Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Maintenance costs have led to the closing of several state recreational areas.
An agreement between the South Platte Natural Resources District and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will spare the nearby Oliver Reservoir from being closed as part of a cost-cutting measure by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
“There are a few details that need to be taken care of as we modify the mutual agreement,” says SPNRD General Manager Rod Horn. But we’re happy they have been receptive to the plan.
For many years, Game and Parks has leased the Oliver Reservoir from the district, which has held ownership of the former irrigation impoundment since the late 1970s.
Both parties have, in the past, partnered to manage the 917-acre property, the only one of its kind in the southern Panhandle. Game and Parks provided day-to-day management of the main recreation areas, while SPNRD has provided financial support and natural resources management of the more primitive areas.
On September 10, less than a week prior to the announced closure date for many of the two-dozen state recreation areas and five state historical parks affected, the SPNRD board approved a resolution asking Game and Parks to halt the closure, opening the door to allow SPNRD to transition into taking over management responsibilities and costs. Three days later, Game and Parks agreed to the measure, thus keeping Oliver Reservoir open for the foreseeable future.
“Games and Parks recognizes and values the importance of our partnerships and the role our state park areas play,” Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas said in a statement prior to the agreement. “These measures are a necessary management decision that is difficult to make, but Game and Parks is running out of options.”
The affected areas closed on September 16 and will not re-open until May 1, 2014. Gates into the parks will be closed and no vehicles will be allowed to drive on any park roads.
However, visitors will be permitted to park outside the gates and walk into the areas to view wildlife, fish from banks and practice photography. However no camping activities will be permitted at any of the affected locations.
“We’re also thankful to the many people from Kimball who have long held a community ownership interest in the lake,” Don Ogle, the district’s information and education coordinator said. “Their interest and passion in maintaining its viability has made a great difference, not only in this situation, but as we look toward the future.”