Anchorage Daily News

WASILLA -- Reflections Lake off the Glenn Highway near the Knik River has come a long way from its days as the "Rambo Rest Stop," where passers-by were more likely to hear the sound of bullets hitting a trashed vehicle than the cooing of nesting birds.

Click to enlarge

Story tools

Comments (0)

E-mail a friend

Print

Share on Facebook

Digg this

Seed Newsvine

Send link via AIM

Follow on Twitter

Font size : A | A | A

Now state biologists are pushing a project they hope will complete the area's transformation from a trouble magnet to peaceful refuge.

Alaska Fish and Game biologist Joe Meehan said the work includes improving trails, adding a footbridge and installing information signs. The total cost is estimated at about $130,000.

"We're trying to displace all the illegal, inappropriate and disrespectful uses we've seen at this site," Meehan said. "We're trying to drive those people away and make it a respectful place, a place where people can go and appreciate their refuge."

The state is currently taking comments on permits for the trail work and other components of the project.

Reflections Lake is located near Mile 30 of the Glenn Highway just off the Knik River access exit. Visitors need make only a short walk to reach the lake.

That accessibility was in part what made the area a magnet for trouble. Before managers put in barriers to block access, the spot served as free-for-all shooting range.

People hauled in old couches, television sets and refrigerators, which they then obliterated with bullets. Trees were mowed down. Fog lights on the nearby Knik River Bridge, just feet away from where cars pass, were shot out.

Trash and spent shell casings littered the area. The lake was lined with lead shot and debris. Junk cars littered the estuarial slough nearby.

In the last decade, the spot has been transformed through the work of volunteers and investment by the former administrator, the federal Bureau of Land Management.

The lake was fenced off so people couldn't haul in couches, appliances or junk cars. Target shooting was stopped. Rangers were posted there to inform visitors of the new rules.

As bad activity began to wane, Meehan said volunteers logged countless hours picking up trash, shell casings and even dredging appliances and car doors out of the lake. In 2002, the state took ownership of the land and added it to the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge, which Meehan oversees.

Asked if it were a safe place for families to recreate, Meehan said 10 years ago he would have said no.

Today, reports of shooting in the area are rare. Piles of trash show up infrequently. People no longer call to report stopping there and feeling unsafe.

"I'd say it's as safe as anywhere else in the refuge," he said.

Meehan and others who enjoy the refuge say bringing more people there on a regular basis will make it even safer.

"It's coming to a close slowly but surely," said Kris Abshire, president of the Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats board of directors.

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is assisting the state with work at the lake.

The group recently received a $114,000 grant under the National Scenic Byways program and has another $16,500 from the state Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to work on trail upgrades.

Meehan is also seeking $37,000 in additional money -- from the state or elsewhere.

On the list for construction this year is a footbridge where the lake leads to an estuarial slough, wooden walkways and gravel pathways in soft spots, an improved canoe launch area, interpretive signs and benches. If extra funds are available, Meehan said he wants to add an elevated viewing tower.

In the future, Meehan said he would like to pave a parking area and add restrooms there, making it a more convenient stop for travelers and a good trail head for people who want to use the refuge.

Find Daily News reporter Rindi White online at adn.com/contact/rwhite or call 352-6709.

Be informed

• The state is currently taking comments on the Department of Fish and Game's plan to improve trails, add wooden walkways and other amenities to Reflections Lake. To find out more about the project or to comment, go to ftp://ftp.dnr.state.ak.us/dcom/ReflectionsLake. The public comment period closes Feb. 25.

ADVERTISEMENT