Officials are delaying plans to reopen a popular campground at a state park in the Iowa Lakes area due to grass conditions.
The state Department of Natural Resources says the campground at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area on the southwest shore of West Lake Okoboji will remain closed until the grass has been established throughout the area.
The closure will affect Memorial Day weekend.
The DNR says opening the campground now could cause erosion and damage to landscaping from a $600,000 renovation. It was closed in June 2012.
Officials haven't decided if the campground will be open for the July Fourth holiday.
A DNR spokesman says severe drought last year and recent May snow has not helped the seeding process.
Associated Press
May 07 2013
Woody Gottburg