ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK: Many campgrounds such as this one at Greers Ferry Lake could be closed because of federal budget cuts.

  • ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK: Many campgrounds such as this one at Greers Ferry Lake could be closed because of federal budget cuts.

I said Monday that an announcement was coming from the Little Rock District of the Corps of Engineers about cuts in staffing and park operations to cope with a tighter federal budget.

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That proposed list, which first will be discussed at public hearings, came out today. Key passage:

Among tough choices being considered are changing recreation operations at 29 parks, including closing 13 campgrounds, four partial campgrounds, four day use areas, one partial day use area, and 10 boat ramps. Also under consideration is making the recreation season shorter at many additional parks.

The cuts also will affect maintenance and repairs.

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Sen. Mark Pryor said the closures could take 500 of 6,000 individual campsites out of use. He commented:

“As we reduce government spending, we must prioritize services and make tough budget decisions. At the same time, I know that closing these campsites is bitter news for both the families who enjoy camping and the businesses they support. I will work with the Corps to ensure the system for selecting which sites to close is fair and that there are ample opportunities nearby to enjoy Arkansas’s outdoors.”

The full release follows:

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