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California State Parks Confirms Calla Lily Valley Blooms Cut at Big Sur

Officials say the destruction violates rules that protect all vegetation in Garrapata State Park.

Overview

  • Monterey District Chief Ranger Mike Dippel said some calla lilies were cut and plants damaged in recent days at Garrapata State Park’s Calla Lily Valley.
  • Reports and visitor accounts indicate the destruction occurred sometime between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon last week.
  • State parks officials have not identified a motive, and no arrests or charges have been reported as they remind visitors to stay on designated trails.
  • Under the California Code of Regulations, removing or injuring state-park vegetation is illegal and can lead to a citation that may be filed as an infraction or a misdemeanor.
  • Social-media posts documented the damage at the popular photo spot, and while the lilies are non-native and considered invasive, commenters noted trampling would not eliminate them without removing the bulbs.