Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Jeanette Timm (307) 283-1361, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

COOK LAKE REMODELING PLANS UNDERWAY

SUNDANCE, WY: January 7, 2004

If plans become reality, Cook Lake campground and picnic area will have a facelift in time for the 2004 recreation season. Black Hills National Forest engineers are redesigning the area located 25 miles north of Sundance, WY to improve the facilities for accessibility needs and larger campers as well as group picnic activities.

Projects considered include widening, lengthening, or refurbishing camp sites; removing or remodeling bathrooms; improving drinking water sources; grouping picnic tables; replacing wooden steps with cement ones; improving the handicap-fishing structure; and road maintenance.

In addition to the facility upgrades, the Forest Service is considering finishing the Cook Lake trail project. In 2002, the western portion of the trail was completed, and work being proposed on the eastern side includes meeting accessibility requirements on about 1/2-mile of the trail.

No changes are expected in the camping or day-use fees at Cook Lake as a result of these improvements. Anyone interested in commenting on either of these projects for Cook Lake should contact Jeanette Timm at the Bearlodge Ranger District, PO Box 680, Sundance, WY 82729 or (307) 283-1361.