June 29, 2021 – Hartford, WI – The warden at Pike Lake State Park in Hartford said they were notified Friday, June 25, 2021 by a hiker about graffiti atop the lookout tower by Powder Hill.
Forest Superintendent Rob Wessberg said they are trying to clean up the damage.
“Some of the art is concerning because it is graphic and not appealing,” he said. “We’re trying many different means to remove the graffiti but if that doesn’t work we’ll have to replace the boards.”
Wessberg said The Tower, which is 30-feet high and built in 2001, is a top tourist attraction with hikers and campers. “It is not displaying its colors correctly with the graffiti and we need to fix it,” he said.
“We may catch up to the person and hopefully have them fined for the damage to the property.”
Some neighbors are concerned some of the drawings have ties to satanic symbols. Others who frequent the park say the visible presence of park rangers is dwindling and they fear an increase in vandalism.
The Washington County Sheriff and Hartford Police have been contacted.
Wessberg said this incident is sad to see since the park was closed last year. “We hope people will come with a different heart as we work to preserve the area so future generations can come out and enjoy it,” he said.
A couple years ago Wessberg caught several boys carving graffiti into The Tower and a dad was proactive in working with the kids to clean it up and teach them about accountability.
If anyone has information on who may be responsible please call forest headquarters at 262-670-3400. More pictures of graffiti at The Tower is featured in the video.