If there's one place a teenager or young adult should not scribble down words of affection, it's on federally protected land.

Unfortunately, whoever took black spray paint to the Colorado National Monument last month apparently didn't get the memo, and the National Park Service is trying to find the vandal responsible.

A local who lives nearby was the first to report the damage caused by the "promposal" — a term ascribed to a creative invitation to a high school prom — on May 23. On Saturday, the monument posted a few photos of the vandalism on Facebook, asking followers to contact the park's visitor center with any information.

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The park tries to take care of any vandalism within 24 hours of receiving a report, as Ranger Operations Supervisor for the city of Boulder Geoff Jasper told local Fox31. The process is "meticulous," so as to not degrade the natural features of the park.

"We know that most people come here and visit the parks because of their natural beauty, or habitat or the natural qualities that the park has," Jasper said, "and then seeing something like graffiti or vandalism, it really detracts away from the beauty of the park."

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The potential punishment for such vandalism is steep — it can include a $5,000 fine and up to six months in prison — but in this case, the park rangers are willing to be "more lenient" if the vandal turns himself or herself in.

The Colorado National Monument asks anyone with information about the vandalism to call 970-858-3617 ext. 360.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.

