Aug. 29, 2006
 
THE CORPS CORNER: Labor Day Marks Beginning of End of Summer at Big Sandy Area Lakes
 
From the desk of Gene Davis, Operations Manager
Big Sandy Area, Corps of Engineers
 
Louisa, KY (HNN) -- Labor Day is normally the last big weekend of the summer for campers, water enthusiasts, picnickers, and for the parks themselves. As the number of visitors dwindles, some parks will close for the season and some will have services reduced or discontinued.
 
In Kentucky, Grapevine Campground at Fishtrap Lake at will close 05 September along with Shoreline Boat-In Campground at Dewey Lake. Lower Twin, Cranesnest, and Pound River Campgrounds at John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir in Virginia will close September 29. East Fork Campground at East Lynn Lake, West Virginia will partially close 03 October and fully close 7 October.
 
The swimming beach at Beech Fork Lake in West Virginia will close 05 September. All other Corps operated day use recreation areas at each Big Sandy Area lake project in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia will close on a schedule determined by the lake’s Resource Manager. At some projects, day use recreation areas may remain open and accessible to the public throughout the winter months for fishing, picnicking, boat launching, etc. with limited vehicular and/or foot access as well as minimal or no services being provided. Other recreation areas may be closed completely with access restricted and/or no services provided as determined by the Resource Manager.
 
When a recreation area or facility is closed for the season but still accessible to the public for limited use, visitors are asked to take their refuse with them when they leave the area since there is no scheduled trash pick-up during this time.
 
So don’t put off that camping trip, family picnic, hiking adventure or other outdoor fun you’ve been planning all summer. Be sure to take a break and travel to your favorite Big Sandy Area lake this Labor Day Weekend and enjoy the outdoor experience with your family and friends.
 
For more information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Big Sandy Area Office, Louisa, Kentucky by telephone at (606) 638-9646 or email gene.davis@lrh01.usace.army.mil. You may also visit the Huntington District’s website at www.lrh.usace.army.mil.
 
For information on winter operating schedules at Kentucky State Parks visit www.parks.ky.gov. You can also contact Beech Fork State Park at (304) 528-5794 for winter operating schedules.