A new law will be going into effect as of September 31st, 2017 which will make painting rocks a misdemeanor in St. Claire County, MI. Even more severe, if you are caught hiding “painted rocks” in public spaces you can be charged with a felony and face hefty fines or even jail time.
Ima Rockhead, a spokesman for the MIchigan Public Health Organization states, “Painting and hiding rocks in and around the country is becoming an epidemic. Not only are people removing rocks from their natural setting, but they are then vandalizing them and putting them in public places for others to seek out.”
Rockhead further adds “Not only does this disrupt the natural landscaping of the area, but it also poses a risk to the public when you have people running around looking for rocks and not watching where they are going.”
Rocky Stonewall, of MI Fish and Game, has his own concerns regarding the effect these painted rocks will have on wildlife when they aren’t found. “The problem is, they may their way back into local water sources after paint has been applied to them; we don’t know what long-term affect this can have on the health of our local water-life.”
State health officials urge MI residents to contact their local law enforcement immediately to report an incident in which they witness someone either removing rocks from their natural habitat, or are seen putting them somewhere after they have been defaced.
SORRY HEATHER – COULDN’T RESIST LOL