The only existing boardwalk in the Haskell Wetlands was vandalized this past week. The destruction was discovered Thursday morning, May 30th. Many of the boards had been ripped off and placed back on the base with screws facing up and many boards were thrown into the water. A bench that had been secured to the deck was also torn off and in the water. Vandals had to get in the water to create such destruction. There was also a patch of cattails that were trampled and broken off. Officials are hoping for some type of clue to who did the damage. A personal item was collected on the ground next to the boardwalk. Police did not release what type of item or it’s significance to the case.
Baker University received the 572 acres of wetland in 1968 through a Quit Claim Deed. The land had belonged to Haskell Indian Nations University. The Wetlands Preservation Organization, along with dozens of Haskell and KU students and staff members, started building the boardwalk in 2010. Although they called it shocking and disheartening, there are hopes to rebuild the boardwalk.
