Vandalism at Reflections Lake
- ADF&G Press Release

Cora Campbell, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Phone: (907) 465-6166 - Fax: (907) 465-2332

Press Release: September 17, 2012

Contact: Joe Meehan, Lands & Refuges Program Coordinator, (907) 267-2281

Vandalism at Reflections Lake

(Juneau) - For the past two years, many of the approximately 125,000 people that visited Reflections Lake and the Knik River Access site along the Glenn Highway in the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge have used a much needed amenity: restrooms. Unfortunately, sometime around September 1 of this year, someone discharged over 16 rounds from a firearm into those restroom doors. Indications are that no one was inside the restrooms at the time. Door handles and other improvements at the site were also vandalized. In a separate incident that occurred sometime between September 2 and 13 of this year, someone riddled a kiosk and interpretive panels with bullet holes. The total estimate of damages is $5,000.

Anyone with information concerning those responsible for this vandalism is encouraged to call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered if the tip leads to the arrest or grand jury indictment of the offenders.

The restrooms were installed by the Matanuska Susitna Borough and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) for the convenience of refuge visitors and travelers along the Glenn Highway, part of the National Scenic Byways program. The interpretive kiosk was installed by a local Boy Scout as part of his Eagle Scout community service project. According to Doug Hill, refuge manager for the ADF&G, “this needless vandalism is a drain on our limited public funds and staff time, both of which could be better spent providing more services to refuge users. The destruction of the kiosk is especially bothersome as a local Boy Scout went to great effort seeking community donations and then spent many hours building it.”

Mat-Su Crime Stoppers can be reached at (907) 745-3333 or online at www.matsu-crimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous. More information concerning this incident can be obtained from the ADF&G at (907) 267-2281.