In the span of a week, more than 25 park resources in the Sitka National Historic Park have been “tagged” with felt-tip markers and spray paint.
“Park maintenance crews have been working diligently to remove the graffiti,” park officials said in a statement. “While current weather conditions have temporarily delayed restoration efforts, all of the graffiti will be removed.”
Park officials estimate the total cost of repairing the damage and cleaning off the graffiti will top more than $1,000.
“Graffiti detracts from the natural beauty of the park and can permanently damage irreplaceable community resources,” park officials added.
Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact Chief Ranger Neil Akana by calling 907-747-0127 or emailing him at neil_akana@nps.org.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, defacement of government property — including national park resources — is punishable as a federal misdemeanor. If property damage exceeds $100, “the defendant is subject to a fine of up to $250,000, ten years imprisonment, or both.” If the damage is less than $100, a fine of up to $100,000 can be incurred, or up to one year imprisonment, “or both,” the DOJ noted.
