‘Take only photos, leave only footprints’: Parks Canada dismantling Illegal forest forts

KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK – Parks Canada is dismantling a series of illegal forest forts popping up in the woods.

According to a Kootenay National Park social media post with a series of a photos, removing or rearranging natural objects like logs, rocks, or branches is not allowed.

“Parks Canada has found instances of illegal fort construction in the mountain national parks,” according to the post.

“Please leave the fort-building at home – take only photos, leave only footprints.”

While forts may seem harmless, Parks Canada says they can damage ecosystems and vegetation, create safety hazards for staff, visitors, and wildlife.

“(They) take up valuable staff time to safely dismantle and restore the area,” according to the post.