Walleye Study at El Dorado, Cheney Relies on Anglers

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RATT – Fisheries biologists with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will conduct a study during the month of May at Cheney and El Dorado Reservoirs examining the age and sex of angler-harvested walleye. Windshield cards will be placed on vehicles at the two reservoirs during the month of May, asking anglers who harvest walleye to contact the phone number during the survey time period provided on the card. An on-site clerk will then quickly collect information from the harvested fish before returning them back to anglers.

Apart from feeling good about providing critical information to fisheries staff, participants can also walk away with a walleye research team hat in exchange for their cooperation.

Fisheries staff expect the information collected will be helpful in gaining a better understanding of harvested walleye sex ratios, as well as aid in the management of walleye statewide. 

For more information on this study, contact Fisheries regional supervisor Sean Lynott at sean.lynott@ksoutdoors.com.

Cheney State Park Makes Top RV Parks List

Whether you’re passing through the Sunflower State on a roadtrip or are just looking for a reason to gas up your RV, Cheney State Park is waiting for you. RV Travel Contributing Writer for About.com, Stuart Webb, recently compiled a “5 Kansas RV Parks You Must Visit” list and Cheney State Park was among the chosen. Webb writes of Cheney:

“You wouldn’t expect a windsurfer’s paradise in the middle of Kansas but that’s exactly what you get when you stay atCheney State Park. The park itself is not going to blow you away with its amenities but there are 222 RV-friendly sites with water and electrical hookups. The park also provides dump stations, group picnic areas, restrooms and shower houses.”

Webb continues on to say the reason most people head to Cheney is to enjoy the park and its 9,600-acre reservoir and nearly 2,000 acres of public land.

“Try your hand at windsurfing, relax on the boat, ski or get some fishing in on the reservoir,” says Webb. “For those who prefer dry land, there is plenty of birdwatching, hunting, hiking and biking.”

For information on Cheney State Park, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks / Locations / Cheney.”

To read about the four other RV hotspots in Kansas, view the complete article online athttp://rvtravel.about.com/od/Itineraries/fl/5-Kansas-RV-Parks-You-Must-Visit.htm.

KANSAS STATE PARKS PREPARE FOR BUSY SEASON

Wilson-Tuscarora State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

April marks beginning of park season
PRATT — Great outdoor adventures are waiting at Kansas state parks. The early warm-up this spring has whetted the appetites of campers, boaters, and anglers, and your state parks are ready.

In addition to camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking, a variety of special events are planned throughout the state to enhance the state park experience. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days; some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park; and others are just for entertainment. Each park sets its own dates for these events.

Events are diverse and may include anything from a marathon race to boating courses and equestrian events. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks more enjoyable. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the State Parks page of the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column. A short conversation with local park staff will provide information on campsite availability, park conditions, current visitation rates, and answers to other questions. KDWPT is currently in the process of installing a new reservation system, so no new reservations will be taken until April 17.

Although few events are currently scheduled for April, each month gets busier as the air and water warm. April events include the following:

April 6-8 — 2nd Annual Luke Nihart Memorial Turkey Hunt (youth/disabled) at Tuttle Creek and Milford state parks;
April 7 — Kansas Ultra Runners' Society Rockin' K Trail Runs at Kanopolis State Park;
April 14-15 — Heart of America German Shorthair Pointer Club AKC Field Trial & Hunt Test at Hillsdale State Park;
April 20-21 — Spoon Creek Chapter Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
April 21 — second annual benefit ride to send combat troops packages at El Dorado State Park (phone American Legion, 316-323-3982);
April 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
April 21 — 9th Annual Corps of Engineers Clinton Reservoir Clean Up at Clinton State Park;
April 21 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park; and
April 28 — OK Kids Day and Free Entrance at Cheney State Park.

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STATE PARKS READY FOR RELAXING LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Image via Wikipedia

Only three parks are affected by blue-green algae; all state parks and state fishing lakes ready for busy holiday weekend

PRATT — Kansas state parks are busy throughout the summer, but three weekends are the most popular — Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, is the only summer holiday remaining this season. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants the public to know that despite blue-green algae in two reservoirs and several smaller lakes that may limit water recreation, all state parks will be open Labor Day. Also, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Kansas lakes and parks since all state fishing lakes and most city and county lakes are free of blue-green algae warnings or advisories.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been checking certain lakes nearly all summer and has issued “advisories” and “warnings” when harmful levels of blue-green algae have been detected. Based on KDHE’s findings, the Army Corps of Engineers and KDWPT have closed Milford Reservoir near Junction City, to all water use (including fishing from the bank) because of a serious health risk. However, land-based opportunities abound at the lake and Milford State Park will be open for business Labor Day weekend. While the River Pond below the dam in Tuttle Creek State Park is under a warning, boating and fishing are allowed. Tuttle Creek Reservoir is not under any warning or advisory and is open to all activities.

And, although Cheney Reservoir west of Wichita is under an Advisory, Cheney State Park is open for business. The advisory at Cheney Reservoir means harmful blue-green algae have been detected and a hazardous condition may exist, but water activities such as boating and fishing are allowed. However, direct contact with the water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Labor Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to visit a park or lake. The weather is still warm, and the water feels great. For those who would rather stay dry (or are visiting Milford State Park), volleyball, disc golf, trail hiking, camping, watching wildlife in the park or a nearby wildlife area, or simply sitting around a campfire and enjoying the outdoors are relaxation enough after a hard week’s work. It’s also a welcome breather before school gets back in full swing.

Blue-green algae conditions may change before the holiday so people should stay alert for updates. For more information on blue-green algae, including current warnings and advisories, visit the KDHE website, http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm or contact Jonathan Larance at785-291-3684. For more information about Kansas state parks, click the “State Parks” icon at the top of the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. For more information about Kansas state fishing lakes and other fishing locations, click on the “Fishing” icon on the KDWPT website.

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

State parks are perfect venue for July 4 outdoor fun, but check local regulations on fireworks

PRATT—Baseball; apple pie; red, white and blue; and state parks – what could be more American? The July Fourth Holiday weekend is a big one for Kansas’ 26 state parks. Kansans love summer outdoor fun, and it’s a time-honored tradition to celebrate our nation’s birthday outdoors with family and friends. Kansas state parks are popular because most have easy access to lakes and host a variety of other outdoor recreation opportunities. Some parks also host spectacular fireworks displays for patrons to enjoy. However, if you want to shoot your own fireworks, check the list below or call the park office first. For safety and fire risk reasons, many parks do not allow personal fireworks, and those that do have designated areas for shooting them. Below is a list of state parks with events and personal fireworks policies.

Cedar Bluff State Park will host a fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cheney State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Clinton State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Crawford State Park will host a fireworks show along with homemade ice cream, pie, free watermelon, face painting, kids games and a live band on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cross Timbers State Park will host a fireworks show on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Eisenhower State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

El Dorado State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Elk City State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed only in parking lot near entrance.

Fall River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Glen Elder State Park will host a public fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Hillsdale State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Kanopolis State Park patrons can enjoy a fireworks display at the Tower Harbor Marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Kaw River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Lovewell State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed on July 2-3 in Pioneer Playground only.

Meade State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Milford State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Mushroom Rock State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Perry State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed July 1-4 only in the Lakeview Boat Ramp area until 11:00 p.m. each day.

Pomona State Park will feature a band and fireworks show at the marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Dog State Park will host a fireworks show on July 4 with watermelon feed and music beginning at 8:00 p.m. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Sandhills State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Scott State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Tuttle Creek State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Webster State Park: Personal fireworks allowed July 1-4 in designated areas only -- Townsite Beach and Goose Flats Boat Ramp.

Wilson State Park visitors can view a fireworks show sponsored by the Wilson Lake Homeowners Association from the Otoe Area on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

For more information on Kansas state parks and contact information for each state park office, go to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. It’s always a good idea to call the park office before you visit to learn more about events, site availability and current conditions.

O.K. KIDS DAYS CONNECT YOUTH WITH OUTDOORS

Image via Wikipedia

Kansas Wildscape, Wildlife and Parks events held statewide throughout summer
LAWRENCE — The Kansas Wildscape Foundation works closely with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) on a number of programs, but Outdoor Kansas for Kids (O.K. Kids) may do more than any other to help promote the department’s mission “to instill an understanding of our responsibilities to the land.” O.K. Kids gets youngsters outside and into nature in ways that can make a lasting impact on their lives.

Most kids no longer grow up in rural environments where knowledge of wildlife and the land are sewn into the fabric of their lives. That’s where O.K. Kids comes in. The program’s mission is “to provide multiple outdoor recreation opportunities for Kansas youth with adult partnering and mentoring to encourage outdoor recreational opportunities and promote and provide an active lifestyle as an alternative to sedentary activities.”

That’s good news for kids and conservation of the land. O.K. Kids covers the entire state of Kansas. Most events are held at the Kansas state parks, but other venues, such as city and county parks and recreation departments and private sites also hold O.K. Kids events. More than 50 sites host O.K. Kids events annually. Participation has steadily grown, with more than 13,000 Kansas youth and their parents or grandparents enjoying the outdoors at 46 different sites across Kansas in 2010. Events are free to all participants and open to all.

Through these events, youth learn about Kansas natural resources and wildlife primarily through games and activities. Staff at each site determine specific activities offered to participants based on local resources and perceived community interests and needs. Kansas Wildscape Foundation provides the operating manuals, event signage, free participant caps or T-shirts, gifts, and prizes, as well as overall organizational, promotional, and marketing support. Not all activities are nature-oriented, but all are outdoors in settings that expose youth to nature. Events include activities such as fishing derbies and clinics, wingshooting instruction, horseshoes, mini-triathlons, scavenger hunts, volleyball, sack races, archery, bird watching, birdhouse building, hiking, bike safety clinics, outdoor cooking contests, and much more.

The following is a list of 2011 O.K. Kids Day events throughout the state. For more information, phone 785-843-9453 or 1-866-655-4377, emailjennrader@sunflower.com, or visit O.K. Kids at the Kansas Wildscape website,www.kansaswildscape.org. For those areas listed at state parks, go to the state park locations page on the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, to find phone numbers for each park. More events may be scheduled at a later date, so check these websites throughout the summer for updated information. (If the event has a sponsor, they are listed in parentheses after the event.)

April

• April 16 — First City TRYathlon for Kids (Leavenworth Parks and Recreation), 7 a.m.-10 a.m., Riverfront Community Center;
• April 20 — Cross Timbers State Park Earth Day (Toronto Reservoir) 9 a.m.-2 p.m.;
• April 23 — Cheney Lake Association O.K. Kids Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cheney State Park;
• April 27 — Kids Conservation Roundup (Northwest Kansas Conservation and Environmental Alliance), 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Colby;
• April 29 — Hillsdale Watershed Festival (Hillsdale Water Quality Project), 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Hillsdale State Park or Spring Hill Civic Center (phone 913-783-4507); and
• April 30 — Ernie Miller Nature Center/Timber Ridge Adventure Center O.K. Kids Event (Olathe), 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Timber Ridge Adventure Center in Olathe.

May

• May 1 — Kanza Days O.K. Kids Fishing Derby (Winfield Recreation Commission) 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Winfield City Park;
• May 7 — Meade State Park O.K. Kids Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.;
• May 7 — Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Commission O.K. Kids Day, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Lakeside Park;
• May 14 — Fall River State Park Earth Day, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• May 14 — Gardner Fishing Derby (Gardner Parks and Recreation Commission), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Gardner Lake;
• May 14 — Lansing Fishing Derby (Lansing Parks and Recreation Commission), 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Kenneth W. Bernard Community Park.; and
• May 21 — Watson Park O.K. Kids Day (Wichita), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

June

• June 3-4 — Sgt. Mills Jr. Fishing Derby (Arkansas City Recreation Commission), 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Veteran’s Lake;
• June 4 — Dillon Nature Center/Wal-Mart O.K. Kids Fishing Derby (Hutchinson), 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.;
• June 4 — Gardner Bike Rodeo (Gardner Parks and Recreation Commission), 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Gardner Edgerton High School Parking Lot;
• June 4 — Lakewood Fishing Derby (Salina Parks and Recreation Commission), 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Lakewood Park in Salina;
• June 4 — Prairie Dog State Park O.K. Kids Day, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Norton);
• June 4 — Turner Recreation Commission Fishing Derby, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Pierson Park (Kansas City, rain date June 11);
• June 9-11 — Flint Hills Region Girl Scout O.K. Kids Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, Girl Scout Camp Double E (Emporia);
• June 11 — Cedar Bluff State Park Kids Outdoor Adventure, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;
• June 18 — Rose Hill Recreation Commission O.K. Kids Day Fishing Event, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sienna Ranch Pond; and
• June 18 — Wilson State Park O.K. Kids Day, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Kids Fishing Pond.

July

• July 4 — Haysville Recreation Department O.K. Kids Fishing Derby, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Riggs Park Pond.

August

• August 13 — Clinton State Park O.K. Kids Day (Lawrence), 9-11 a.m.; and
• August 27 — Olathe Parks and Recreation Commission Aquafest, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Cedar Lake (Olathe).

September

• Nothing listed to date; check Wildscape website later in the summer.

October

• Oct. 1 — El Dorado State Park O.K. Kids Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and
• Oct. 8 — Shawnee County O.K. Kids Day On the Trail, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Shawnee North Community Park Shelter (Topeka).