WARSAW, Mo.—The Kansas City District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will reduce park operations at Harry S. Truman Lake during the 2013 recreation season due to projected budget reductions and under utilization of some facilities.
In light of fiscal realities, the Corps will implement operational changes to park areas and the Harry S. Truman Visitor Center. The operational changes are due to budgetary reductions and are not related to the recent national sequestration issue. The operational changes are being made in an effort to improve park operating efficiencies while still providing a quality recreational opportunity for the public.
The following changes will take effect immediately:
-Thibaut Point Campground, group camp B, will no longer be a group camp. It will, instead, be standard first-come-first-serve camping only. Other group camps in Thibaut Park will not be impacted at this time.
-Berry Bend Campground A loop will be closed, except as needed, on major holiday weekends. Berry Bend C loop and swimming beach will remain unchanged at this time.
-The overflow portion of Berry Bend Equestrian Campground will be closed, except as needed, on major holiday weekends.
-Talley Bend B loop will be closed. Camping will be limited to sites 1-3, 25-69 in D-loop. The operation of the boat ramp will remain unchanged.
-Sparrowfoot swimming beach will be closed. The remainder of the park will not be impacted at this time.
The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center will open for the season on Friday, March 15. This is a two-week reduction in season length. The center will continue to be open seven days a week with hours 9-4 March 15 through May 23, and 9-5 May 24 through October 31.
Any questions regarding park operational changes should be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harry S. Truman Lake at (660) 438-7317 ext. 1.
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