2/13/2008
 

Corps To Open Arkansas Campgrounds on March 1

HOT SPRINGS - All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at lakes Ouachita, Greeson and DeGray will open March 1 with modified services. This cooperative agreement is a result of meetings between the Corps' Vicksburg District and federal, state and local interests.

Modified services include less frequent trash pick up, janitorial services, and grass mowing.

The plan provides an opportunity for campers and visitors to have a direct impact on the future of the campgrounds by volunteering to supplement the modified services. Those interested in volunteering can go to www.mvk.usace.army.mil and click on Hot Topics: Arkansas Lakes Campgrounds or email LakeOuachita@usace.army.mil. More information about state and local volunteer programs will be published in the near future.

Campers interested in visiting these campgrounds may make reservations now through the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) website www.recreation.gov.

The Corps will monitor campgrounds to determine the success of the modified services and volunteerism. The monitoring will assess the quality of service vs. the quantity of open campgrounds. Public safety remains a top priority.

The Vicksburg District had cut back on campground schedules due to flat budgets and increasing costs for operation and maintenance of facilities. The missions of the Vicksburg District at Ouachita, Greeson and DeGray are to provide flood control, hydropower generation, recreation, environmental stewardship and water supply. The Corps has also made cutbacks in an attempt to stretch funding to fulfill current missions to the maximum amount possible. Leasing is being considered to sustain future campground availability.

The partnering effort came as a result of concerns expressed by local businesses and congressional, state and local officials. Those included Senator Blanche Lincoln, Senator Mark Pryor, Congressman Mike Ross, Governor Mike Beebe, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, concessions on the lakes, Lake Ouachita Citizens Focus Committee and the Arkansas Hospitality Association.