Beckham leaves legacy for hayflats

With deep sympathy and sadness, Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge wish to express our sincere appreciation for Tyler Beckham. (Frontiersman, Jan.10). We commend him for the important contribution he made for the betterment of his community.

Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game has been working to make the Cottonwood Creek access to the refuge more accessible and inviting to the general public. Tyler contributed greatly to this effort by building a kiosk at the upland habitat trailhead to Scout Ridge Overlook.

The kiosk is a beautiful, sturdy construction built of heavy duty, all-weather lumber with a nice roof, an attractive stone encrusted foundation and a protective case for posting notices.

The finished kiosk far surpasses the specifications for a structure of this type.

Now visitors to the area will find a map showing trails, the location of the overlook and alternate routes to Cottonwood Creek, along with information about hunting and salmon fishing seasons, updates on sightings of wildlife, postings of arrivals and departures of migratory birds, notices of upcoming events, even advisories of when the berries are ripe for picking.

Tyler's kiosk will be a community billboard of all that is wonderful about the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge.

We extend our sympathy to his family and our gratitude for this fine young man and Eagle Scout, Tyler Beckham.

Marian Elliott

APH Vice President