>>2740772Actually, it does. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and pretend that you just don't know about it, rather than you're actively choosing to be an asshole.
Those rocks and riverstones are the habitats for invertebrates to reproduce and take shelter during their lifecycle. They are enormously dependent on very specific environmental factors, being insects, and any stressors can produce massive problems, quite literally downstream. While most trout and other colder freshwater species are opportunistic predators, their primary diet and nutritional source are the invertebrates in the waterways. Thus, less food = less fish.
Now, warmer freshwater fish like sunfish and bass may have a more varied diet, but they are still heavily dependent on those invertebrates, as well. Plus, the other things they eat are in the water for a reason (you can probably guess what those things are at this point).
So no, a single rock stack is not going to decimate any given ecosystem. But it's exactly that attitude that I'm talking about; the "my actions can't possibly have an effect." You are one of many that are enjoying that space, and those actions add up. There is no reason to be so ignorant of these interactions for an experienced outdoorsman. For those who are just getting started, there is a mountain of resources available, and plenty of people willing to share and help. But being a dick and mouthing off will find you nothing but a hostile environment by both the wilderness and the people you find in it.
