National Parks Shutdown

[Wayne Watson]

Just a little info.

After seeing on the news where some states have gotten to open some national parks, I sent an email to the governor's office asking if they were trying to get any of our national parks open like some of the states have.

About a half hour later I get a phone call from the governor's office.  They have approached the USDA to try to get some areas opened but the USDA (national government) would only consider it if the state of Arkansas funded the federal employees...as in Arkansas could not use state employees (state park rangers, AGFC personnel, etc.).  The guy was very nice and went into detail how they were doing their best to get places to hunt and fish open as well as camp grounds.

[howie76]

Well It's good to hear they are trying anyways. I hope it don't last long. Thanks for the info.

[Rzbakfromwaybak]

Just a little info.

After seeing on the news where some states have gotten to open some national parks, I sent an email to the governor's office asking if they were trying to get any of our national parks open like some of the states have.

About a half hour later I get a phone call from the governor's office.  They have approached the USDA to try to get some areas opened but the USDA (national government) would only consider it if the state of Arkansas funded the federal employees...as in Arkansas could not use state employees (state park rangers, AGFC personnel, etc.).  The guy was very nice and went into detail how they were doing their best to get places to hunt and fish open as well as camp grounds.

So....does this mean the National Forest's in the state won't be open to hunt?

[DOGALUM]

So....does this mean the National Forest's in the state won't be open to hunt?

or....it means they won't be crowded and the best stand may be inside a heated truck cab.   


Just kidding of course.

[kodiakisland]

National forests are not closed.

[Wayne Watson]

For the most part, they are closed.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ouachita/alerts-notices/?aid=20353

[David†]

Most of them are closed. Buffalo river is closed as well.
The article doesn't give specific closings, but you get the picture.

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4059979

[Wayne Watson]

Most of them are closed. Buffalo river is closed as well.
The article doesn't give specific closings, but you get the picture.

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4059979

Friends of mine were told to leave Beaver Lake.

[David†]

Friends of mine were told to leave Beaver Lake.

I wonder if we are still allowed to drink the water from there? It is a Corp lake after all.

[kodiakisland]

For the most part, they are closed.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ouachita/alerts-notices/?aid=20353

No, they are not.  Facilities are closed.  You can still go into a national forest to hike, hunt, or whatever you normally do.

[Wayne Watson]

No, they are not.  Facilities are closed.  You can still go into a national forest to hike, hunt, or whatever you normally do.

My mistake for not being clearer.  I was talking camping.  I have a little over 60 kids scheduled to camp in Clearfork in a week and half.  Already paid the deposit.  Now we're scrambling trying to find a camp site that will fit them all.

[LSUFan]

My mistake for not being clearer.  I was talking camping.  I have a little over 60 kids scheduled to camp in Clearfork in a week and half.  Already paid the deposit.  Now we're scrambling trying to find a camp site that will fit them all.

I know it'd be a drive, but try Lake Sylvia, a small 18acre lake, first come first served, primative camping, and it's free, but a great spot to camp and they stock it with channel cats (fish at night off the point with livers, you'll get tired of catching them)

I think there is about 60 spots.

[Wayne Watson]

I know it'd be a drive, but try Lake Sylvia, a small 18acre lake, first come first served, primative camping, and it's free, but a great spot to camp and they stock it with channel cats (fish at night off the point with livers, you'll get tired of catching them)

I think there is about 60 spots.

Thanks.  We really need cabins or bunk houses along with a kitchen and dining hall.  This is a trappers workshop and we feed the kids Friday night, all day Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.  May have found one at Camp Yorktown Bay.  http://www.campcyb.com/wp/

[Hudge]

The state of AK asked to open the federal land and other agencies back up as it was cutting into hunting and crabbing season here.  It was ridiculous closing the forests down here all together, as many are not manned at all unlike National Parks are.  The state of AK has a law stating the Feds cannot shut down fresh waterways, as the state maintains control of them.  The Feds tried, but were unsuccessful in closing them down.