ICE STORM TO AFFECT BEAVER LAKE PARK OPENINGS

January’s ice storm resulted in extensive timber damage to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks at Beaver Lake. This, in addition to the damage from flooding in 2008, will affect park openings this spring. Although, Corps officials are confident they will have at least portions of each park ready for visitors on the scheduled opening days.

Repairs of damage caused by 2008 flooding were underway when the ice storm struck, causing further damage. The staff at Beaver is making every effort to get the parks open for the 2009 recreation season which begins April 1 at Dam Site, Hickory Creek, Horseshoe Bend, Lost Bridge North and Prairie Creek. The remaining parks are scheduled to open May 1.

The Corps is making every effort to make areas safe enough to open as soon as possible, in part by using existing and new contractors. As cleanup and repairs are made, Beaver Lake visitors are urged to be patient and use caution while driving or walking in the parks.

Camping reservations have been temporarily suspended while work is completed. Once the Corps staff determines campsites are safe for occupancy, reservations will be resumed. All seven marinas on the lake are open for business, as well as all boat launching ramps in the parks.

For more information, call the duty ranger at 479-636-1210, ext. 0, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the Beaver Lake Internet home page at www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/beaver.