By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
To protect against the further spread of the Coronavirus all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed campgrounds have begun an orderly shutdown and will be closed indefinitely.
The Corps said Monday that reservations have been canceled through May 15 and closures will be reevaluated at that time.
At Milford Lake, Bill Whitworth, Project Operations Manager, said there is a Kansas City District-wide mandate to shut down campgrounds that haven't opened yet largely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. "However in the case of Milford Lake we are still repairing damage from last summer / fall's flooding so our campgrounds were not going to open on a regular time anyway, with the exception of possibly Farnum Creek campground. As of right now even Farnum Creek will be delayed at least until May 15.
Water levels 20 to 30 feet above normal caused damage to campgrounds at Milford lake.
The Corps said individuals with paid reservations will be contacted by email and full refunds will automatically be processed by Recreation.gov with no cancellation fees. Individuals should not attempt to contact Recreation.gov to request a refund since that will lead to a cancellation fee being charged.
In addition in the district, , visitor centers, beaches, special events and USACE-sponsored events ranging from Earth Day events to public meetings have been closed or put on hold until further notice.
The Corps is maintaining to their projects by keeping some day use facilities and lake access areas open. Boat ramps will remain open, except those inside Corps campgrounds, but courtesy docks will not be available. Whitworth added as of now the State Park is still open. Most of the Corps day use areas will be closed but the road below the dam toward the hatchery and nature center will remain open. "Fishing access we'll try to keep open."
Lessees and marina operators can operate unimpeded and should be contacted directly for current hours and conditions regarding COVID-19.
Milford Lake – Corps of Engineers (USACE)
COVID -19 – Closures/current conditions as of March 23, 2020.
USACE Milford Lake office/visitor center closed to the public until further notice. Office has reduced staffing & telework is being utilized as much as possible.
USACE Campground areas will be closed until further notice.
USACE Day Use Areas, to include East Rolling Hills, North Overlook, & the Outlook Park are closed until further notice. All restrooms have been locked
USACE School Creek Off-Road Vehicle area is closed until further notice.
USACE service contracts will continue. (refuse, mowing, herbicide, etc..)
USACE Boat Ramps will remain open to the public.
To include:
West Rolling Hills boat ramp.
Curtis Creek boat ramp.
School Creek boat ramp.
Farnum Creek boat ramp.