John Muir Would Be Turning in His Grave

Stunning is the only word to describe Richard Long’s photo and the accompanying text (“Donner Pass Circle,” by Colin Westerbeck, Photo Synthesis, March 5). Responsible visitors to the backcountry observe and promote an outdoor ethic that emphasizes minimizing the impact of human visitation. Long’s defacing of remote places to indulge his personal sense of the artistic is bad enough, but leaving such scars “for the weather or other walkers to undo” is unconscionable. How different are Long’s actions from those of another self-described “artist” who would leave, in the form of graffiti, his inspiration “for others to undo” on the walls of a synagogue, mosque or church?

Peter Lakatos

Via the Internet

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So the wilderness is Richard Long’s personal canvas to do with as he pleases? John Muir is turning in his grave. The credo should be, leave these areas as we have found them so others can enjoy their beauty--untouched. Do we really want the thousands of people who hike over Ebbetts Pass to leave behind their own tasteful works? Please let Long know that his works are obtrusive and certainly not welcome by anyone who truly enjoys the real beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

Mike Chevedden

Los Angeles