Applications must be received at the IWA office in Niland by 3 p.m. Friday, September 25. The permit drawing will be held at noon Tuesday, October 6 at the IWA office. The drawing is open to the public, as successful applicants will be allowed to choose their own space at the time of selection. Applicants who are unable to attend the drawing but would like to designate someone to choose a space on their behalf may do so as long as the designee has written permission from the applicant. If a drawn applicant is not present, DFG will assign a space number on his or her behalf.

There is no cost to apply for the drawing; permits are also free for those applicants who are selected.

To obtain an application and rules related to the drawing, contact Imperial Wildlife Area, 8700 Davis Road, Niland, CA, 92257 or fax a request to (760) 359-0709. Additional information may be obtained by calling (760) 359-0577.

SPRINGFIELD – Reservations for the 2009 camping season at Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) campsites, cabins, group campsites and picnic shelters can be made by mail beginning January 2nd and in person or over the phone beginning February 1st, announced IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.

“Campgrounds at our state parks, recreation areas and state fish and wildlife areas are popular destinations for families, hikers, hunters and anglers,” said Flood.   “By taking reservations at the beginning of the year, we ensure there is a campsite waiting for our visitors when they’re ready for a vacation.”

Reservations can be made by mail only beginning January 2nd. Reservation forms and instructions can be obtained from the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us/

Beginning February 1st, telephone and in-person reservations can be made using Visa and MasterCard at the following sites: Chain O’Lakes, Fox Ridge, Jim Edgar Panther Creek (Cabins and Group Camps only), Pere Marquette, Ramsey Lake, Rock Cut, Shabbona, and Sangchris Lake.  In-person reservations will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Reservations are not accepted via electronic mail at any site.

A daily lottery will be conducted for mail-in reservations.  Up to six mail-in reservations per envelope, per person will be accepted for campsites or shelters.  Camping groups may mail more than six reservations per envelope as long as no more than six are for one individual.

Regular campsites and group campsites require a $5 non-refundable reservation fee and the first night’s camping and utility fee at the time the reservation is made.  Shelter reservation fees are $25, except on Fridays and Saturdays at Spitler Woods. 

Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights per 30-day period and reservations must be made at least seven days in advance.  Reserved campsites will be held until 3 p.m. the following day, after which time the site will be offered to other campers on a first come first-served basis.

Reservations for the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends require a minimum three-day reservation.

Campsite reservations will be available at the following state parks:

• Apple River Canyon, 8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL 61001 (Youth Group Only)
• Argyle Lake, 640 Argyle Road, Colchester, IL 62326
• Beaver Dam, 14548 Beaver Dam Lane, Plainview, IL 62685 (Cabin and Youth Group Only)
• Big River, R. R. #1, Box 118, Keithsburg, IL 61442
• Chain O’Lakes, 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081
• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, R.R. #1, Box 4, Dewitt, IL 61735
• Delabar State Park, RR#2, Box 27, Oquawka, IL 61469
• Eagle Creek, P. O. Box 16, Findlay, IL 62534
• Eldon Hazlet, 20100 Hazlet Park Road, Carlyle, IL 62231
• Fox Ridge, 18175 State Park Road, Charleston, IL 61920
• Illinois Beach, Lake Front, Zion, IL 60099
• Jim Edgar Panther Creek, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville, IL 62627 (Cabin and Group Camp Only)
• Kankakee River State Park, P.O. Box 37, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
• Lake Le-Aqua-Na, 8542 North Lake Road, Lena, IL 61048
• Pere Marquette, P.O. Box 158, Grafton, IL 62037
• Ramsey Lake, P.O. Box 97, Ramsey, IL 62080
• Rock Cut, 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park, IL 61111
• Sam Dale, R.R. #1, Box 101 Johnsonville, IL 62850
• Sangchris Lake, 9898 Cascade Road, Rochester, IL 62563
• Shabbona Lake, 4201 Shabbona Grove Road, Shabbona, IL 60550
• Starved Rock, P.O. Box 509, Utica, IL 61373
• Trail of Tears, 3240 State Forest Rd., Jonesboro, IL 62952 (Reservations not accepted until April 16, 2009)
• Walnut Point, 2331 East Co. Road, 370N, Oakland, IL 61943

Shelter reservations will be available at the following sites:

Northwest Illinois:

• Apple River Canyon, Argyle Lake State Park, Big River State Forest, Delabar State Park, Franklin Creek State Natural Area, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Prophetstown State Park, Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Park and White Pines Forest State Park.

Northeast Illinois:

• Buffalo Rock State Park, Chain O’Lakes State Park, Gebhard Woods State Park, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hills State Park, Silver Springs State Park and William W. Powers Conservation Area.

East-central Illinois:

• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Fox Ridge State Park, Kickapoo State Park, Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park, Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, Spitler Woods State Natural Area, and Walnut Point State Park.

West-central Illinois:

• Beaver Dam State Park, Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Eldon Hazlet State Park, Frank Holten State Park, Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County, Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA, Pere Marquette State Park, Randolph County Conservation Area, Sand Ridge State Forest, Sangchris Lake State Park, Washington County Conservation Area and Weinberg-King State Park.

Southern Illinois:

• Dixon Springs, Ferne Clyffe State Park, Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area in Alexander County, Lake Murphysboro State Park, Ramsey Lake State Park, Red Hills State Park, Sam Dale State Park, Sam Parr State Park, Stephen A. Forbes State Park, Trail of Tears State Forest and Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park.

The IDNR also has openings for campground hosts at many state-run campgrounds. Hosts are paid $1/day and receive free camping for the length of their stay. Hosts are expected to check campers in and out and help answer general questions from campers. For more information on the host program, call Barb Foster at 217/785-8129.

“For your winter camping adventures, there are state parks or recreation areas that remain open for camping and other outdoor recreation year-round. Some offer rustic camping with no amenities, while others offer semi-modern campsites with electricity,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

“Some parks also have cabins, mini-cabins, lodges or yurts available to rent all year, and all are heated with wood or propane stoves. So GO-Get Outdoors and enjoy the winter season.”

Mitchell, Rifle River, and Traverse City offer site electricity and heated restrooms in the winter. Other campgrounds that are open all winter and offer site electricity are Algonac, Bay City, Fort Custer, Ludington, North Higgins Lake, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Waterloo Recreation Area-Portage Lake Campground.

Many of the camper cabins and mini-cabins have reduced pricing for the winter months. The following parks have facilities located on lakes or nestled in the woods, and offer one or more of these winter lodging opportunities with a wide variety of amenities for the winter season:

Upper Peninsula
Fort Wilkins, McLain, Porcupine Mountains, and Wells

Northern Lower Peninsula
Hartwick Pines, Hoeft, Interlochen, Ludington, Mitchell, Rifle River, South Higgins Lake, Tawas Point, Traverse City, and Wilderness

Southern Lower Peninsula
Bald Mountain, Brighton, Fort Custer, Highland, Holland, Holly, Island Lake, Ortonville, Pinckney, Port Crescent, and Waterloo

Reservations for campsites, cabins, mini-cabins and yurts can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-447-2757. To reserve a lodge, contact the park directly. For more information about a specific state park or recreation area, winter camping opportunities, events or accessibility, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under the Recreation and Camping section, or contact the Lansing Office at 517-373-9900 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

Motor vehicle permits for the 2009 season are available and can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, on the DNR’s Web site through the Michigan e-store, or by calling the Lansing Office. Rates will remain the same as last year.

Motor vehicle entrance permits are $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8. Resident annual senior discount permits are $6 and can only be purchased in person at a state park or recreation area, or the main office in downtown Lansing and will require a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.

In 2009, Michigan state parks will be celebrating their 90th anniversary. Special events will be planned and announced at a future date.

Earlier this year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department began hosting Texas Outdoor Family workshops at state parks in the Houston and Austin areas. During the weekends, families get expert instruction on how to start enjoying the world of nature and the great outdoors.

This January and February, the program is expanding into South Texas, with workshops set for Jan. 10-11 at Goose Island State Park near Fulton, Jan. 24-25 at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park near Mission, and Feb. 10-11 at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Laredo.

“What’s great about Texas Outdoor family workshops is no experience or camping equipment is necessary,” said Chris Holmes, Texas State Parks outdoor programs coordinator.

“We recognize that many people in today’s increasingly urban culture don’t have the same skills or backgrounds as earlier generations of Texans. These weekend workshops offer a supportive environment where families can get started in safe and comfortable settings. And for these three South Texas workshops, we will have bilingual staff who speak Spanish on hand to make sure there are no language barriers.”

During the overnight Texas Outdoor Family program, families spend much of the weekend learning how to pitch a tent, cook outdoors, kayak and fish and also how to use a global positioning system (GPS) to navigate trails and locate hidden caches. The program also teaches participants about conservation ethics and introduces them to park rangers and what they do.

Each workshop costs $55 per family (up to six people), and includes individual car camping sites for each family, restrooms with hot showers, professional park ranger-led programs and instruction, overnight state park police officer public safety and security, a curriculum developed specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park, and state park Junior Ranger certification programs. The entire approach adopts a ’Leave No Trace’ philosophy and is environmentally friendly.

Families bring their own food for the two-day workshops, and a suggested shopping and packing lists for meals and personal items will be provided.

Visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web page for more information, including the complete schedule of weekend workshops. Check the web pages regularly, as new workshops continue to be added to the schedule.

Families can register by calling 512-389-8903 and speaking to a Texas Outdoor Family representative Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-to-6 p.m., or send e-mail to tofsp [at] tpwd [dot] state [dot] tx [dot] us anytime. After registration, a confirmation packet with directions and details will be sent.

Roughly one-third of Iowa’s 110 campground hosts attended the celebration that honored them for the invaluable services they provide to Iowa’s state parks. DNR park staff, along with Natural Resource Commissioner Janelle Rettig, were also in attendance to recognize these outstanding volunteers.

“I used to think I had missed the great moments in U.S. history of volunteerism,” noted Jeff Hildebrand, Lake Darling Park Ranger, “but then I work with folks like you I know that I haven’t missed a thing. You are the answer to our state parks’ prayers.”

Campground hosts offer assistance as greeters, informational aides and maintenance support at state parks. Hosts live and work on campgrounds during the busy summer camping seasons, most of them volunteering hundreds of hours each summer.

“For me it’s all about loving Iowa’s state parks and wanting to take care of them,” said Mike Orgazan, who hosts at Lacey-Keosauqua with his wife Regina. “It’s really rewarding to help visitors have an enjoyable experience and gain a new appreciation for their parks.”

The appreciation celebration kicked off Sept. 8, with free camping, a potluck dinner at the park’s new four-season lodge and live music provided by Ed Bruegge and Friends of Fairfield. The following day DNR officials treated hosts to a catered lunch, certificates of appreciation and a presentation on Iowa’s Peregrine Falcons by Kay Neumann of Saving our Avian Resources (SOAR). Volunteers also were given the opportunity to assist in the release of a rehabilitated great horned owl.

Last year, volunteers across Iowa donated more than 230,000 hours of service to the DNR. Parks volunteers – including campground hosts – account for about 40-percent of that.

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or at Merry [dot] Rankin [at] dnr [dot] iowa [dot] gov.

“Bears have the potential to become a nuisance when people feed them – either intentionally or not. When a bear knows it can get a ‘free meal,’ it’s going to return again and again until eventually it loses its natural fear of humans. This is when the majority of human-bear conflicts occur and the bear becomes labeled a “nuisance,” explains Adam Hammond, Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division biologist.

Homeowners and business owners in known bear areas can be proactive in lessening human-bear conflicts by taking the following important steps to secure their garbage:

· Convert to ‘bear-proof’ garbage containers.

· Put garbage cans at the curb on the day of pick-up rather than the night before. If there is no curbside pick-up in your area, take garbage to the nearest disposal site as soon as possible.

· Store your garbage in the garage or another enclosed area.

· Install electric fences around garbage storage areas.

· Remove food scraps from grills and fire pits daily.

· Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal. Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them periodically.

· Concerning dumpsters: Install ‘bear-proof’ dumpsters, attach reinforcing lids or install latch mechanisms.

Garbage is just one of the many non-natural food items that attracts bears. Birdseed and pet food round out the top three most common types of attractants. Homeowners in known bear areas are advised to bring pet food indoors and remove bird feeders during the spring and late summer.

Known bear areas include the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmuglee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeast. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas in search of food, especially in the spring when natural food sources are scarce. Young male bears also are known to roam larger areas in an effort to establish their own territory.

“The best and most effective way to resolve human-bear conflicts is to remove whatever is attracting the bear to the area,” says Hammond. “In most cases, that simply means making trash, birdseed, pet food and other non-natural food items inaccessible.”

Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and the only bear found in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices, Georgia’s current black bear population is estimated between 2,300 and 2,500.

For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, “Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia.”

Bring your horses and camp for the weekend or come out for the day and enjoy the sessions. All are welcome.

“This third annual event promises good food, interesting information and a chance to enjoy meeting new friends,” said Dennis White, Salamonie property manager. “We encourage everyone to register in advance so that we can accommodate all. Rex and Laura Whiteleather have been key in putting together a quality program for Salamonie’s many horseback riders.”

Schedule of Events

Sept. 19

Setup and campfire time: After getting settled, guests may stop in at the tent where Loop A and B of the horse camp meet to lend a hand with setup or sit around the campfire together.

Sept. 20

10 a.m., Natural hoof care: Certified trimmer Julie Elsner presents barefoot hoof care.

1 p.m., Mounted orienteering: Meet under the big tent for a brief introduction to mounted orienteering by Chris Matthews.

2 p.m., Mounted orienteering: Bring your own mount and compass to try your hand at mounted orienteering on a trail course set up by Jim and Kim Carpenter, and Chris and Dave Matthews. Compasses for sale at the Otter Run Tradin’ Post in the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

6:30 p.m., Dutch oven pizza with camp chefs Dave and Pat Putt: Donations accepted. Beverage not provided.

Sept. 21

10 a.m. to Noon, Used tack swap meet: Bring used tack items that you no longer use to trade. No sales please.

The horsemen’s campground is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Advance registration encouraged. The fee for this full weekend of events is $2 per person. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/uwis/ for more information about Upper Wabash Interpretive Services programs. To register, call (260) 468-2127.

The partnership offers campers a great fuel saving opportunity as they will be able to take free bus service from the state park to desired destinations in Wexford County and receive a token for a return ride to the park. Niche Communications will reimburse CWTA for campers using the bus system.

Mitchell State Park campers can take the bus to go shopping, sightseeing, golfing or fishing at one of the numerous crossings on the various rivers in the area. There are many specialty shops, a movie theater and a museum in Cadillac. Johnny’s Fish and Game Park is another attraction campers may wish to visit where they can catch rainbow trout or see domestic and wild animals that include deer, llamas and buffalo.

Vance Edwards, director of the CWTA, suggested campers consider visiting the Antique Auto Festival in June and the Arts Festival in July, both held in Cadillac. The bus also will provide service to Manton and Mesick for the town festivals and farmers’ markets.

Campers can arrange to be picked up at the bus stop, located by the park’s campground host site, by calling 888-647-5465 (toll free). Hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information on the free bus rides for campers, contact Vance Edwards at (231) 775-9411, or contact Mitchell State Park at (231) 775-7911.

Mitchell State Park is located at 6093 M-115 in Cadillac. Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-44-PARKS.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

Silver Creek State Forest Campground is located 5.5 miles north of Luther in Lake County. This campground, which adjoins the Pine River, has sustained severe flooding. DNR crews are working to reopen this popular campground; however, the water needs to recede to allow for restoration and repair work to be completed. The Silver Creek hiking pathway that is adjacent to the campground and follows along the Pine River also will remain closed until further notice.

Canoeists using the Pine River should be aware that there are numerous log jams upstream from Lincoln Bridge.

The other trails impacted by last week’s storm include the Evart Motorcycle Trail, Little Manistee Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Route and Little Manistee Trail.

The Evart Motorcycle Trail is located three miles west of Evart. This cycle trail is closed due to an excessive amount of downed trees blocking the trail corridor. DNR crews are working to clear the trail. A reopening date is unknown at this time.

The Little Manistee ORV Route and Little Manistee Trail are located west of Luther and are closed due to flooding and hazardous conditions. DNR officials will begin efforts to reopen these trails once the water recedes and the status of the bridges can be assessed.

Questions concerning these closures may be directed to Todd Neiss, DNR recreation specialist, at (231) 775-9727, ext. 6045. Information regarding other camping, ORV riding or hiking opportunities in Lake and Osceola counties may be found on the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at (231) 775-9727, ext. 0 for the operator.

During the summer season, cabins may be rented for a full week (Monday to Monday) or a partial week (Monday to Thursday or Friday to Monday). “Weekday cabin rates have been reduced this season to encourage vacationers looking for memorable settings to stay here,” Bailey says. “Kumbrabow also provides a ‘survival kit,’ part of the 2008 summer fun offered to cabin guests.”

Visitors who prefer camping qualify for the Mountain CampAway discount this summer. Through October 31, renting a Kumbrabow campsite for two nights gets you a third night free. “This offer is valid for tent campers as well as those who prefer pop-ups and small travel trailers,” says Bailey.  The free night is the third night of your stay with campsite rental for the first two nights. For guaranteed CampAway campsites, call 1-800-CALL-WVA or the park office at (304) 335-2219.

“We look at our visitor needs and try to create opportunities to get families and friends out to parks and forests, especially when travel costs become so high,” Bailey says. “Many parks and forests are moving to shorter rental periods to accommodate vacation trends.”

Kumbrabow State Forest is located off US 219, 24 miles south of Elkins and seven miles south of Huttonsville.  US 219 Turn onto Rt 219-16 (Kumbrabow Forest Road) at Elkwater and follow to forest.  Coming north on 219, this turn-off is eight miles from Valley Head.   Another access to the forest is from WV 15, turning onto a rockbase road at Monterville.

For more information about Kumbrabow and a unique vacation destination close to home in West Virginia, call (304) 335-2219 or go online to www.wvstateparks.com for other accommodations, events and packages. 

About Kumbrabow State Forest and its cabins

Kumbrabow State Forest comprises a 9,474 acre forest range on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands atop Rich Mountain.  The forest derives its unusual name from three prominent families, KUMp-BRAdy-BOWers, who were instrumental in the purchase of the land in the early 20th century.

”West Virginia state forests are operated with the multiple-use concept, which provides recreation and watershed protection, while practicing the principles of forestry and wildlife management,” explains Kumbrabow Supt. Stephanie Bailey. Kumbrabow is a showcase for stands of black cherry and red spruce. Diverse habitat has made black bear, turkey, deer, grouse, and bobcat sightings common to visitors throughout the year. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant. Pristine streams create beautiful scenic views throughout the forest. Kumbrabow features pioneer cabins, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, and campground.

“Cabins at Kumbrabow are as unique in nature as the outline of West Virginia,” says Bailey.  “Our rental units are ‘pioneer cabins’ and are for people looking to rediscover a basic lifestyle – clean and simple, and more importantly, away from today’s fast pace. They are not for fussy types.”

Pioneer cabins at Kumbrabow State Forest are structures built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These vintage units feature stone fireplaces, wood burning kitchen stoves, gas lights and refrigerators. The cabins have no running water and use a pump for supply. Pit toilets are available. Bathhouse and laundry facilities are nearby.

All cabins are equipped for housekeeping, including cooking utensils, dishes, flatware, bed linens, towels, and outdoor charcoal grills.  As with all state parks and forests with cabins, there are designated pet-friendly units.          

“In today’s society, what Kumbrabow cabins lack in facilities is even more sought after,” Bailey says. “People are looking to discover just how far we have come and perhaps how pampered.  We greet returning guests year after year and we also recognize that our new visitors are looking for ‘less’.  At Kumbrabow you have to slow it down a little whether you’re ready or not.”

If you can’t spend several days at Kumbrabow, Bailey encourages hikers to join her for a National Trails Day Hike on June 7 at the forest to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and along the trails. The hike information is online at www.wvstateparks.com / Hikes and Walks.

The campground is located in the Pigeon River Country State Forest (PRCSF) in Otsego County, via Sturgeon Valley Road northeast of Vanderbilt. The adjacent Pickerel Lake Pathway and boat launch are also open.

For questions concerning this campground or other campgrounds in the PRCSF, please contact Robin Pearson, DNR recreation specialist, at 989-732-3541, extension 5045. Information about other camping opportunities in nearby counties may be found on the DNR’s Web site at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by contacting the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989 732-3541, extension “0″ for the operator.

The sites impacted are: North Gemini State Forest Campground and South Gemini State Forest Campground in Schoolcraft County; Garey Lake Trail Camp in Benzie County; and Pigeon River Bridge State Forest Campground in Otsego County.

County health departments require a potable water source for every 25 campsites and the impacted campgrounds are serviced by a single well. DNR staff is currently working on repairing or installing new wells at these locations. Future announcements will be made when these campgrounds may be reopened.

For further information, please contact Brenda Curtis, DNR forest recreation planner, at 517-373-6260.

Those hoping to camp at DNR State Parks and Reservoir properties for Memorial Day weekend may be too late. Excluding scattered opportunities, the no vacancy sign is up all over the state.

 The only two places that still have 5-10 spots available for this weekend are Charlestown State Park’s electric campground and Lincoln State Park’s primitive campground.  Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, a property run by the Division of Forestry, has 15 sites still available in its full hook-up campground. A few other properties have one or two campsites available.

Those interested in reserving a shelter for family or group gatherings for any of the days over Memorial Day weekend can breathe easier. Between 60 to 80 percent of those opportunities are still available.

Independence Day weekend camping opportunities throughout the state are at premium already. Christie Wilmoth, Central Reservation System project manager, said that that 71 percent of cabins are taken and 57 percent of the camping opportunities are spoken for. She said that some places are completely booked already.

“The early demand for camping tells me that those who want to camp any time this spring or summer and even over Labor Day weekend would be wise to make reservations now,” said Dan Bortner, director of the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. “If gas prices stay high or get higher, we expect demand for in-state camping to continue to be high as people look to vacation closer to home.”

To make camping or shelter reservations, see camp.IN.gov or call (866) 622-6746. Those seeking to take advantage of last-minute opportunities at individual parks should call those parks.

“Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for camping, and campgrounds fill up fast,” said Doug Hofer, state parks director. “However, there is still time to reserve one of the remaining campsites.”
 

As of May 12, sites were still available at the following parks:

·        Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

·        Custer State Park near Custer

·        Platte Creek Recreation Area near Platte

·        Roy Lake State Park near Lake City

 
A current site availability listing is available online at www.CampSD.com. Reservations for Memorial Day weekend can be made until 12 noon (CT) on Thursday, May 22, through www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). At noon on Thursday, May 22, all sites not reserved become available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, a number of campgrounds offer all sites as first-come, first-served. These include:

·        Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis

·        Burke Lake Recreation Area near Burke

·        Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area near Selby

·        Little Moreau Recreation Area near Timber Lake

·        North Wheeler Recreation Area near Platte

·        Okobojo Point Recreation Area near Pierre

·        Swan Creek Recreation Area near Akaska

·        West Pollock Recreation Area near Pollock
 

The following parks have a portion of sites available on a first-come basis:

·        Buryanek Recreation Area near Platte

·        Cow Creek Recreation Area near Pierre

·        Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller

·        Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton

·        Custer State Park near Custer – Center Lake Lower Loop, Stockade Lake South and French Creek Horse Camp

 For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

Bear activity is up this time of year, as yearling bears leave their mothers and begin roaming more in search of food sources and to establish their own territories. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be drawn to food in campgrounds.

“The root cause of most conflicts between bears and people, especially in camping areas, is food,” says Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager in Game and Fish’s Pinetop region. “Bears can’t change their behavior, but people can. Protect yourself and protect a bear—take a few minutes to secure your food items.”

Wildlife officials say it is prudent for all outdoor recreationists to take the following precautions to minimize potential conflicts with bears and other wildlife:

• Never intentionally feed wildlife.
• Secure all garbage.
• Keep a clean camp.
• Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area.
• Store all food, toiletries and other scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears.
• Wash up, change clothing, and remove all scented articles before retiring to your sleeping area.
• Walk or jog in groups. Pay attention to your surroundings when hiking, jogging or bicycling.
• Supervise your children and keep them in sight.
• Keep your pets on a leash—don’t allow them to roam free. Or better yet, leave them at home if you can. Pets can easily get into conflicts with a wide range of wildlife.

If you are confronted by a black bear (the only bear species in Arizona), don’t run. Stay calm, continue facing it, and slowly back away. Try to make yourself look as big and imposing as possible. Speak or yell and let it know you are human. Make loud noises by clanging pans, using air horns, or whatever is available.

If you encounter a bear in a developed campground, notify the campground host. If you have a problem with a scavenging bear in the forest, notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.