Posted on 05/13/2011, 11:14 am, by mySteinbach

High water levels on several rivers and lakes will impact the scheduled opening of campgrounds at some of Manitoba’s provincial parks, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie announced.

Flooding will delay the opening of some campgrounds, while other sites have been impacted by cool weather and recent snowfalls. Many campgrounds are scheduled to open May 13, however, some will be delayed for a week or longer, the minister said.

“We are experiencing unprecedented conditions this spring and that will have an impact on provincial campgrounds,” said Blaikie. “These impacts are a combination of flooding, road closures and recent cool weather and snowfall. We felt it was important to let seasonal campers and campers with reservations at these sites know as soon as possible so alternate arrangements can be made.”

Manitoba Parks is contacting affected campers with current reservations or seasonal campsites. At this time, several campground openings in Duck Mountain Provincial Park and western Manitoba will be delayed. Other provincial park campgrounds will be closed for the season including Lundar Beach, St. Ambroise and Watchorn parks along the shores of Lake Manitoba. Kiche Manitou lower campground in Spruce Woods Provincial Park will remain closed until July 28.

Detailed information on delayed openings and park closures can be found at www.manitobaparks.com. Customers can go online or contact a department information officer at 1 800-214-6497 (toll-free) or 945-6784 (in Winnipeg) for more information.