News Release...State Parks, State Fishing Lakes, and Wildlife Areas Still Open.

NEWS RELEASE

October 3, 1013

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Ron Kaufman, 785-296-2870, [email protected]

Kansas State Parks Welcome Visitors!

Visitors turned away from federal facilities invited to switch to a Kansas state park.

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds visitors that all Kansas state parks are open for business. State park camping areas, cabins, trails, boat ramps, and other amenities are open, as are many of the businesses who serve lake visitors. KDWPT offices and nature centers are open during regular hours, and access to all wildlife areas and fishing lakes operated by the department remains unchanged.

The federal shutdown has created some confusion. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation own many of the reservoirs in Kansas and federal campgrounds, day-use areas and boat ramps are closed. However, KDWPT operates the state parks and wildlife areas at many of those reservoirs and offers access to those lakes’ variety of recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, boating, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife watching and more.

Daily vehicle permits are only $5.00 per vehicle or $25.00 for an annual state park permit. Kansas residents who have not yet renewed their vehicle registration can purchase a discounted annual permit for $15.00 when they register their vehicle online or at a vehicle registration office. Camping fees are extra and vary depending on the type of camping. There is no charge to use a state park boat ramp.

For information about Kansas state parks, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click on the State Parks icon to locate a park, learn about park fees and regulations or make a campsite or cabin reservation.