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Posted: 07 Jan 2009
Icy Conditions Can Spawn Dangerous Situations at Tuttle Creek Lake
MANHATTAN, Kans. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake is encouraging winter time recreationists to take extreme caution with the present icy conditions.
Much of the lake now has a cover of ice on it that may look inviting. But there is no such thing as 100 per cent safe ice.
The thickness of ice of the lake depends on depth, water currents and springs, and natural objects such as tree stumps and rocks. Daily changes in temperature cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, no one can declare the ice to be absolutely safe. There is always a risk of falling through the ice.
Some iced-in areas are thinner than others, and appearance alone is a poor indicator of "safe" ice. Currently the risk is high due to the ice being thin on much of the lake.
If you are going to be out around the lake for any reason use common sense and practice ice safety. One should never go alone. Avoid use of alcohol, since it increases your chances for hypothermia. And if using a boat for hunting, always wear a lifejacket.
It is important to know the risks associated with icy lake conditions. It can make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a tragic accident resulting in injury or death. The only safe ice is at a skating arena!
Posted: 06 Jan 2009
Rathbun Lake levels continue to fall. As of Jan. 6, 2009, the lake level was about three feet above normal. Lake levels will continue to lower past the multipurpose (normal) pool level of 904 msl to 900 msl (four feet lower). This drawdown is necessary in order to complete construction projects in late winter/early spring.
Posted: 06 Jan 2009
This is a heads up that this years Youth Turkey Hunt will be on April 4th. Below is a rundown of the rules for the hunt. The application will be posted on this website by February 1st.
1. Participation in the Clinton Lake Youth Turkey Hunt is allowed by permit only. Permits and zone assignments will be issued through a lottery drawing on March 17th, 2009. Applications must be turned in to the Clinton Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office by 4:00 p.m. on March 16, 2009. Applicants will be notified by telephone if they are selected. A permit will allow the permittee and an adult Guide to participate in the hunt. Permit must be carried by permittee and the designated guide at all times and may be revoked by Corps of Engineers officials, Wildlife and Parks officials, and Douglas County Sheriff's officials at any time.
2. Shotgun hunting only. This hunt is intended for turkey management within the parks, and to promote ethical hunting to young hunters.
3. All State of Kansas game quotas and laws apply. Must show proof of state turkey permit, hunting license and hunter's education (if required) at mandatory meeting.
4. The Clinton Lake Youth Turkey hunt will be held from ½ hour before sunrise to Sundown on April 4, 2009. Lunch will be provided at 11 AM - Noon.
5. The youth turkey hunter and his adult guide will be required to attend a pre-hunt mandatory meeting on March 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m., at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and Bloomington Maintenance Building at Clinton Lake. If the youth turkey hunter and his adult guide fail to attend the meeting, the permit will be revoked and given to the first available alternate hunter. We encourage all mentors to work with the youth hunters to pattern their shotguns prior to the hunt.
6. Hunters will be allowed to hunt in their assigned zone/area only, at no time will hunting be allowed outside of assigned zone. Blinds will be set up by personnel, prior to the hunt, and shooting will only be allowed through the windows of the blind. Only the assigned youth turkey hunter and his/her mentor will be allowed to hunt.
7. Parking will be permitted in designated areas only.
8. Shots resulting in turkey injury will need to be pursued, proceeding onto private property will be allowed with landowner permission only. Injured turkeys that leave the immediate area will not be searched for until 11:00 a.m. Selected applicants might seriously consider purchasing two turkey permits in the event they injure one bird and want to harvest another.
9. Hunters will need to report back to the Bloomington Maintenance Building, after the hunt to report on hunt success. On the day of the hunt lunch will be provided by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
10. Any permit holder violating any state or Corps of Engineer (COE) rule, regulation, or law will have their COE permit voided, be subject to a ticket and will be banned from future special hunts at Clinton Lake. Any person-to-person conflicts must be reported to the appropriate officials.
Posted: 06 Jan 2009
The 20th annual Milford Lake Eagle Days are scheduled for the weekend of January 17 and 18. Activities for both days are open to the public and free of charge. The program will be held at the Milford Nature Center, which is located below the Milford Lake Dam. Each day there will be speakers, live bird presentations, and the ever-popular free 1-hour bus trips to nearby locations at the lake to observe bald eagles in the wild.
The live bird presentations will include both a bald eagle and golden eagle that are permanently housed at the Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, Kansas. Both birds were injured and cannot be returned to the wild due to the nature of their injuries. Photography is allowed.
On Saturday, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from Manhattan, Kansas will be giving updates on Kansas nesting bald eagles and on Sunday, a Wildlife Biologist with the Environmental Division from Fort Riley will give a presentation on the nesting pair of eagles at Milford Lake. Additional presentations both days will include raptors and owls of Kansas along with wildlife crafts for children.
In conjunction with Eagle Days, the Milford State Park is offering a "free entrance" day on Saturday only, January 17th for the public to view these national icons of freedom. On Sunday, the off-season vehicle entrance fee of $3.70 returns.
The Corps of Engineers will temporarily close the southern end of Lower Budden Road at the government boundary line and the low maintenance dirt road west of Lakeview Terrace off of U.S. Hwy. 77. This will help to keep vehicle and human traffic out of the areas to facilitate the viewing of bald eagles at the lake. The closure will be from Saturday, January 17th at 9 am to Sunday, January 18th at 5 pm.
For more information, please call 785-238-5714 or 785-238-LEAF. This event is co-sponsored by the Milford Nature Center, Milford State Park, Friends Group, B & B Busing and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Posted: 29 Dec 2008
The 13th Annual Kaw Valley Eagles Day will take place on Sunday January 25, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Lawrence Free State High School.
The event will include nature exhibits with hands-on kid's activities and eagle viewing field trips.
There will be activities for kids of all ages. Come build a bird feeder, make an eagle, dissect an owl pellet and join many other fun activities in the exhibit area.
There will be eagle viewing field trips at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Those attending The field trips will gather at the Clinton Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office. There will be a short discussion on Bald Eagles at Clinton Lake, followed by a trip to view the eagles. The field trips will be short drives to areas we're likely to see Bald Eagles. Personal transportation will be used to conduct the tours. Historically, we've seen a minimum of two eagles per trip. For more information on Eagles Day, visit www.kawvalleyeaglesday.com, or call 785-842-0475. For additional information on the eagle viewing field trips, call 785-843-7665.
Posted: 19 Dec 2008
The Outlet Multipurpose Trail is result of a partnership agreement that was signed on January 7th, 2008, between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hickory County Community Improvement Coalition, Hickory County Health Department, and the Hermitage R-4 Schools. Funding for this project has been a joint effort.
The trail is now 70% completed and is open for walking, biking, and jogging.
When complete the trail will be 3.2 miles long. The finished surface consists of rolled limestone aggregate compacted over a layer of 2" rock.
This past year the Hermitage High School Cross Country Team hosted two cross county meets in the Outlet Park. It is anticipated that the trail will be used extensively in the future for Cross County training by area athletics.
A grand opening is planned on April 4, 2009. More information will be posted closer to that date.
Posted: 15 Dec 2008
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District
Kanopolis Lake Project Office
105 Riverside Drive
Marquette, KS 67464
CLOSING DATE: XXXXXXX
POSITIONS & GRADES: Park Ranger, GS-02 ($10.39/hr), GS-03 ($11.34/hr), or GS-04 ($12.73/hr). Compensation pay will also be provided for Sunday, holidays and evenings. 1 vacancy
REQUIREMENTS: Applicant must be a student. A student is defined as an individual that is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree (diploma, certification, etc.) seeking student and is taking at least a half-time academic/vocational or technical course load in an accredited university, graduate or professional school. The definition of half-time is the definition provided by the school in which the student is enrolled. The applicant must be returning to school in the fall and meet guidelines stated above.
Applicants will be considered on their qualifications, references, work ethic, and availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays during summer months (40 hrs/week during summer).
Applicant must have a current, valid driver's license.
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America.
DUTIES: Summer Park Ranger performs a variety of assignments in carrying out the overall policies and procedures concerning the conservation and use of land and water for the benefit of the visiting public.
Assists in accomplishing resource management programs including, but not limited to, controlled burning, planting of food plots, tree/shrub plantings and maintenance.
Collects recreation fees and issues permits. Accounts for money collected and prepares necessary financial records.
Uses hand tools and hand held sprayers to control noxious weeds by digging, clipping or spraying with a non-restricted use herbicide. May be required to operate chain saws, ATV's mowers, and tractors in order to trim tree limbs around camping facilities, move trash cans and picnic tables and engage in other similar labor. Assists in forestry program by planting, pruning, and fertilizing park trees. Assists staff with miscellaneous maintenance involving carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.
Collects and records information such as water quality and sediment samples, vegetation, noxious weed infestation, wildlife and fish populations, and erosion control and site rehabilitation problems. Drafts reports, documents, maps, and overlays for higher-level review. Reads weather instruments and records data.
Conducts a radio operation; such as emergency assistance, fire fighting support, and communication with the local law enforcement agency. Receives routine and emergency telephone and radio calls placed to project; maintains communications records including daily log reports. Codes, logs, files, and routes all violation notices, courtesy tags, and traffic and boating accident reports.
Educates and implements regulations of Title 36 regarding public use of campgrounds, recreation facilities, and natural resource areas. This includes campground patrols, traffic control, crowd control, and issuance of citation warnings or violation notices. This is not a law enforcement officer position. Works closely with contracted Sheriff Deputies who enforce all county and state law enforcement. Responds to emergency calls and investigates accidents, complaints, disturbances, and other problems. During patrols, explains regulations to visitors and provides information and advice on project activities, and cultural, historical, and natural resource management.
Conducts scheduled and special patrols on land and water areas. Assists staff inspections of public use areas, private docks, and other recreation areas, including safety, fire, sanitation, and maintenance. Investigates and reports to supervisor any trespasses or other violations.
Develops and conducts interpretive talks and guided tour programs. Answers questions of a limited variety of facts, events, circumstances, personalities, and natural characteristics identified with the project. Operates audiovisual equipment.
Serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator. Operates an automobile or light truck to accomplish assigned duties. Performs other duties as assigned.
Works under general supervision of the Operation Project Manager, Park Manager and/or Natural Resource Specialists. Receives day-to-day instruction, direction, technical advice and/or training from higher-level personnel. Employee will receive first aid and CPR training.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicable college students must possess and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. GS-3 requires 30 semester hours of college credit by end of Spring 09 semester with 6 hours related to any of the following: natural resource management, park and conservation management, biology, natural sciences, agronomy, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, recreation administration, behavioral science, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. Applicant must be seeking a bachelor's degree in one of the subjects listed above, or other closely related subjects, from a 4-year accredited university. If your college transcript will reflect a GS-3 requirement at the completion of Spring 2009 semester, you will receive GS-2 wage rate until that updated copy of the transcript is received. GS-4 requires 60 semester hours of college credit by end of Spring 2009 semester, with 12 hours related to the above-mentioned subjects.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must complete and submit one of the following:
1. Resume (in order to make qualification determinations, please provide experience to reflect your qualifications). Include a copy of most recent, official college transcript from University or College Registrar. Include a letter from your academic advisor stating that you are a student in good standing and plan on continuing your education until graduation from a 4-year accredited University.
2. Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) (call lake office for application if resume is not used). Include a copy of most recent, official college transcript from University or College Registrar. Include a letter from your academic advisor stating that you are a student in good standing and plan on continuing your education until graduation from a 4-year accredited University.
WHERE TO APPLY: Call for information or tour.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Kanopolis Lake Project Office
Attn: Nolan Fisher -- Park Manager
105 Riverside Drive
Marquette, KS 67464
Nolan.D.Fisher@usace.army.mil
Work Number: (816) 389-3034
Cell Number: (785) 531-0398
Fax Number: (785) 546-2200
http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/ka/
Posted: 09 Dec 2008
The winter months are upon us at Clinton Lake. It is a great time of year to explore and enjoy the outdoors, however, it is also important to be safe during this potentially dangerous time of year. Please read these safety tips before you are on or near the water at Clinton Lake.
1. Check the Weather. The weather in the fall and winter can change dramatically with little or no warning. Always check the local forecast just before going out on the water.
2. Prepare a Float Plan. Leave a description of your boat (including registration number), the number of people on board, the area where you will be boating and the time you expect to leave and return with a friend or family member. If you are reported missing on the water, it is extremely helpful for rescuers to know what area of the lake you should be in. If your boat has capsized, time is of the essence. A good float plan could mean the difference between life and death.
3. Carry Emergency Supplies. A radio or cell phone, dry clothes, a flashlight with batteries, food and fresh water, matches in a water-proof bag and flares or a signal kit are all items that should be on board during cold-weather boating. Of course, the most important piece of emergency equipment on any boat is your life jacket. If you capsize or fall overboard during the cold-water months, your chances of survival increase dramatically if you are wearing your life jacket.
4. Know the facts about hypothermia. Cold water conducts heat out of the body approximately 25 times faster than air does. If you go overboard into cold water, your core temperature will begin to drop within 10 to 15 minutes. Focus all of your effort into getting out of the water as quickly as possible. Climb onto anything floating to get your body out of the water. If getting out of the water is impossible, remember these survival tips:
a) Don't take off your clothes; they trap air and help keep you afloat in addition to trapping body heat.
b) Cover your head and keep it above water if possible. In cold water, about half of your heat loss comes from the head.
c) Don't panic; draw your knees to your chest in the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P), protecting the major areas of heat loss. If there are other people in the water with you, huddle together with one person in the middle of the huddle. Rotating the person in the middle allows everyone to benefit from the trapped body heat of the other members of the huddle.
d) Don't try to swim unless you can swim to reach a nearby boat, floating object or another person. Swimming releases the warm water trapped between your body and your clothing and causes "warm" blood to be sent to your extremities. As a result, swimming can actually reduce your survival time by as much as 50%.
e) Remain as still as possible, even if it's painful. Intense shivering and severe pain are natural body reflexes in cold water. They will not kill you, but heat loss will. When you are in the water in cold weather, remaining still gives you the best chance of survival.
5. Leave the alcohol at home. Drinking impairs both judgment and coordination and is often a major factor in boating accidents. If boaters do end up in the water during the cold weather months, judgment and coordination are critical factors in staying alive.
Posted: 09 Dec 2008
For those brave enough to endure the elements, camping is available at reduced rates during the winter months. Electrical sites are available year round so camping can be comfortable in even the coldest conditions. This group stayed warm thanks to their electic heaters, even though temperatures dipped into the teens.
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard
Since 1998, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has organized a deer hunt for people who are physically challenged, and every year a few more stories of this great outdoor experience are born. This hunt provides an opportunity to experience the sport of deer hunting while helping to control the ever-growing deer population in the park areas maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The event spans three days, beginning with a sight-in day and followed by two days of hunting. A location is provided for the hunters to sight-in their rifles, bows and crossbows, assuring them a perfect shot when the trophy buck is between their crosshairs or sights. The hunters arrive before dawn to the base camp the following Saturday morning. The base camp, set up with a warm fireplace and delicious food provided by a lot of nice folks and the local Lions Club, provides a true "deer camp" for the hunters to return with their kills (or the stories of the one's that got away).
Each year 15 hunters come out to take part in the deer hunt. In 2000, we began a standby list containing five additional hunters who may be called upon if one of the original 15 hunters tag out or are unable to hunt the full two days. Several volunteers from the community assist with guiding the hunters and preparing the kills for processing. Sponsors of the hunt are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Stockton Lions Club, Bass Pro, Buck Knives, Sonic Drive-In, Zumwalt Pharmacy, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Catch-A-Dream, Ron Hawkins and Stockton Feeds.
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard
Every year several campers come out to our parks and set up deer camp. This year was no exception. As I patrolled the lake, I saw many deer camps set up in our campgrounds.
I made an effort to stop at most of the deer camps in our parks to talk with the hunters and hear their stories. One particular campsite caught my attention with a feral hog that field dressed at about 350 pounds and was hanging from a tree. It was taking the attention off the deer standing beside it. Feral hogs are considered a nuisance and can be dangerous to humans. They can carry diseases and destroy vegetation that native wildlife depends on for survival. Feral hogs are not very prevalent around Stockton Lake, and although they are impressive to see, it is good whenever we learn about a hog taken off our lands. We hope for future days with fewer and fewer of these beasts destroying natural habitats in Missouri.
I also saw many impressive bucks, many first-time deer and a whole lot of deer to fill the freezer. If you are in need for a good place to hunt next year, head on out to Stockton Lake and set up camp at one of our many campgrounds. Lake maps are available to view on this Web site or are available at our project office near the dam. Our maps show boundary lines and huntable versus non-huntable land. Also be sure to know the rules of the county you hunt in as well as follow posted restrictions.
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Nathan Wallace
At the beginning of each New Year, the Stockton Lake Association, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Missouri Department of Conservation combine forces to bring the community a spectacle of nature's beauty known as the Eagle Days. The 13th annual Eagles Days will be held Jan. 3, 2009, at 10 a.m.
To maximize convenience, three separate locations around the lake will be used for tour starting points; Orleans Trail Marina, Mutton Creek Marina and Stockton State Park Marina. In addition, the marinas will also be providing pontoon boats to ferry spectators to and from eagle observation areas. These yearly tours offer a view point of Stockton Lake not seen from the roadway or campground and can offer a breathtaking view of nature's beauty.
Local Missouri Department of Conservation agents conduct annual eagle counts on the lake each year. These counts are conducted before the Eagle Days tour takes place revealing the eagle "hot spots" around the lake. The annual Stockton Lake census has averaged approximately 75 eagles during the past several years, with the few years count nearing 100 eagles!
While Eagle Days is quickly becoming a pastime of the Stockton Lake community. Fifty to 75 sightseers brave the winter to catch a glimpse at these majestic birds. Also, don't forget about the other creatures that call Stockton Lake home. This area thrives in deer, turkey, beaver and plenty of fish!
An event like this takes the whole community to work together, so a donation is requested by the Stockton Lake Association, but not required. The donations benefit Stockton Lake and surrounding areas.
If you are interested in taking part in this breathtaking experience for the first time or are returning for another blissful tour, please register with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Stockton Lake Project Office at (417) 276-3113 prior to the tour date. Please dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera. In case of extreme weather, please tune in to KRWP 107.7 FM or KTTS 94.7 FM for cancellation information.
Posted: 19 Nov 2008
As of January 1, 2008 new rules will be enforced at the Perry Lake ATV Area. The following are the new rules and regulations:
1. ATV's & Motorcycles Only
2. An ATV is a motorized vehicle having a maximum width of 50 inches, designed for off road use, with handle bars for steering, and a seat that is straddled by the operator.
3. ATV's & Motorcycles must have functioning brakes, muffler, & spark arrester.
4. Loading & unloading of ATV's & motorcycles permitted only in the parking area.
5. Speed limit in the parking area is idle speed.
6. DOT approved helmets required for all riders & passengers.
7. One rider per ATV/Motorcycle.
8. Riding out of bounds, on maintained roadways/right-of-ways, in streams, and in other unauthorized areas is prohibited.
9. No alcoholic beverages or firearms in the riding area.
10. Operation of ATV's/motorcycles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
11. No overnight parking or camping.
12. The riding & parking lot area is closed at dusk.
13. ATV area is subject to closure during wet conditions or special events.
Violation of the above rules may result in loss of riding privileges and/or fines.
Posted: 13 Nov 2008
By Jason Hurley
The Shawnee Masonic Lodge No. 653 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsored the 18th Annual Truman Managed Deer Hunt for individuals with physical disabilities Nov. 8 and 9 at the Shawnee Bend and Berry Bend recreation areas at Harry S. Truman Lake.
The combined resources and partnership of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge #653, local non-profit organizations and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers make the event possible every year. Many local sponsors, guides and volunteers worked long hours to help make this a successful managed deer hunt.
Hunters and volunteers alike arrived at 4 a.m. both days to enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the woods. Volunteer Drew Allen and his crew were up well before everyone else preparing food for breakfast and lunch.
The early morning start allowed participants enough time to eat, review safety rules, draw for deer blinds and match hunters with guides. Deer guides assisted hunters with everything from getting into their blinds to transporting their deer. Many of the guides and hunters have formed long-lasting relationships and look forward to the managed hunt every year.
Cool temperatures created perfect conditions for hunters and encouraged the deer leave their dwellings. A total of 24 hunters participated in this year's hunt, harvesting 25 deer. Each hunter is allowed to take three deer using one "any deer" and two "antlerless" deer tags. The managed deer hunt allows individuals with permanent physical disabilities to experience a hunting opportunity they might otherwise not have while helping to keep the park's deer population under control.
The hunters were given an opportunity to sight-in their rifles the day before the hunt at the Golden Valley Shooting Range near Clinton, Mo., to ensure the accuracy that can lead to a safe shooting experience and a clean deer harvest. Hunters were allowed uninterrupted target practice under a special use permit issued by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The event included a random drawing for several door prizes. Many of the hunters and guides received items donated by sponsors throughout the Truman Lake area. Businesses from Warsaw, Clinton and Sedalia donated the door prizes, as well as a refrigerated cooler and food for breakfast and lunch.
As its popularity increases, the hunt is drawing the interest of hunters, guides, and sponsors from all over the state of Missouri.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Harry S. Truman Lake would like to thank the teams consisting of Junior Young, Jack Williams, Drew Allen, Jim Thompson and Dick Lewis who put in long hours coordinating guides, providing meals and assuring the safety of the hunters.
Jason Hurley is a natural resource specialist at the Harry S. Truman Lake project in Warsaw, Mo.
Posted: 30 Oct 2008
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Harry S. Truman Visitor Center will close for the season effective Nov. 1, 2008. If you have questions regarding the visitor center or scheduling tours or programs, contact Park Ranger Dan Sandersfeld at (660) 438-7317 ext. 3930. There are many informational articles and maps on the Corps of Engineers Truman Lake Web page: www.nwk.usace.army.mil/ht/.
For more information feel free to contact the Corps of Engineers Truman Lake Project at (660) 438-7317.
Posted: 10 Apr 2008
Most people know a little about Zebra Mussels but probably don't realize what a nuisance they really are. Currently (spring 2008), Truman Lake is not infested with these creatures -- at least that we are aware. But once a lake is infested with Zebra Mussels, getting rid of them is next to impossible.
These mussels are very prolific and can completely change the ecology of a lake. The average Zebra Mussel is about the size of your thumbnail. A mature female Zebra Mussel can produce as many as one million eggs per year. The larvae are free-floating, going wherever the currents take them.
Zebra Mussels are not native to North America. They were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes in the ballasts of ships. These mussels are native to the Caspian Sea Region of Europe and Asia. Zebra Mussels do not have any known natural predators, so, once introduced, populations grow exponentially.
Zebra Mussels are filter feeders, feeding on microscopic plankton. Since populations boom so quickly, the feeding mussels can significantly affect a lake's food sources in a short period of time, competing with forage and sport fish.
Established populations cluster together by the hundreds of thousands in a square meter. Dense clusters of the mussels can clog drinking water intakes, disrupt power plants and create staggering costs to remove.
Zebra mussels can live in water temperatures ranging from zero degrees Fahrenheit to 93 degrees. Large die-offs of these mussels can occur during the winter months. Unfortunately, a residual breeding population will often remain. Additionally, the razor-sharp shells of the dead mussels can wash onto shorelines by the millions. The shells can become safety hazards for wildlife and humans alike. Such circumstances could even force closure of beaches and other park areas.
What can you do? PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION OF ZEBRA MUSSELS INTO YOUR LAKE! Lake of the Ozarks already has an infestation of Zebra Mussels. Since many boaters and other water-related recreationists use both Truman Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks, these groups must be extremely careful when going from one body of water to the other.
* Do not empty bait buckets into the lake.
* If moving your boat from one lake to another, inspect your boat thoroughly before transporting. Drain the live wells and check the boat's hull and intakes. Rub your hands across the hull -- juveniles will make the hull feel rough.
* The larvae and juveniles are very small and hard to detect. When moving a boat or other submerged items from one lake to another, wash the item(s) in hot water (at least 140 degrees) or let the item(s) dry for five days before putting it into another body of water. If you think you may have found Zebra Mussels on your boat or other aquatic devices, then you must wash them off with hot water using a high-pressure hose.
* If you find a Zebra Mussel, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation Invasive Species Coordinator at 573-751-4115 or the Truman Lake Project Office at 660-438-7317.
* For more information regarding Zebra Mussels, go to: http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/zebra/zmis/
Please be careful! The thousands of people who enjoy and depend upon Truman Lake are counting on YOU.
Posted: 31 Mar 2008
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies will no longer issue Golden Age and Golden Access Passports as of January 1, 2007. With the passage by Congress of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, Public Law 108-447, these passports have been replaced with the new America the Beautiful - the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: an Interagency Senior Pass for age-related discounts and an Interagency Access Pass for disability-related discounts.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was not included in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which created the new America the Beautiful and the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program authority. Although the Corps will not sell or issue the new passes, we will accept only the new Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes or previously issued Golden Age or Access Passports as proof of eligibility for age and disability-related discounts. If a previously issued Golden Age or Access Passport is lost, stolen or worn out, contact one of the agencies listed below.
The only agencies authorized to issue the new Interagency Senior and Interagency Access Passes are the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. The Corps strongly suggests that you call ahead to verify pass availability and office hours before visiting an agency location.
Persons 62 years of age or older and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle will be provided a 50 percent discount on recreation use fees charged at any recreation area administered by the Corps of Engineers, with proof of age using an existing Golden Age or America the Beautiful Card. Persons who are blind or permanently disabled also will be provided a 50 percent discount on Corps of Engineers use fees with proof of disability using an existing Golden Access or America the Beautiful Card. Corps discounts are not generally honored at non-federal recreation facilities; however, state and local agencies often have similar discounts.
Posted: 02 Oct 2007
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake announced an upcoming road detour, affecting traffic into the River Pond Area of Tuttle Creek State Park.
The west entrance to the River Pond Area will be closed Monday, Oct. 8, 2007. The park will continue to be open, but all traffic will be required to use the park's existing east entrance accessible from the east end of Tuttle Creek Dam. Detour signs directing River Pond park users from U.S. Highway 24 (Tuttle Creek Blvd.) and Kansas Highway 13 (atop the dam) will be erected.
The River Pond Area of Tuttle Creek State Park is a popular recreation area located downstream of Tuttle Creek Dam. It includes the River Pond and Rocky Ford campgrounds, cabin rentals, picnic shelters, swim beach, canoe rentals, disc golf course and other recreational amenities.
This road closure is necessary as work continues on the Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Program. This project involves large construction equipment and heavy truck traffic adjoining the park. The detour is necessary to ensure safe working conditions and public park use on and around the dam. The detour is expected to be in place for the duration of this project, which is estimated to be complete in the 2009 to 2010 time frame.
For more information, contact the Corps of Engineers at (785) 539-8511.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers