Litter, graffiti spoiling New Brunswick's picturesque waterfalls

While there's no doubt some of New Brunswick's most beautiful views can be found looking up at waterfalls, looking down may be a different matter.

Pop cans, beer bottles, cigarette butts and soggy Tim Hortons cups are just some of the items that can be found strewn about at the base of the waterfalls, including Pabineau Falls on the Nepisiguit River, Hays Falls, on the St. John River north of Nackawic, and Garden Creek Falls in Kingsclear.

James Donald, a writer at the Hiking NB website, said the garbage has been a growing concern.

"The last five years it's started to pick up a little bit," said Donald

Most of the trash he encounters at waterfalls are cans and Tim Hortons cups.

"Which is nice, compared to broken bottles and stuff," he said.

"Every once in a while you get a broken bottle, and that's painful to clean up."

Graffiti

While garbage is a problem at some falls, graffiti can be an issue at others.

Pabineau Falls has a history of being defaced with graffiti.

According to Pabineau First Nation councillor Terry Richardson, a recent incident has resulted in the RCMP opening an investigation.

Although it shouldn't be hard to identify the culprits.

"For some reason people left their names, which is very ironic," said Richardson.

"You would think they would not take pride in defacing the property."

Take trash out

While it's obvious that people should clean up after themselves, Donald said even non-litterbugs have a role to play.

"What we've been trying to do and get across is if everyone picked up one or two cans when they go out, it will keep the sites clean and keep others from littering," Donald said.

He said that clean trails tend to remain clean, while those with garbage give the false impression that it's OK to litter.

Richardson said the province has a surplus of natural beauty, and he doesn't understand why people would want to spoil these natural spaces.

"We're trying to maintain that beauty and it's unfortunate that people are not understanding the importance of maintaining that beauty by not defacing the property," said Richardson.