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Current Happenings
Current Happenings
Thank
you for visiting the Norfork Lake Current Happenings Page. Check
back periodically for postings on Corps of Engineers special events,
and current issues on Norfork Lake and in the surrounding area.
Quarry
Park Boat Ramp Reopens Ahead Of Schedule
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Sept.25 -- The Quarry Park boat ramp downstream
of Norfork Dam on the North Fork River has reopened ahead of schedule.
The ramp, which is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, had
been closed since Monday to allow contractors and heavy equipment
to remove a damaged pedestrian bridge on Dry Run Creek.
More
Quarry
Park Boat Ramp To Temporarily Close
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Sept.19 -- The Quarry Park boat
ramp downstream of Norfork Dam on the North Fork River will close
for about a week beginning Monday, Sept. 22. The ramp, which is
operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, is being closed to allow
contractors and heavy equipment to remove a damaged pedestrian bridge.
More
White
River Dams Continue To Reduce Flooding; No Large Releases Needed
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 4 – As remnants of Gustav finally move
out of the White River Basin, officials of the Army Corps of Engineers
continue to operate the federal lakes according to plan to minimize
flooding in the White River valley. Also, officials say no large
releases from the Corps dams will be necessary because of this rain
system.
More
White
River Dams Help Limit Crop Flooding; Those Downstream of the Dams
Should Remain on Guard LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 3 – As
rains continue to soak the White River Basin, officials of the Army
Corps of Engineers are hard at work using federal lakes to minimize
flooding of cropland in the White River valley. Meanwhile, officials
continue to urge those living near the rivers downstream of these
dams to remain on guard should large releases become necessary.
More
Rain
Could Cause Higher Than Normal Releases From White River Dams
LITTLE
ROCK, Ark., Sep. 3 – Tropical depression Gustav has moved into Arkansas
and southern Missouri. Heavy rain has begun and is forecast to continue
most of the week. Depending how much and where rain actually falls,
the Army Corps of Engineers could be prompted to make larger than
normal releases from Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals or Norfork
dams. More
Corps
Urges Visitors To Use Precautions To Protect Belongings
MOUNTAIN
HOME, Ark., Aug. 22 – The Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction
with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, is advising visitors to
area parks to be aware of an increase in thefts and vehicle break-ins.
Visitors to Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes who leave vehicles parked
or boats docked at the lakes should take a few extra precautions.
More
Routine
Inspection Will Prompt Opening of Norfork Conduit Gates
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., July 9 – A routine inspection
of the stilling basin below the Norfork Dam Power Plant will take
place from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday, July 10. Work will include
opening conduit gates one at a time, which will produce greater
than normal river flow. Wading or boating anglers or others using
recreation areas close to the North Fork River should be careful
not to allow escape routes to be blocked or their boats to be swamped
by the rising river. More
One
Lane of Highway 177 Across Norfork Dam To Temporarily Close Friday
NORFORK LAKE, Ark., June 25 – One lane of Arkansas Highway
177 across Norfork Dam will close from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday,
June 27 while workers conduct a routine inspection of the dam. Officials
urge motorists to plan around the closings and to obey traffic signs
and flagmen. More
Bull
Shoals and Norfork Lakes Ready for the Holiday Weekend
MOUNTAIN
HOME, Ark, May 22 – Both Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes are open
for visitor use despite the recent record rainfall that will keep
both lakes much higher than normal throughout the summer. More
White
River System Lake Update
LITTLE
ROCK, Ark., April 18 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like
to remind everyone that extreme heavy rains throughout March and
April have left the upper White River system lakes with almost no
capacity for additional flood storage. Beaver, Table Rock, Bull
Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry Lakes are currently at or near
the top of spillway gates. This means any significant additional
rainfall will have to be passed directly through those gates, greatly
diminishing the project's ability to reduce flood damages. More
High
Lake Levels Leave Many Parks Closed at Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark, April 16 – Because of recent repeated
rainfall over the White River Basin and resultant high lake levels,
officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mountain Home Project
Office have closed several parks and boat ramps at Bull Shoals and
Norfork lakes. More
Forecast
Rain Could Cause Higher Than Normal Releases For White River Dams
LITTLE
ROCK, Ark., Apr 2 – Recent rain, coupled with heavy rains in the
forecast for Thursday, could cause the Army Corps of Engineers to
begin making larger than normal releases from four of the six lakes
the agency operates in the White River Basin. More
Power
Generation To Resume At Bull Shoals, Norfork Lakes
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., March 20 – Beginning tomorrow morning
limited hydroelectric power generation will resume at both Bull
Shoals and Norfork lakes. The releases are being timed to coincide
with the natural drop in the river levels following the torrential
rains earlier this week. More
Heavy
Rains Causing Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes To Raise
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., March 19 – Heavy rains this week have
caused the levels of Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes to rise. High
lake levels, combined with cold air and water temperatures, will
make boating and fishing more hazardous. The Army Corps of Engineers
is advising boaters and anglers to prepare for these conditions
and use extra caution. More
Park
Openings
It
is hard to believe the 2008 recreation season is already approaching.
While most outdoor recreation takes place from May through September,
the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mountain Home Project begins its early
season in March with the opening of two parks on Bull Shoals Lake.
More
Midwinter
Eagle Survey
The annual midwinter eagle survey for Bull Shoals and Norfork
Lakes was conducted Jan. 9 and 10, and our national symbol, the
American bald eagle, is alive and well in the Twin Lakes area. Forty
years of conservation have brought these majestic birds back from
the brink of extinction. More
One
Lane of State Highway 178 Across Bull Shoals Dam to Temporary Close
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Jan.23 – Because of inspections that
will require use of a crane atop Bull Shoals Dam, the south bound
lane of Arkansas Highway 178 across the dam will be temporarily
closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb.5. More
Hypothermia
Threat 45-Second Radio PSA
During winter, the Twin Lakes offer superb outdoor activities.
But stay alert to the threat of hypothermia, which can occur even
during mild temperatures. Cold water robs the body of heat 25 times
faster than cold air. Prevention is key. Dress in layers, and protect
the head and neck. Wear a life jacket so you can float without excessive
movement in case you fall overboard.
Be alert for shivering, bluish lips and skin, slurred speech, and
blurred vision. If these symptoms appear, immediately seek a warm
location and drink warm liquids – but no caffeine or alcohol. Be
safe at the lake. This is a message from this station and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
Controlled
Burn Scheduled Announced
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Jan. 11 -- The Army Corps of Engineers
announced the beginning of the winter controlled burn season for
public land around Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes. Park rangers from
the Mountain Home Project Office will conduct prescribed burns on
several parcels of public land between now and April 1. More
Boaters,
Anglers, Can Help Control Spread of Zebra Mussels
As many readers now know, Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)
have been documented in Bull Shoals Lake. This discovery near the
boat launch at Lead Hill Park at the upper end of Bull Shoals north
of Harrison has caused quite a stir among federal, state and local
officials. It is important for local anglers and boaters to become
familiar with this invasive species and what we need to do to prevent
or slow its spread in the Ozarks. More
Zebra Mussel Warning
Zebra Mussels have been identified in Bulls Shoals Lake!
Please read the following notice for instructions on how to protect
our waters from these nuisance species. More
pdf
Fall
Camping May Be Just The Ticket
If the thought of cool nights and comfortably warm afternoons
appeals to you, if un-crowded campsites and light boat traffic get
you thinking about visiting the Twin Lakes again, if the promise
of hungry fish in a fall feeding pattern gets you excited, then
a fall camping trip to Norfork or Bull Shoals lakes may be just
what you are looking for. More
As
Autumn Approaches, Thoughts Turn to Hunting Season
With the approach of the last of the three summer holidays,
and with local schools already back in session, many outdoor enthusiasts’
thoughts turn to hunting.
The 2007-2008 hunting season is just around the corner. There are
many options for hunters in the Twin Lakes area who do not have
access to private property, including several state wildlife management
areas, national forests, and lands under the jurisdiction of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More
Falling
Lake Levels Spark Need for Boating Caution
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Aug. 28 -- The levels of Bull Shoals
and Norfork lakes have been normal or slightly above normal through
out the summer. Although with the recent extreme heat and lack of
rainfall, the lake levels have dropped several feet in the last
few weeks. More
Corps
Seeks Comments on Draft Documents Regarding Water Supply in Norfork
Lake
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 28 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’
Little Rock District is seeking public comments through Sept. 30
on draft environmental documents about a proposal to reallocate
storage in Norfork Lake to provide increased water supply for Mountain
Home. More
Patience,
Safety Key To Summer Fun On The Lakes
It is summer in the Twin Lakes area, and people are heading
to the water. Although this summer has not been as hot and dry as
some, the lakes are still busy. So whether you are camping, boating,
or on a late evening fishing trip, you will not be alone on the
lake. Therefore, it pays to use an extra measure of patience with
others and practice good water safety habits. More
Mountain
Home Lakefront June 2007
Mid-summer
activities are abounding at Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes, and there
are several fun events yet to come. The weather has been mild, and
while the season has gone well for most visitors, there have been
serious incidents that could have been prevented by applying sound
safety principles. Please practice outdoor safety whether you are
in the water or on the lakeshore. More
Buffer
of Public Land Around Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes Has Many Benefits
To some
neighbors whose property adjoins the public land surrounding Norfork
and Bull Shoals lakes, some of our regulations may seem restrictive.
But rest assured, these regulations are designed to help protect
these premier lakes for present and future generations. More
State
Highway 177 Across Norfork Dam To Be Limited to One Lane
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., Feb. 14 – Because of extensive repairs
being made to the roadway atop Norfork Dam, Arkansas Highway 177
across the dam will be limited to one lane for vehicle traffic and
will be closed to all pedestrian traffic beginning Tuesday, Feb.
20 through Tuesday, May 15. A temporary signal light will be installed
on northbound and southbound lanes to regulate the one-lane traffic.
More
Changes
Coming to Golden Passport Program
MOUNTAIN HOME, AR February 13, 2007 – For years the Army Corps
of Engineers has participated in the Golden Passport Program, which
offered a 50 percent discount on recreation fees to those age 62
and older and those with a permanent disability. However, the passage
of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 created
a new discount program called the America the Beautiful Interagency
Pass Program, and this new program was implemented January 1, 2007.
More
Corps
Announces Improvements to Power Generation Phone Line
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., July 28 – To provide improved hydropower
generation and lake level information at Bull Shoals and Norfork
dams, the Army Corps of Engineers’ Mountain Home Project Office
and CenturyTel of Mountain Home together have found a way that technology
can offer a greater level of service. More
Natural
Buffer of Public Land Has Many Benefits
MOUNTAIN
HOME, Ark., Feb. 4 – Regulations governing activities at Norfork
and Bull Shoals lakes and the surrounding public lands are part
of management plans designed to ensure the public gets the most
benefits possible while preserving the natural resources for future
generations. As federal projects, all taxpayers throughout the nation
have ownership in both lakes. More
All
Terrain Vehicle Area Now Available
The Mountain Home Project Office has provided an area for
ATV use near Pigeon Creek Park. The area is located off of State
Highway 201, north of Mountain Home. Exit on to Baxter County Road
484. Stay to the left until reaching the parking area. The area
provided is designated and fenced, and approximately 25 acres in
size. The following rules apply to allow safe use of the area by
everyone. For a map of the area and further information, please
contact the Mountain Home Project Office.
Hours
of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset.
Vehicle
Restrictions:
- ATV’s
and Motorcycles Only
- Motorized
vehicles must not exceed 50 inches in width
- All
vehicles must have an appropriate muffler and spark arrester
- All
vehicles must not create excessive smoke
- All
vehicles must have operable braking system
- Drivers
must not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Do
not trespass on adjacent private lands
- Must
comply with all federal, state, and local laws
For
more information, contact the Mountain Home Project Office.
Contact:
Mountain Home Project Office
324 W 7th Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone: 870-425-2700
Updated/Reviewed:
26 Sep 2008
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