There are few things as beautiful as the majesty of a millenial redwood tree. Redwood National and State Parks is full of them. However, this national parks, oasis to the tallest trees on Earth, is suffering from a grim reality: Rangers have uploaded a press release which warns of an unprecedented wave of thefts.
This is a relatively recent phenomenon; the thefts began to be first detected back in January 2025. The impact goes beyond the material value of the stolen objects and materials, showing a lack of respect and national community.
Stolen items: unusual and irreplaceable
It appears to be vandalism intended to confuse the authorities rather than having any particular motive. The stolen items are strangely varied, with no discernible pattern. They range from commemorative plaques dedicated to veterans and important donors to bronze sculptures, including a 20-inch Tolawa canoe and a 12-inch Coho salmon statue.
Thieves have gone even further and started stealing common metal objects such as shower drains. Authorities do not know if this is to sell as scrap metal or simply to annoy and cause trouble. This national park already has a black market timber problem. After all, redwood is a precious wood and its burls are highly prized for use in artisan carpentry.
These stolen items have great historical and ecological value: the bronze salmon symbolizes the successful ecological restoration efforts in Mill Creek, where the species is gradually returning. On the other hand, the Tolowa canoe represents the region’s indigenous heritage and the Tolowa people’s cultural connection to the forest. The theft is not only a loss for the park, but also a “great pain for the local community.”
Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP)
Redwood National Park was initially established on October 2, 1968, although joint management with State Parks began almost 25 years later, in 1994. It is home to the tallest tree on the planet, the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). This ecosystem is sustained by coastal fog, which provides unique levels of humidity and temperature.
In addition to its vegetation, it has very distinctive wildlife, such as Roosevelt’s elk (the largest elk in North America), the banana slug (which, you guessed it, actually looks like a banana), and the coho salmon mentioned earlier, which is in the process of recovery.
New Security
Local authorities have decided to follow two approaches: First, they will replace stolen items with lower-cost models that are —hopefully— less attractive to thieves.
On the other hand, the national and state park administration has quietly stepped up surveillance, including the installation of hidden security cameras at the most iconic locations (such as the Grove of Titans trail and the entrances to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park). If thieves attempt to steal part of a sculpture again, they better smile for the cameras.
Although it should go without saying, theft of federal and state property carries serious legal repercussions, especially when it comes to public art in national parks. Theft of items valued at over $950 or $1,000 is a felony. As such, perpetrators can face federal charges of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As for state charges in California, they will face three years in prison and $10,000 in fines, plus full restitution for the damage caused.
Despite the lack of civic-mindedness shown by the thieves, the national park will remain open to the public. Authorities are asking the public to help stop this national disgrace. If you are in a national park and see any type of vandalism, please do not hesitate to report it anonymously by calling (707) 465-7353 or contact Ranger Greg McKisson at (707) 498-4362.
Caring for our national parks is both a privilege and a civic responsibility.