The word”cairn” comes from the Scottish Gaelic meaning stone man. It can conjure images of faith, purpose, and the spiritual journey. Cairn construction is a popular activity in the backcountry. It’s not difficult to see why people are drawn to these small piles of flat stones that can be stacked like blocks for children. A hiker with sore shoulders and black fly flies buzzing in her ears will attempt to choose a rock that has the right mix of flatness, tilt, width and depth. After cairn as a therapy by data rooms a few near-misses (one too bulgy, one too small) An experienced person will select the stone that is perfect for the spot it’s placed. The second layer of the Cairn is completed.
Many people are unaware that cairn building can cause environmental harm particularly when it is done near water sources. When rocks are removed from the shore of a pond, river or lake, it degrades the ecosystem and destroys the habitat of microorganisms that support the entire food chain. The rocks could be removed from the edge of a pond, river or lake through erosion and end up in places in which they could harm humans or wildlife.
In light of this, the practice of making cairns is not recommended in areas where there are endangered or rare reptiles, amphibians, or mammals or plants and flowers that require the humidity that is locked in the rocks. If you build a stone cairn in private land, this may violate federal and state regulations protecting the natural assets of the land. This could result in fines and even arrest.