Marina
In May 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced temporary closures and service reductions at several recreation sites across Kansas and Oklahoma.
These measures, primarily affecting Council Grove Lake and other areas, are due to staffing shortages and aim to ensure visitor safety and maintain essential operations.
Reasons for the Closures
The USACE cited a federal hiring freeze and limited resources as the main reasons for the closures. Without adequate staff, the agency cannot safely operate and maintain all recreation sites at normal service levels.
By concentrating resources on priority locations, the USACE aims to provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences.
Affected Areas in Kansas
Several parks and facilities at Council Grove Lake are impacted:
| Park/Facility | Status |
|---|---|
| Canning Creek | Temporarily closed (entire park) |
| Santa Fe Trail | Open only for boat ramp access |
| Outlet East | Temporarily closed (entire park) |
| Kanza View | Camping closed; day-use area remains open |
| Richey Cove | Temporarily closed (entire park) |
| Neosho Park | Open only for boat ramp access |
| Kit Carson Cove | Temporarily closed (entire park) |
| North Richey Cove | Open only for boat ramp access |
These closures began on May 1, 2025, with reservation cancellations and full refunds issued within 4 to 6 weeks.
Impact on the Community
The closures have significant implications for local communities. Council Grove Lake, for instance, generates nearly $9 million annually in tourism revenue and supports approximately 60 jobs in the surrounding area. Local businesses and residents are concerned about the economic impact of these temporary shutdowns.
Senator Jerry Moran has expressed his commitment to addressing the staffing shortages and working with federal agencies to ensure the affected lakes are appropriately staffed and operational.
Visitor Guidance
Visitors planning trips to USACE-managed recreation areas should:
- Check the status of the desired site before traveling.
- Be prepared for increased traffic at open sites.
- Follow all posted signage and closures to ensure safety.
- Contact Recreation.gov at 877-444-6777 for reservation inquiries.
The temporary closures of recreation sites in Kansas due to staffing shortages highlight the challenges faced by federal agencies in maintaining public services amid resource constraints.
While these measures are necessary for safety and sustainability, they also underscore the importance of addressing staffing issues to support local economies and provide recreational opportunities for the public.