Seemingly innocent stacking of stone sculptures...

Seemingly innocent stacking of stone sculptures in nature can have harmful consequences.

People are building them everywhere nowadays, but so-called cairns have historically indicated the right path.
Fishermen especially in summer in rivers and along them are noticing more and more stone sculptures. Visitors also build various small pools and dams, unaware that this can affect the entire ecosystem. The mountaineering association is also warning about similar problems in the mountains.

Fishermen particularly observe mass stacking of stone sculptures, small pools and dams near campsites and larger bathing areas, including those located in the Triglav National Park area. This destroys the natural appearance of the environment, which in some cases can also affect the sensitive ecosystem, warns Kaja Pliberšek, head of the professional-research service at the Institute of Fisheries of Slovenia.

"Now that this is occurring so massively, it can cause some immediate major impacts on fish life – not only by stacking stones and small pools, but also by wading through the water and using the entire water system," she emphasized.

Deputy President of the Alpine Association of Slovenia Martin Šolar warns that stacking stone sculptures reminiscent of mountain cairns can also be dangerous in the mountains.

"Because cairns on unmarked trails have historically meant a very reliable sign that you are on the right path. Now people are building them everywhere, for fun, to make it look nicer, yet many still think it's a sign of where to go. Accidents have already happened because of this," Šolar warned.

Therefore, both emphasize that we should leave no trace in nature – not even such seemingly harmless ones.

Source: https://www.rtvslo.si/okolje/na-videz-nedolzno-postavljanje-kamnitih-skulptur-v-naravi-ima-lahko-skodljive-posledice/722572