While it took centuries for the wind and rain to sculpt the unique and world famous Hoodoos, a few careless steps or someone scratching their initials can take years off the life of the sentinels.
The site of the popular tourist destination has undergone a facelift over the off-season with the goal of protecting them for future generations to enjoy.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum, which has been acting as a steward for the Hoodoos, has commissioned a new walkway system that takes advantage of natural vistas to enjoy the attraction while at the same time minimizing the impact.
Andrew Neuman, executive director of the Tyrrell Museum, said the site should be up and running for the season.
“There is no path that walks up between the Hoodoos, instead of that we’ve installed some stairways and some pathways so you can get some good viewing opportunities without getting in too close to the physical structures,” he said.
He adds wet weather can accelerate erosion when people walk around the previous pathway, and can be hazardous. The paths will allow the facility to be used safely in poor weather. They will also make it more accessible for those with mobility concerns.
He said they hope to limit the physical contact with hoodoos that can accelerate wear. While most visitors are responsible, damage has been done.
"There are some good examples of recent graffiti, where people are still engraving their names into the base sandstone when they are wet,” he said. “By putting those grooves into the rock, it actually increases the natural weathering. Water gets into the cracks and crevices and breaks things up. We want to make sure they are not physically damaged, accidentally or purposefully. I don’t think people are trying to do damage, they don’t realize the damage they can create.”
