PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) officials remind hunters that all state offices, which are normally open Mon.-Fri., will be closed Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 in observance of Veterans Day. However, just about everything a hunter needs for the opening weekend of pheasant and quail seasons can be found online at www.ks ... Read More

PRATT – The Cheney Marina will be open for business over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to a quick response from Congressman Ron Estes’ office in Washington. The marina building, which sits in Cheney State Park on Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) land, has been renovated and was poised to open. However, negotiations on the new contract involving the B ... Read More

WEBBER – Lovewell State Park, located in Jewell County in northcentral Kansas, is gearing up for its annual Sand Castle/Sculpture Contest on Sunday, July 19. The event, which is open to teams consisting of up to five members, will be conducted at the Southwinds Beach area. Teams must register at the Lovewell State Park office between 8 a.m ... Read More

Tests reveal blue-green algae bloom; access to water closed until further noticeLOVEWELL STATE PARK – Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have advised the public to avoid contact with water at Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County. Tests show that blue-green algae blooming in the reservoir contain elevated levels ... Read More

October 18, 2012Milford’s “Gathering Pond” will switch to winter hours on Nov. 1PRATT— The Milford Hatchery Supply Lake, known locally as the Gathering Pond, below Milford Reservoir Dam reopened last March, and was open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Beginning Nov. 1, the supply lake will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except for holidays and during incleme ... Read More

December 15, 2012Online reservation system allows reservations up to a year in advancePRATT – If you’re making plans for next year’s state park fun, you can reserve your favorite campsite or cabin up to a year in advance, beginning AFTER 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16. You can also purchase your 2013 permits and licenses beginning Friday, December ... Read More

Some access to lake closed, but park remains openDespite the many false reports, Lake Meade State Park is open for business. The only thing that has been shut down, due to the recent blue green algae bloom, is swimming and wading in the lake. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recommends no full body contact with lake water. ... Read More

Safety key to successful holiday on packed lakes To ensure enjoyable summer outings, boaters are reminded that life jackets play an important role in keeping them safe in the water. In 2005, approximately 70 percent of all boating fatalities were drownings. Approximately 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.
Accide ... Read More

Blue-green algae still producing toxins WEBBER--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to advise the public to avoid contact with water in Lovewell Reservoir in Jewell County. On July 16, KDHE issued a public health advisory after confirming a toxic blue-green algae bloom in the reservoir. Concentrations of algae i ... Read More

PRATT – What looks like a perfect day for boating can quickly become hazardous if someone ends up in the water. Boating safety advocates across the United States and Canada have teamed up to promote safe and responsible boating – including consistent life jacket wear every time boaters are on the water – during National Safe Boating Week, held ... Read More