Well if the threadjacking is over, maybe we can discuss the actual topic of the OP.
JoshandBaron, that's a good question. There is a lot of man-made stuff in the woods. The range includes historical artifacts and structures, trails, trail signs and markers, canisters, garbage, etc..
Each area has to have an honest conversation and policy about what they want in the woods, and what they do not want in the woods. In most areas, I think most people agree that we do not want garbage, diapers, golf balls, etc. in the woods. (In the Adirondacks, specifically, the 46ers have long ago removed the summit canisters based on conversations years ago.)
In some areas, the people using the area agree that we do want trails, markers, signs, canisters, etc.. I think where the biggest failings have been, both in NY and NH, are in not realistically managing this. In the Adirondacks again, the failings are coming based on the State promoting the area as a tourist destination, but then trying to manage it as a "wilderness." We have a rolling disaster going on as a result, with no end in sight.
The lesson is that the important thing is to come to a common sense agreement, and then do a good job of maintaining whatever is agreed upon.