leave What You Find.
natural graffiti
Its only natural to want to leave your mark on somewhere that is special to you — that’s just human nature. “Remember I was here” is a very natural thought to have, but another issue with rock-stacking is that it can encourage others to follow suit, leading to an even greater impact on the environment. We think that it’s “just me” or “only a few rocks”, but the fact of the matter is that many people become inspired by these impressive creations and try to follow suit without knowing the impact they have. This is especially true in areas that are already heavily trafficked by visitors, as the added foot traffic from people searching for rocks to stack can further damage delicate ecosystems.
So, what can we do to help preserve our natural landscapes? The simplest solution is to avoid rock-stacking altogether. Instead, we can find other ways to interact with nature that don't involve altering the environment. We can go for a hike, take photographs, or simply enjoy the scenery without feeling the undying need to leave our mark. If you are absolutely unable to resist the urge, LNT kindly asks that we only collect rocks that are loose from soils, sands, and silts as this will reduce the impact as much as possible.
If you do come across a cairn during your travels, it's best to leave it untouched. Removing the rocks can cause even more damage to the surrounding environment, and it's not worth it just to get a photo or satisfy a momentary urge to stack rocks.
Rock-stacking may seem like completely harmless fun, but it can have a lasting impact on the environment, sometimes on an “unseen” level. Let's work together to keep our wilderness wild and free from human interference.
