Summary
Rangers at Lake Mead National Recreation Area want to stop a long-standing tradition of decorating trees with Christmas decorations. They say the decorations can harm the environment and wildlife, and they are asking people to keep the area natural by enjoying decorations at home.
Key Facts
- Lake Mead rangers are asking people not to decorate trees with Christmas ornaments this year.
- The tradition of decorating trees in the area has been around since after Lake Mead became a National Recreation Area in 1964.
- Rangers are concerned that decorations like plastic and food items harm the environment and attract animals to dangerous areas like roads.
- Rangers have recently had to spend 30 hours cleaning up decorations from the 17-mile Christmas Tree Pass.
- The park's message is for people to "leave no trace" and keep the area natural.
- Ranger William Foster mentioned that human food can make wild animals sick or draw them close to roads, creating hazards.
