Corps Campground Openings Along NE Oklahoma Navigation System Delayed

The Army Corps of Engineers has delayed the opening of campgrounds in the Tulsa District along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System for a second time.

In a news release, the Corps says the facilities are now slated to open May 15, 2013.

The exceptions are Bluff Landing and the Tullahassee Loop boat ramp which will still open on May 1st.

The Corps says the delay allows for the agency to develop a work plan that takes into account the reduction of funds available in the continuing resolution signed recently.

The news release, says "the continuing resolution approved by Congress contained reductions in overall Operations and Maintenance funding and included sequestration mandated as part of the Budget Control Act of 2011."

"Public health and safety is a top priority and we cannot safely operate these parks without proper ranger staff and service contracts. We will have to revise our services based on our final work plan numbers for the navigation system. However at this time, we are able to open Bluff Landing Recreation Area on the Newt Graham Lock and Dam project for the 2013 recreation season. This will provide both boat ramp access and camping facilities at that location. Boat ramps will also be available on all pools of the navigation system," said John Marnell, Deputy Operations Division chief.

The impacts are as follows:

Chouteau and Newt Graham Lock and Dams

1. Afton Landing- delayed
2. Bluff Landing- fully open for the season
3. Tullahassee Loop primitive campground - delayed. The boat ramp access will be open with no services (May 1st)
4. Highway 33 Landing and Coal Creek access areas will remain open for boat launching only. Services such as mowing, cleaning, and restroom availability may not be provided if previously available at these ramps. 

R.S. Kerr Reservoir

1. Applegate Cove- delayed
2. Short Mountain Cove- delayed
3. Cowlington Point- delayed
4. Damsite Day Use Area- delayed
5. Tamaha Landing, Keota Landing, and Otter Creek access areas will remain open for boat launching only. Services such as mowing, cleaning, and restroom availability will not be provided if previously available at these ramps.

Webbers Falls

1. Brewers Bend- delayed
2. Spaniard Creek- delayed
3. Spaniard Creek Day Use Area and Highway 10 Landing will be open for boat launching only. Services such as mowing, cleaning, and restroom availability may not be provided if previously available at these ramps.

4/1/2013 Related Story: Corps Blames Cuts For Delayed Opening Of Rec Areas In NE Oklahoma