Recreation areas in Kansas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are encountering closures and reduced services due to staffing challenges. Among the affected locations is Council Grove Lake, where several amenities such as Canning Creek Park, portions of the Santa Fe Trail, and multiple campgrounds will temporarily shut down.
This announcement follows a prior declaration by the Corps of Engineers’ Kansas City Division regarding closures at two information centers and one park due to similar staffing issues. The Corps aims to maintain safety standards at the remaining open parks amidst these constraints.
Additional areas within Council Grove Lake, like Neosho Park, Kit Carson Cove, and North Richey Cove, were slated to open on May 1 but will also remain closed for the time being. Campers who had reservations for these campsites will receive refunds within four to six weeks.
Jamie Hyslop, chief of the Natural Resources and Recreation Branch, expressed understanding regarding the disruption these closures may cause to community plans and emphasized the Corps’ commitment to prioritizing maintenance and service quality at operational sites.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comprises 37,000 employees, the vast majority of whom are civilians. These professionals are responsible not only for maintaining critical infrastructure such as dams and ports but also for recreational facilities, supported by the Clean Water Act.
In light of recent speculation, the agency confirmed that the closures are not connected to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative led by Elon Musk, which has impacted operations in some regions. They clarified that staffing shortages result from a “resource-constrained environment,” and no employee terminations have occurred as a direct result of DOGE cuts.
Senator Jerry Moran has taken an active role in addressing these staffing shortages at Council Grove Lake, meeting with local leaders to stress the importance of the lake for local tourism and businesses. He is collaborating with various federal entities to facilitate adequate staffing to restore the lake to full operational status.
Despite the current challenges, there is optimism surrounding the commitment to enhancing the visitor experience once staffing issues are resolved. The public is encouraged to verify the operational status of their intended recreation site before visiting, which may lead to increased availability at locations that remain open.