Work to repair damage in provincial parks caused by the 2011 flood is well underway and most affected parks will be restored in the coming months. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“A number of provincial parks, including Spruce Woods, were affected by flooding last year,” said Mackintosh. “As we approach the peak camping season, work is underway to repair some of the damage so visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty of our parks and campgrounds.”
Complete damage assessments are expected in the coming months. Projects to repair some of the damage include:
• the cleanup of the beach, pedestrian bridge, visitor centre and pine fort areas, and temporary repairs to ensure road access to the beach at Spruce Woods Provincial Park, expected to be completed by July 1;
• restoration of the beach at Oak Lake Provincial Park, set for completion by May 31;
• temporary beach and day-use area repairs at Blue Lakes Campground at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, to be completed by July 1;
• repairs to the beach and day-use areas at Rivers Provincial Park, expected to be completed by June 1, and repairs to eight campsites, set to be completed by August;
• general cleanup and repairs to the beach and day-use areas at Manipogo and Rainbow Beach provincial parks, set to be completed in August; and
• campground repairs at Lundar Beach Provincial Park, with some sites to be available beginning this weekend and others to be ready by June 1.
Damage assessments are still underway at St. Ambroise and Watchorn provincial parks, which will remain closed for the 2012 season. In addition, seasonal camping will not be offered at Lundar Beach Provincial Park in 2012.
While a record 29,300 campsites have been booked through the made-in-Manitoba Parks Reservation Service so far this year, many camping opportunities remain available at campgrounds across the province throughout the season.
The minister added the province will continue to provide families the best opportunities to enjoy Manitoba’s beautiful parks by once again offering the Passport to Adventure program, which encourages Manitobans to visit parks across the province. Visitors can pick up a parks passport at campground offices and interpretive centres when visiting designated parks. The parks passport provides visitor information that includes activities, sites and areas of interest at each of the designated parks, important park messages and general information about provincial parks in Manitoba.
Prizes are available after visitors obtain five, 10, 15 or 20 stamps on their passports and participants will also be entered into the grand prize draw that includes two nights accommodation in a yurt in the provincial park of the winner’s choice during the 2013 camping season.
More details on Passport to Adventure program and campsite reservations are available at www.manitobaparks.com or 1 888-482-2267 (toll-free).
Manitobans are also reminded the May long weekend will be liquor free in all provincial parks and some liquor-free campsites will be available all season in designated spots at Grand Beach and Birds Hill provincial parks. The sites are:
• bays 5 and 6 at Grand Beach; and
• Oriole and Grackle bays at Birds Hill.
A ban on daytime campfires is in place for parks in the southeast region of province because of extremely dry conditions and high forest fire-danger. These include Whiteshell, Nopiming, Moose Lake, Grand Beach, Birds Hill, Wanipigow, Wallace Lake, Manigotagan River and south Atikaki provincial parks. Only fires in approved pits will be allowed and limited to the hours between 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. daily. Propane or gas appliances are approved for use. For more information on these restrictions, contact the local Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship office or call 1-204-345-1444.
