Ryan Andersen, a local man who came under criticism earlier this week for carving his and his wife’s initials into Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, took responsibility for his actions and issued a public apology Thursday.
“At that moment, I foolishly thought I was conveying my love for my wife when, in fact, I was tarnishing the experience for others who also want to enjoy magnificent scenery,” Andersen wrote in a public letter.
Andersen stated plainly that his actions were wrong and that he was sorry for them.
Andersen pledged to pay for restoration work on the arch, which is located on Bureau of Land Management land, and to speak out to ensure that others don’t repeat his mistake. In the future he said he would practice “leave no trace” ethics on public lands.
Andersen is the owner of Andersen Hitches, a local manufacturer and retailer of custom truck hitches, RV equipment and other items. Large numbers of individuals upset with Andersen’s actions have given the company negative reviews online and called for boycotts. Andersen emphasized that none of the company’s employees had anything to do with the incident.
“Neither Andersen Hitches nor its hard-working employees, who are committed to supporting our loyal customers and their own families, had any involvement in my wrongdoing,” Andersen said. “To those dedicated employees, I offer my sincere apology.”
Andersen has set up a website where members of the public can suggest efforts he can do to “make this right.”
BLM spokeswoman Lisa Bryant said Thursday that the case has been transferred to the U.S. Department of Justice.
