YOUTH HUNTERS WANTED FOR MELVERN SPRING TURKEY HUNT

Melvern Wildlife Area to host 2nd Annual Spring Turkey Hunt for youth

READING – The thundering gobble of a turkey in its roost, the spit and drum of a strutting tom, and the sight of a long-beard in full fan are experiences that fuel the passion in Kansas

turkey hunters. However, for many Kansas youth, the journey to becoming a turkey hunter has yet to begin.

A perfect start to the journey could be the Second Annual Spring Turkey Hunt at Melvern Wildlife Area. In an effort to share the spring turkey hunting experience with youngsters age 11-16, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, in cooperation with Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), will host the hunt on Saturday, April 5.

Designed to show beginning turkey hunters how exciting and fun spring turkey hunting is, this event will involve participants not only in the hunt, but also in its preparation. Young hunters will be provided an opportunity to pattern their shotgun, learn about turkeys and turkey hunting, and scout hunting locations the evening before the hunt.

The morning of the hunt, breakfast will be provided courtesy of the NWTF Flint Hills Gobblers chapter before youth will be guided to nearby public and private land where encounters with these magnificent game birds are likely. Program volunteers will arrange transportation to hunting sites and will be available to assist in the hunt. 

Interested parties can apply by March 12 by contacting Melvern Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Clint Bowman at (620) 699-3372. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

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State Trails Advisory Board to Meet

Group will discuss trail project grant applications

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Trails Advisory Board will hold a Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29

public meeting
th Street N, Wichita, for the purpose of hearing and discussing grant applications previously submitted for funding under the Recreational Trails Fund Act. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Signs on the premises will provide directions to the meeting room.

Persons interested in commenting on applications should attend this meeting. Grant applicants are encouraged to attend and discuss their proposals. Time for comments will be limited. Final decisions about proposals will not be made at this meeting. The Board will evaluate and make recommendations after reviewing all applications.

The National Recreational Trail Fund Act provides funding assistance for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreational trails.

For more information, contact Kathy Pritchett, Trail Grant Coordinator, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Avenue, Pratt, Kansas 67124, at 620-672-5911. If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the TDD Service at 1-800-766-3777. An individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting Kathy Pritchett at 620-672-5911.

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THERE IS STILL SUMMER LEFT TO ENJOY KANSAS STATE PARKS

State parks are ready for the last big weekends of summer

PRATT – Make plans and reservations to visit a Kansas state park - there’s still plenty of

summer fun left, and the weather is perfect.

It’s been a great summer, and Kansans have perhaps appreciated it more after the last two summers we’ve endured. Cooler temperatures and in many areas of the state, welcome rains have made the summer of 2013 one to remember. At most parks, low water levels are not a problem any longer, although a few parks ended up with too much of a good thing.

Water levels are normal or above at Kanopolis, Cheney, and El Dorado lakes, which experienced access and boating problems because of low water for much of the summer. Current water levels have boat ramps useable. It’s been a mild summer and water temperatures are perfect for boating, skiing and fishing.

For instance, water levels on Toronto Reservoir rose so high that parts of Cross Timbers State Park weren’t accessible. The water level has dropped since then, so the park will be open this weekend, however there will be some areas with mud and debris left by the water. High water at Elk City is going down, and boat ramps, docks and utility campsites are open. All facilities are expected to be ready by Memorial Weekend. Fall River State Park is open, even though the reservoir level is still high..While boat ramps are open and usable at these lakes, boaters should be alert to floating debris brought in by flooding.

All Kansas state parks are ready and waiting, so don’t miss the end of summer fun. Visit a state park this weekend and find out how much fun you and your family can have.

KANSAS OUTDOOR RECREATION SURVEY 2013

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan seeks public input

PRATT ­– As part of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is providing a forum and survey to learn more about what park-goers want.

Public input is desired on topics including managed park use, issues and needs, and the types of experiences park-goers hope to have in the future.

Public input gathered from the forum will be shared with the State Outdoor Recreation Plan Advisory Committee at their September meeting. The online forum, moderated by Dr. Sid Stevenson of Kansas State University, will focus on four topics during specific time frames:

June 21-July 4: Which outdoor recreation facilities are most in need of renovation or replacement at state and federal parks in Kansas to best enhance outdoor recreation experiences? Specific examples are welcomed.

July 5-July 18: Share a story of a meaningful outdoor recreation experience that you or your family had in Kansas and how the site where that experience took place contributed.

July 19-Aug. 1: Which of the following local outdoor recreation experiences would you like most to be within walking distance of your home (if you live in town)? Trails, picnic areas, sports venues, natural areas, playgrounds, etc.

Aug. 2-Aug. 15: Improved access to natural outdoor experiences, particularly those that are water-based, is important for urban dwellers. Please provide suggestions on how this can best be achieved and examples of success stories.

The Kansas Outdoor Recreation Needs and Issues survey, which is being offered in conjunction with the forum, will assist outdoor recreation planners and agency decision makers in developing strategies to address important issues facing outdoor recreation in Kansas over the next five to 10 years. Participants should expect to take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the survey.

SCORP serves as a vision for outdoor recreation in Kansas. It is designed to meet the requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (LWCF) which requires states to have an approved State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan on file with the National Park Service.

For more information, visit ksoutdoorrecreation.blogspot.com.

KANSAS STATE PARKS TO HOST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSES

TOPEKA ­– On Saturday, Mar. 9, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will host a free entrance day and open houses at all state parks. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of events at most parks.

During the open houses, park visitors can take advantage of low, off-season camping permit prices. Mar. 31 is the last day annual camping permits are priced at off-season discounts. On Apr. 1, the prices increase to their regular prime-season levels. Visitors can purchase annual camping permits and make cabin or campsite reservations during the open houses, as well. For pricing information, or to purchase permits online, go to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. For online permit purchases, click the License/Permits icon. For campsite and cabin reservations, click the Reservations icon.

Free entrance at all Kansas state parks,
along with special events for the family

Kansas motor vehicle owners can now buy an annual park vehicle permit as part of their vehicle registration process. The permit – called a Kansas State Parks Passport – will cost $15.00 (county treasurers can elect to add a $0.50 service fee). This lower-price, non-transferable permit will be available only during the vehicle registration process at a motor vehicle registration office, through the online vehicle registration site at www.kswebtags.org or when registering by mail. The Kansas State Parks Passport will expire when the vehicle registration expires a year later.

Park entry is free on March 9, but persons who would like to buy an annual park permit before they register their vehicles can do so at any KDWPT office, Kansas license vendor or through the KDWPT website, and then request a pro-rated refund for the difference in cost after purchasing their Kansas State Parks Passport.

State parks and their special events are listed below:

Cedar Bluff

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Park and cabin tours all day

Free hot dog feed: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Refreshments served all day

Cheney

Office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for permit sales and to answer questions

Cabin tours

Clinton

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. with animal viewing and show-and-tell.

Cabin open house: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Entrance gate open: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Crawford

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin tours

Courtesy boat inspections upon request

Cross Timbers & Fall River

Park office, Toronto Point gate, and Fredonia Bay gate: open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open houses at both parks: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Trail hikes at each cabin beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Eisenhower

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open for viewing

Hot dogs and refreshments

5K Run/Walk sponsored by Osage City Warmth Fund

Games

El Dorado

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections upon request

Two skins and skull programs: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Cabin tours available upon request and availability

Elk City

Park office open: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Events run from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

One-mile nature hike

Fishing derby at kids fishing pond

Geocaching

Free hot dog feed: noon – 1:00 p.m.

Drawings for prizes

Glen Elder

Park office and cabin open: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hillsdale

Park office open: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for permit sales and to answer questions

Shooting range open for questions: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kanopolis

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cabin open house: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lovewell

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cabin tours: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lovewell and Glen Elder fishing presentation: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Willow Group Shelter

Lovewell Marina open all day to serve refreshments

Meade

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin and campsite reservation system information

Refreshments served all day

Milford

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections at the office

Cabin open for tours upon request and availability

Coffee and cookies

Perry

Coffee and cookies at park office: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin open

Car show: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at office parking lot

Pomona

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin tours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

RV Show hosted by Olathe Ford RV

Disc golf

Scavenger hunt

Personal watercraft simulator

Easter egg hunt: 1:00 p.m.

Food vendors on site

Lighthouse Bay Marina open

Prairie Dog

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cabin and Adobe House tours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Spirit Trail

City of Iola, Riverside Park: 8:00 a.m. – noon

Allen County Thrive PowerPoint on trail extension

Franklin County CVB, Garnett Chamber, Iola Chamber presentations

Allen County Hospital blood pressure and BMI evaluation

Snacks by Friends of Prairie Spirit Trail

Lake Scott

Open house and all events: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cookies and punch

Cabin tours

Slide show of park pictures

State Parks Passport information

Requirements for senior fishing licenses

Tuttle Creek

Park office open: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Courtesy boat inspections: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sioux Cabin open: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Instructional archery shooting, Nihart Range: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Skins/skulls/trapping, Nihart Range: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Coffee and cookies

Trout fishing at Willow Lake (to be stocked Mar. 7). Applicable licenses and permits required.

Webster

Open house: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Boat show in Old Marina Cove: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

BBQ grill demonstrations: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Traeger Grills at Lakeview Shelter #5

Green Mountain Grills at Townsite Shelter

Ozark Mountain Grills at Hill Top Shelter

Wilson

Park office open: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for permit sales

Cabin open for tours

For more information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks.”

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PLENTY OF SUMMER LEFT AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

After Labor Day, parks offer milder weather, uncrowded camping
PRATT — Many schools are already in session, and although this is often viewed as the end of summer, Kansas state parks are still going strong. Many events are planned for one of the busiest times the year — Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best times for a park visit. Once Labor Day weekend is over, crowds thin, and September provides a relaxing outdoor experience.

Trail rides, chili cook-offs, and fishing tournaments are among the many events slated for September, making the prospect of a pre-autumn mini-vacation even more inviting. Each park sets its own dates for these events, and all offer a chance to enjoy the special attributes of Kansas state parks, many of which feature rental cabins, as well as fascinating historical or geological features that enhance the park experience.
For more information on these events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.ksoutdoors.com. Under “Reservations,” campsite and cabin reservations may be made online.

Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may also be found on the State Parks page under "Locations."
The following is a list of September state park events:

• Sept. 1 — Clinton Trail Workday at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 7-9 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders Club Poker Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 8 — Hays Bass Anglers Association fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 9 — Chili Cookoff and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 9 — 3-D archery shoot and Free Park Entrance Day at Lovewell State Park;
• Sept. 15 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Big Bass Challenge at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 16 — Heartland Coursing Association hound coursing practice at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Kansas Buddy Bass Tournament at Hillsdale State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Women on Target instructional shooting at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 22 — Heartland Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser at Clinton State Park;
• Sept. 23 — Hays Recreation Center 30+K and 5K trail run at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28-30 — Kansas Bass Federation fishing tournament at Wilson State Park;
• Sept. 28 — Tour de Ted benefit bike ride for cancer research at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• Sept. 29 — 10th Annual Fall River Rendezvous at Fall River State Park; and
• Sept. 30 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia fishing tournament at Clinton State Park.

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DAILY HUNTING PERMITS REQUIRED AT MELVERN WILDLIFE AREA

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Free permits will help with game management
MELVERN — In an attempt to gather better information regarding how game populations respond to management activities and hunter harvest, Melvern Wildlife Area and Lyon State Fishing Lake will require daily hunting permits beginning Sept. 1. Melvern Wildlife Area is a popular destination for many hunters and provides more than 10,000 acres of public hunting for a variety of game, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl. Providing high-quality habitat for each of these game species and a superior experience for the hunters pursuing them requires the best tools and information available, and data gleaned from these permits will help area biologists with their habitat management plans.

The hunting permit will be free and required for anyone hunting on these wildlife areas for any species of game. A new permit must be filled out and returned each day. Permits can be obtained at 10 locations on Melvern Wildlife Area and two locations on Lyon State Fishing Lake. At these locations, permits will be stored in metal boxes called “iron rangers,” which are similar to mailboxes.

Prior to hunting, hunters will fill out the top portion of the card and deposit it in the iron ranger. The bottom portion must be kept on their person while hunting. When the hunter is finished for the day, the bottom portion should be filled out and returned to an iron ranger. The information collected will be used to help direct management in the future. Additionally, these permits will provide much-needed information regarding game population trends on the area as well as hunter preferences, participation, success, and satisfaction with their hunting experience.

When the fall hunting season finally arrives, remember to stop by an iron ranger prior to hunting Melvern Wildlife Area or Lyon State Fishing Lake and fill out a permit. Cooperation and participation in this new program will help the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism collect valuable information to ensure a high-quality hunting experience for future generations. For more information, phone the Melvern Wildlife Area Office at 620-699-3372.

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LOVEWELL STATE PARK TO HOLD KIDS FISHING DERBY

 (Photo credit: clermontparks)

Event coincides with Free Fishing Days
WEBBER — Free Fishing Days is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3. Fishing licenses are not required to fish any Kansas waters for these two days, including Lovewell Reservoir, near Webber and Lovewell State Park. However, vehicle and camping permits are still required.
In conjunction with Free Fishing Days, Lovewell State Park’s Kids Fishing Derby is set for Sunday, June 3. Park and wildlife area staff and area businesses sponsor this annual event. Each year, participants have the opportunity to win the $200 Don Cart Memorial Savings Bond. The family of Don Cart, former Concordia resident and avid Lovewell area outdoorsman who passed away several years ago, has donated this bond.
Registration for the fishing derby is from 8 a.m. to noon at the state park office, with early registration prizes awarded to the first 50 kids who register. The weigh-in is set for 3 p.m. at the marina parking lot. Anglers will be divided into two age brackets: 7 and younger and 8 through 15 years old. Prizes will be awarded for the most pounds of fish and biggest fish in each age bracket, plus all participants present at the weigh-in are eligible for prizes drawn at random.
Area businesses and individuals have donated more than $1,000 in prizes and gift certificates for the event. For more information, phone Lovewell State Park at 785-753-4971 or email lovewellsp@ksoutdoors.com.

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MARCH 31 LAST DAY FOR PARK AND TURKEY COMBO BARGAINS

Camping - cooking over a hunters fire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Park users and hunters can save by purchasing permits before April 1

PRATT — Visitors to Kansas state parks can save money by purchasing many permits before the prime park season begins on April 1. Permits purchased in the off-season — Oct. 1-March 31 — are valid for the remainder of the calendar year, and they are cheaper if purchased during this period. And hunters looking for a bargain can find it in the turkey permit/game tag combination, available through March 31 at a reduced price. By purchasing the combination early, hunters save $7.50 over the cost of purchasing each separately after March 30.

For 2012, state park vehicle entrance permit fees include the following:
Off-Season (through March 31)

• Annual camping permit — $202.50
• 14-night camping permit —$87.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled: $11.10

Prime Season (April 1-Sept. 30)

• Annual camping permit — $252.50
• 14-night camping permit —$101.50
• Annual vehicle permit — $24.70 (senior/disabled: $13.60)

Turkey Permits

• Resident Turkey permit — $22.50
• Resident Turkey game tag — $12.50
• Resident Turkey Combo permit/game tag — $27.50

Costs listed include applicable service fees, except online purchase convenience fee. Annual permits are valid for the remainder of the calendar year whether purchased in the off-season or the prime season.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks, including the Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail. Most state parks provide utility and primitive camping, as well as cabins, and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Most camping and utility fees remain unchanged year-round, but daily, 14-day, and annual camping permits, as well as annual vehicle permits, are cheaper if purchased in the off-season. In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, swimming beaches, trails, and a variety of other amenities. Parks also host numerous special events, such as concerts and festivals, throughout the year.
Turkey season for youth and disabled runs April 1-10, and the general season runs April 11-May 31. Each permit or game tag is valid for one turkey. A hunting license is also required, unless exempt by law.
More information on state parks is available at the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com. To reserve a cabin, click "Cabin Reservations" under “Topics” in the middle of the KDWPT home page.

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NEW YEAR, NEW LICENSES

Image via Wikipedia

2011 licenses expire Dec. 31, some changes for 2012

PRATT—Ready or not, here comes 2012, and saying goodbye to 2011 means saying goodbye to last year’s park permits and hunting and fishing licenses, which expire Dec. 31. It’s easy to forget about buying new licenses because the holidays are so busy, but it’s never been easier or more convenient to purchase your new licenses and permits. Most licenses and park permits are sold at more than 200 vendors across the state, including all Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices, and licenses and permits can be purchased online from the convenience of home with your computer and printer.

While deer permits purchased in 2011 remain valid through the January seasons, hunters will need a 2012 hunting license before venturing out in January. Fishing licenses, trout stamps and third pole permits also expire Dec. 31, and it’s a good idea to buy all your licenses at once so you’re ready when an outdoor opportunity comes along.

Annual Kansas State Parks Vehicle Permits expire Dec. 31 and the off-season prices are available through the end of March. Park goers who buy now can save 20 percent on the cost of an Annual Vehicle Permit. However, the KDWPT Commission approved a recommendation to eliminate the Annual Second Vehicle Permit, which was available at a reduced cost. Other Commission action aimed at maintaining state parks services included increasing overnight camping fees $1 per utility.

More information about license and permit fees is only a click away at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Make a list and get all your 2012 licenses and permits so you can ring in the New Year outdoors

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KANSAS STATE PARKS OPEN FOR WINTER BUSINESS

Image by florisla via Flickr

Cold weather months limit facilities, but parks still offer outdoor opportunities

PRATT — Kansas state parks began their off-season on Oct. 1, and it runs through March 31. During this time, many state parks cut down on services although all remain open. Hours and services vary from park to park, but most offices are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday but are closed on holidays.

In addition, most unheated toilets and shower buildings with running water are shut down for the cold season. Most heated buildings remain open through the regular firearms hunting seasons, and some remain open year-round. While drinkable water is available at each park headquarters all year, water is shut off at campgrounds and day-use areas that are prone to freezing pipes.

Most parks have some drinkable water available at freeze-proof valves in campgrounds into late November or early December, depending on the weather. Electricity stays on year-round where it is available. Each park remains open to vehicles; however, some campground loops may be closed. Some boat ramps across the state may be closed or only usable by shallow-draft boats.

And while some facilities are reduced, so are some off-season park permit fees. A Daily Vehicle permit is $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60); an Annual Vehicle permit is $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10); a Daily Camping permit is $7.50; and a 14-Day Camping permit is $87.50.

In addition, rental cabins 20 state parks and five wildlife areas make a winter stay comfortable. For more information on cabins at state parks, go to “State Parks/Locations With Cabins” at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

For other winter park details, look up individual state parks on the KDWPT website. Conditions may also be checked by phoning individual parks.

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OCTOBER OPENS BARGAIN SEASON AT KANSAS STATE PARKS

Image via Wikipedia

Reduced prices, uncrowded conditions make parks attractive in fall and winter
PRATT — If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure bargain close to home, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has a deal for you. The state park off-season runs Oct. 1-March 31, and during this time, you can enjoy parks at reduced prices. Kansas is well into autumn, and many outdoorsmen and women consider this is the best time of year to visit a Kansas state park. Hunters and anglers — and even campers looking for a cool-season adventure — take advantage of these lower prices while relaxing in cool weather and uncrowded conditions.

Hunters and anglers probably use parks more than other visitors during the off-season, and the growing number of cabins in parks makes a stay more inviting — and comfortable. Many cabins provide the amenities of home and proximity to popular outdoor activities. Cabin rental fees vary depending on size, days of the week, and time of year. Visit reserve.ksoutdoors.com for cabin information and reservations.

Standard off-season state park permit fees are as follow:

• Daily Vehicle permit — $3.70 (senior/disabled, $2.60);
• Annual Vehicle permit — $19.70 (senior/disabled, $11.10);
• Daily Camping permit — $7.50; and
• 14-Day Camping permit — $87.50.

Costs listed include applicable service fees (an online purchase convenience fee is not included). Annual permits purchased in either the off-season or the prime season are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. 2011 permits go on sale Dec. 15.

KDWPT’s Parks Division operates a system of 26 parks. In addition to cabins, most state parks provide utilities and primitive camping and are located adjacent to lakes or reservoirs. Utility fees remain unchanged year-round.

In addition to camping facilities, parks offer boat ramps, courtesy docks, shelter houses, trails, and a variety of other amenities. More information on cabin reservations and state park fees is available at the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

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CABINS OFFER LAKE-HOUSE EXPERIENCE

State parks, some wildlife areas, offer comfortable alternative to roughing it

PRATT — Looking for a special summer Kansas state park or more remote area experience? Rental cabins are available throughout the year at 19 Kansas state parks, four state fishing lakes, and one wildlife area. Some cabins are rustic while others feature many of the comforts of home and all enhance the pleasure of parks and lakes across the state.

Anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a variety of cabins, ranging from primitive to modern. (Cabins also are popular with hunters in winter.) Scenic surroundings and economical fees make these enticing reprieves from the hustle and bustle of daily life even more appealing.

Courtesy KDWP

Some cabins feature amenities such as full bathroom with shower; kitchen with microwave, refrigerator, and cook-top stove; beds for as many as nine people; screened-in porch; fire ring; and barbecue grill. All cabins have heating and air conditioning, table and chairs, basic pots and pans, and table service for four are also offered at many cabins, making them all-season getaways. Cabins without water or full bathrooms are located near park shower houses.

Reservations are required, and cabins are in high demand, so renters are encouraged to call or go online well in advance of a planned trip to make sure a cabin is available. Some are handicapped-accessible. For a list of all state park cabins, go to the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click "State Parks," then "Locations With Cabins." To reserve a cabin, go online to reserve.ksoutdoors.com. Prices vary depending on location, timing, and amenities. Weekly and monthly rates are available.

It’s easy and economical to plan a home-state vacation or weekend getaway with the comforts of home. And enjoy all the outdoor recreational opportunities of one of many fine Kansas state parks, or an even more remote location at a state fishing lake or wildlife area.

LOVEWELL STATE PARK KIDS FISHING DERBY JUNE 5

Event coincides with statewide Free Fishing Days, June 4-5; $200 bond prize at stake
WEBBER — Free Fishing Days for the state of Kansas are set for Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. Fishing licenses are not required to fish any Kansas waters for these two days, and Lovewell State Park is taking advantage of this opportunity to conduct their annual Kids Fishing Derby. (Vehicle and camping permits are still required at Lovewell and all Kansas state parks on these days.)

The popular Kids Fishing Derby is set for Sunday, June 5. Lovewell State Park and Wildlife Area staff and many area businesses are sponsoring the event. Participants will have the opportunity to win the $200 Don Cart Memorial Savings Bond. The family of Don Cart, former Concordia resident and avid Lovewell area outdoorsman who passed away several years ago, has donated this bond.

Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon at the state park office, with early registration prizes awarded to the first 50 kids who register. Weigh-in is set for 3 p.m. at the marina parking lot.

Anglers will be divided into two age brackets: 7 and younger and 8 through 15. Prizes will be awarded for the most pounds of fish and biggest fish in each of the age brackets, plus all participants present at the weigh-in are eligible for prizes drawn at random. Area businesses and individuals have donated more than $1,000 in prizes and gift certificates for the event.

For more information, phone the Lovewell State Park Office at 785-753-4971.