News Scout Leaders Who Toppled Ancient Rock May Face Charges

**Dave Lane** · 10-19-2013, 11:01 AM

Frikken idiots. I've been to and shot Goblin Valley (see final link). Nothing like a couple idiots defacing a national park and laughing about it.

A group of Boy Scout leaders could be in serious trouble after they posted video online of one of them toppling a rock formation at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah.

The rocks, which resemble mushrooms, date back to the Jurassic Period, about 145 to 170 million years ago. They are, to say the least, a precious reminder of the Earth's history.

In the video, two men are seen cheering on their friend, who is trying to topple one of the formations. After he pushes off another rock, the "goblin" tumbles and then the men high-five.

YouTube
The Salt Lake Tribune identified the men as Scout leaders, and the paper reports that Utah State Parks officials are conducting a criminal investigation.

"It is not only wrong, but there will be consequences," Parks spokesman Eugene Swalberg told the paper. "This is highly, highly inappropriate. This is not what you do at state parks. It's disturbing and upsetting."

In their defense, the men in the video say they were acting out of concern for the safety of passersby.

"Some little kid was about ready to walk down here and die and Glenn saved his life by getting the boulder out of the way," the cameraman, identified as Dave Hall, says. "So it's all about saving lives here at Goblin Valley."

The Deseret News spoke to Glenn Taylor, the man who toppled the rock.

"In hindsight, the smart thing for us would have been for us to say, 'Dave, stay here. I'll run and get a ranger,' " Taylor said. "I mean, this rock was sitting in a 3-by-1/2-inch ledge."

He added: "If we were defacing property, if we had been going around knocking over all kinds of rocks, I would feel really guilty. As it is, I feel guilty because I have a conscience. But my conscience also says I did the right thing."

The Tribune says all three men — one is Taylor's son — could "face anywhere from a class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony depending on how much the formation is valued."

Update at 6:28 p.m. ET. 'Shocked And Disappointed':

Boy Scouts of America spokesman Deron Smith confirms to NPR that one of the men involved in the incident is a Scout leader and one is a member.

"We are shocked and disappointed by this reprehensible behavior," Smith says, adding that Scout members and leaders are taught "the principles of 'Leave No Trace.' These principles stress a commitment to maintaining the integrity and character of the outdoors and all living things. The isolated actions of these individuals are absolutely counter to our beliefs and what we teach. We are reviewing this matter and will take appropriate action."

Update at 4:33 p.m. ET. Rock Didn't Pose Imminent Danger:

Fred Hayes, director of the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, tells NPR's Howard Berkes, "We are heartsick. To see folks do that is heartbreaking."

Hayes also tells Berkes that park rangers are vigilant about formations that may present a risk to visitors and take steps to protect them, when necessary. He also says that the video of the incident does not show a threat to visitors.

"I don't believe the rock was presenting an imminent danger to anybody," Hayes says.

A state parks law enforcement officer is investigating and will meet with the Emery County attorney within a week to screen possible criminal charges.

http://500px.com/photo/41416602

Pitt Gorilla · 10-19-2013, 11:02 AM

Disgusting. Some people simply don't care about anything but themselves.

**SuperChief** · 10-19-2013, 11:04 AM

****. These. People.

ThaVirus · 10-19-2013, 11:09 AM

Dude was out of breath and he didn't even do anything. Slobs, man.

Halfcan · 10-19-2013, 11:10 AM

I hope they get the maximum sentence and are kicked out of the BoyScouts forever.

Eleazar · 10-19-2013, 11:10 AM

So much for leave no trace

NewChief · 10-19-2013, 11:10 AM

How freaking ignorant. Even when I was in scouts nearly 30 years ago, that sort of behavior was antithetical to scouting.

**TimeForWasp** · 10-19-2013, 11:12 AM

It's about time someone moved that rock. It was bugging the hell out of me.

**BigRedChief** · 10-19-2013, 11:13 AM

Saving kids lifes?

Chief Pote · 10-19-2013, 11:16 AM

Damn, the sob had the stones to move that rock.

KCUnited · 10-19-2013, 11:18 AM

Is nutrition not part of the scouts?

**sd4chiefs** · 10-19-2013, 11:21 AM

You know you are really stupid when you make a video doing something stupid then putting it on Youtube.

Halfcan · 10-19-2013, 11:21 AM

This should be pretty easy to Prosecute!

listopencil · 10-19-2013, 11:37 AM

I showed that to my Boy Scout son. He laughed and said, "Wow. Idiots."

**Dave Lane** · 10-19-2013, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

Dude was out of breath and he didn't even do anything. Slobs, man.

I'd make the fat one have to figure out how to put it back on top by himself or do jail time. His choice.

10-19-2013, 11:01 AM
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	Scout Leaders Who Toppled Ancient Rock May Face Charges Frikken idiots. I've been to and shot Goblin Valley (see final link). Nothing like a couple idiots defacing a national park and laughing about it. A group of Boy Scout leaders could be in serious trouble after they posted video online of one of them toppling a rock formation at Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The rocks, which resemble mushrooms, date back to the Jurassic Period, about 145 to 170 million years ago. They are, to say the least, a precious reminder of the Earth's history. In the video, two men are seen cheering on their friend, who is trying to topple one of the formations. After he pushes off another rock, the "goblin" tumbles and then the men high-five. YouTube The Salt Lake Tribune identified the men as Scout leaders, and the paper reports that Utah State Parks officials are conducting a criminal investigation. "It is not only wrong, but there will be consequences," Parks spokesman Eugene Swalberg told the paper. "This is highly, highly inappropriate. This is not what you do at state parks. It's disturbing and upsetting." In their defense, the men in the video say they were acting out of concern for the safety of passersby. "Some little kid was about ready to walk down here and die and Glenn saved his life by getting the boulder out of the way," the cameraman, identified as Dave Hall, says. "So it's all about saving lives here at Goblin Valley." The Deseret News spoke to Glenn Taylor, the man who toppled the rock. "In hindsight, the smart thing for us would have been for us to say, 'Dave, stay here. I'll run and get a ranger,' " Taylor said. "I mean, this rock was sitting in a 3-by-1/2-inch ledge." He added: "If we were defacing property, if we had been going around knocking over all kinds of rocks, I would feel really guilty. As it is, I feel guilty because I have a conscience. But my conscience also says I did the right thing." The Tribune says all three men — one is Taylor's son — could "face anywhere from a class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony depending on how much the formation is valued." Update at 6:28 p.m. ET. 'Shocked And Disappointed': Boy Scouts of America spokesman Deron Smith confirms to NPR that one of the men involved in the incident is a Scout leader and one is a member. "We are shocked and disappointed by this reprehensible behavior," Smith says, adding that Scout members and leaders are taught "the principles of 'Leave No Trace.' These principles stress a commitment to maintaining the integrity and character of the outdoors and all living things. The isolated actions of these individuals are absolutely counter to our beliefs and what we teach. We are reviewing this matter and will take appropriate action." Update at 4:33 p.m. ET. Rock Didn't Pose Imminent Danger: Fred Hayes, director of the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, tells NPR's Howard Berkes, "We are heartsick. To see folks do that is heartbreaking." Hayes also tells Berkes that park rangers are vigilant about formations that may present a risk to visitors and take steps to protect them, when necessary. He also says that the video of the incident does not show a threat to visitors. "I don't believe the rock was presenting an imminent danger to anybody," Hayes says. A state parks law enforcement officer is investigating and will meet with the Emery County attorney within a week to screen possible criminal charges. http://500px.com/photo/41416602
Posts: 40,584

10-19-2013, 11:02 AM	#2
Pitt Gorilla Banned! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: NOT Columbia, MO 65201 Casino cash: $2850194	Disgusting. Some people simply don't care about anything but themselves. __________________ Your son is a bench warmer because of your weak genetics not because of the coach Norlin Mommsen is disgusting.
Posts: 46,103

10-19-2013, 11:04 AM	#3
SuperChief Damn it feels good. Join Date: Mar 2011 Casino cash: $7547978	****. These. People. __________________
Posts: 3,305

10-19-2013, 11:09 AM	#4
ThaVirus 20 Menthol KOOLs Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $1982369	Dude was out of breath and he didn't even do anything. Slobs, man.
Posts: 44,354

10-19-2013, 11:10 AM	#5
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	I hope they get the maximum sentence and are kicked out of the BoyScouts forever.
Posts: 43,200

10-19-2013, 11:10 AM	#6
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	So much for leave no trace
Posts: 80,659

10-19-2013, 11:10 AM	#7
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $9670204	How freaking ignorant. Even when I was in scouts nearly 30 years ago, that sort of behavior was antithetical to scouting. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
Posts: 21,760

10-19-2013, 11:12 AM	#8
TimeForWasp Sprinkle in some Mahomes Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Butte Montana Casino cash: $7678507	It's about time someone moved that rock. It was bugging the hell out of me. __________________ Posted via Slingshot using Rocks eBay sniper
Posts: 8,270

10-19-2013, 11:13 AM	#9
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3039627 VARSITY	Saving kids lifes? __________________ Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. -YODA
Posts: 79,090

10-19-2013, 11:16 AM	#10
Chief Pote Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Undercover..... Casino cash: $8292638	Damn, the sob had the stones to move that rock.
Posts: 3,461

10-19-2013, 11:18 AM	#11
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $2188244	Is nutrition not part of the scouts?
Posts: 33,978

10-19-2013, 11:21 AM	#12
sd4chiefs error 404 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bizarro World Casino cash: $8820445	You know you are really stupid when you make a video doing something stupid then putting it on Youtube.
Posts: 3,982

10-19-2013, 11:37 AM	#14
listopencil Immanentize The Eschaton Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In Partibus Infidelium Casino cash: $2125880	I showed that to my Boy Scout son. He laughed and said, "Wow. Idiots." __________________ Good friends we have had, oh, good friends we've lost...along the way. In this great future, you can't forget your past. So dry your tears, I say.
Posts: 55,962