April 1st is the annual park gate opening date, weather permitting. We have opened the gates on most of our parks already, due to fine weather and also due to the fact that when we open the gates to go in on a maintenance mission, vehicles full of smiling faces immediately begin flooding the roads and they're hard to round up. So rather than lock you folks in there until 4/1/07, we've left the gates open. Park roads are in remarkably good shape, and fall and winter tree trimming have left us with a better-than-usual fallen tree situation. Please avoid burning/burned piles of brush as we clean up our messes. River conditions are still high, but anglers are catching walleye and northern pike in the Little Sioux River. The new restrooms at Silver Sioux Park will not open officially until the last chance of a hard freeze has passed. That's the only downfall of a flush toilet, folks. Additional water access at campsites is still planned for this spring, so expect some earth disturbance at Silver Sioux. But also expect to hook up your RV to a hydrant, no matter which spot you choose this summer! And as a result of all this handy running water access, rates in the campground are expected to increase slightly. Have an opinion about that? Let us know before April 9, when our board members will decide how much to charge campers and renters in our parks.

Yes, we're stowing away the cards and getting back to work... Actually, this has been a winter of non-stop action, including tree trimming, brush removal, trail grooming, equipment maintenance, construction, remodelling, sign maintenance, education, employee training and testing and MORE! If only Winter were a bit longer, we might get it all done! But now it's time to move on into Spring. When the parks open for camping this year (usually by late April), visitors will find new showers and sanitary modern restrooms in the Silver Sioux campground and barn areas. Want to host a spring or summer gathering? How about booking the Silver Sioux Lodge, with it's new kitchen and indoor restroom (still in progress)? Does your organization need an outlet for their volunteer energy? Call us for a painting assignment...picnic tables, restrooms, buildings... Watch the website for further developments!!!