Game & Fish, Forest Service to honor game wardens

Nearly 70 years after their deaths, the U.S. Forest Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish are dedicating a memorial to two game wardens who were killed in the line of duty.

Jack Creek Campground will be temporarily closed during the memorial dedication as officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and other local officials and state agencies are expected to attend the event, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

A commemorative sign will be unveiled at the memorial dedication.

The Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District has been working with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in order to honor and acknowledge the game wardens sacrifice and the cooperation between the Nationals Forests and state game agencies, according to the press release.

The two game wardens Bill Lakanen and Don Simpson were murdered allegedly by Johann Malten on Oct. 31, 1945 when they went to Nugget Gulch. Malten had been imprisoned earlier for poaching beaver.

Following the dedication, the Saratoga Museum will lead a trek to the cabin site.

The museum has put together a comprehensive booklet with articles, historical information and photographs about the game wardens and Malten.

The trek will begin after the dedication at Jack Creek Campground.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids and to be prepared for a half-mile walk.

They should be prepared for weather ranging from sunshine to thunderstorms.

See the Saratoga Museum Trek ad below for more information.