Banned in 620 Acre Park Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, John Shively announced today the establishment of a 620-acre state park along a river valley and beach area north of Juneau. The Eagle Beach State Recreation Area was created through executive action under the authority of the department, Shively said.
State law allows the department to create small parks for recreation purposes.
There have been strong efforts by a number of Juneau organizations to create a state park near Eagle River for at least 15 years, said Bill Garry, superintendent of Southeast Parks. Monitoring the new park is a high priority because of recent vandalism. Four wheelers and other off- road vehicles tore up fragile vegetation, causing extensive damage to berries, trees, flowers and shrubs. Trash dumping, parties and abandoned vehicles have added to the problems. There may be an opportunity for off-road vehicle use in the park, but until we have the proper facilities and management presence, the area is closed to all motorized access.