U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Open Arkansas Campgrounds
FEBRUARY 12, 2008. All campgrounds at Lakes Ouachita, Greeson, and DeGray will open March 1 with modified services. This cooperative agreement is a result of two meetings between the Vicksburg District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its Partners representing 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 their reservation 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 our top priority now and in the future.
The Vicksburg District had cut back on campground schedules due to flat budgets and increasing costs for operation and maintenance of facilities. The 5 missions of the Vicksburg District at Lakes Ouachita, Greeson, and DeGray are to provide flood control, hydropower generation, recreation, environmental stewardship and water supply. The Corps has also made cut backs 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 campgrounds are critical to the local economy. The initial 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 and concessions on the lakes, Lake Ouachita Citizens Focus Committee and the Arkansas Hospitality Association. This partnership is essential to meet recreational expectations.
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