Thread: shut down means less fishing

Just remember, if its a COE lake it will be closed. If there is a state park at the COE lake, you can still camp but the boat ramps will be closed. Thats what they are doing to the Miss Big 4.

Originally Posted by Cmj

You sure about that buddy?

Let's see......ummm,......uh.....well........not sure!

I wonder if this means there are no federal game wardens out???????????????

Originally Posted by arkcrappie

I wonder if this means there are no federal game wardens out???????????????

Federal Wardens are conducting business as usual according to a buddy at work. Does this mean no fishing on the lakes, or just some boat ramps are closed?

It's my understanding that the COE parks are closed, not the lakes so if there is a AGFC ramp on the lake outside the Corp parks they will be open.

camp grounds on lake Greason are closed but all ramps are still open as of this evening.

Ozan Point campground at Degray is closed, but the ramp is open. All campgrounds & ramp at Alpine Ridge were open as of this evening, but not sure if any campers can move in or just the ones there get to stay. Brushy campground & ramp are fully open, neither are operated by the Feds or state. Not sure what's going on around the rest of the lake.

Here is a press release the AGFC is putting out. It is all that I know.

Shutdown curtails camping, hunting and fishing on federal landsLITTLE ROCK

– The federal government shutdown is affecting fishing and hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges and camping on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding anglers, hunters, hikers, campers and others that the federal shutdown could change their plans.AGFC Director Mike Knoedl said the federal government shutdown could influence people’s outdoor recreation plans in Arkansas. “If you’re heading for federal wildlife refuges to scout, hunt or fish, that activity is prohibited,” Knoedl said. “Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lands will remain open and our officers will be on duty,” he added.USFWS land and facilities are closed due to the lapse in appropriation for 2014. For more information on the shutdown, go to*http://www.doi.gov/shutdown/index.cfm.The Little Rock District, Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks, affected recreation areas will not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted. Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. on Oct. 2.If there is not a resolution before next week, there will be no hunting allowed within the Buffalo National River boundary. That could possibly affect the elk hunt for next week.Gates to all U.S. Forest Service developed areas will be locked where applicable.* However, the forests will remain open to public recreation.Knoedl said boat ramps may also be closed, which impacts access to Corps lakes. “Closures may include visitor centers and gates on all access points,” he said. Wildlife management areas leased by the AGFC on Corps property will be open and managed by the AGFC. Boat launch ramps inside Corps campgrounds will be inaccessible. All other launch ramps will be open.Before heading out to your favorite Arkansas Corps lake, go to*Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or call*501-324-5551*to find out about public access.