Tefft Hill handicapped access trail targeted by vandals

HOPE VALLEY, R.I. (WLNE) — The handicapped access trail in Arcadia Management Area was the target of destructive vandalism earlier this week.

In a Facebook post Thursday, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said the ramp and a smaller kiosk were thrown into the water, structural hardware removed, the fishing line recycling box was destroyed, and the large kiosk was hit by a car.

The Department of Environmental Management, who monitors and maintains the protected area, explained how this kind of crime minimizes their resources.

This situation, the department said, also strips the opportunity away from people with disabilities to enjoy the area with others.

DEM, along with the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, worked with volunteers to gather the destroyed equipment and hardware.

Since the vandalism, the small kiosk has been replaced. The department is working on fixing the larger kiosk.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Department of Environmental at 401-222-3070.