A Joshua man may have a lasting memory of his visit to Yellowstone National Park, but it won't be what he intended.
Dakota Tipton, 26, of Joshua has been sentenced by U.S Magistrate Judge Mark Carman to serve three days in jail, pay $250 in restitution and $40 in court fees for carving his initials into the iconic Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Tipton admitted to use of a multi-tool to carve into a keystone of the arch, calling it "a bad decision," when contacted by law enforcement, a Yellowstone National Park press release reads.
He appeared in court by phone Tuesday at the Justice Center in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyo. He would likely serve the sentence somewhere near his home in Texas.
The arch, constructed from local columnar basalt, is dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt, who laid the cornerstone on April 24, 1903. The arch greeted early visitors who arrived in Gardiner, Mont., by way of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Spanning 50 feet in height, the arch is a favorite photo point for visitors, the Yellowstone National Park press release reads. It is also part of the Fort Yellowstone National Historic Landmark District.
The keystone of the central arch is engraved with the words, “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people," the Yellowstone National Park press release reads. It would be difficult to determine the actual loss incurred by Tipton's actions, the release continues.
“Let this unfortunate act be a reminder to all that the cultural treasures of Yellowstone National Park require our care and protection to ensure that generations to come will enjoy their presence on the landscape,” said Yellowstone National Park Deputy Supt. Steve Lobst.