THE LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK IS REOPENING THIS FRIDAY,JULY 17, IN MONONA COUNTY NEAR ONAWA, FOR DAY-USE AND OVERNIGHT CAMPING,
PARK OFFICIALS SAY THE DECISION TO REOPEN COMES AFTER COMPLETING THE FIRST PHASE OF AN EXTENSIVE HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL PROJECT THAT BEGAN LAST FALL.
HUNDREDS OF DEAD OR DYING COTTONWOOD TREES WERE REMOVED FROM THE PARK DUE TO THE DANGER THEY POSED TO VISITORS.
THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILL PLANT TREES IN THE CAMPGROUND, BUT FOR NOW, CAMPERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY AS SHADED CAMPSITES ARE LIMITED.
FOR NOW, THE VISITOR CENTER AND KEEL BOAT EXHIBIT WILL REMAIN CLOSED DUE TO ONGOING RENOVATIONS.
ADDITIONALLY, BLUE LAKE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE LOW WATER LEVELS FROM DROUGHT, SO THE DOCKS HAVE NOT BEEN INSTALLED.
THE BEACH BATHHOUSE AND SWIMMING BEACH ALSO REMAIN CLOSED IN THE PARK.
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