Nickell Branch Road Improvement Project

Nickell Branch Road Improvement Project

Road 102 just off the Woodland Trace National Scenic Byway leads to the Nickell Branch recreation area.  An estimated 15 thousand people frequented the 1.2-mile gravel route last year.  Heavy rains we received lately left it a bumpy road and in need of improvements. Kevan Paluso, transportation program manager at Land Between the Lakes, took me and Customer Service Manager Jeff Laird with him to see Road 102 first hand.  Kevan pointed out features and described a project proposal during a recent site visit. Where most people simply see a scarred gravel road, Kevan sees damage, roadside swale restoration, and…
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Hillman Ferry Campground Improvements

Hillman Ferry Campground Improvements

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Camping season is just around the corner so dust off that camping gear! Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Energy Lake Campgrounds open for the 2016 season Tuesday, March 1. Check out the latest improvements, upgrades, and regular maintenance completed at Hillman Ferry Campground over the winter. Two picnic shelters at the Beach, and behind the Outpost were rehabilitated using revenue generated at Hillman Ferry Campground.   Due to poor water distribution during rain events, there were ongoing issues with deteriorating road conditions in A and B loops . Using soil and water restoration funds, capital improvement funds, and…
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Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area Improvements 

Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area Improvements 

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Sites at Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area were in need of rehabilitation. We knew work had to be done. A portion of the revenue from Backcountry permit sales is set aside for improvement projects. These funds were used to rehabilitate and reinforce campsites at Birmingham Ferry where necessary to reduce erosion. This project was completed in December of 2015. We hope our campers at Birmingham Ferry enjoy the improvements...Happy camping! --Gary  
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Cravens Bay Campground Improvements

Cravens Bay Campground Improvements

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager In May of 2015, several Land Between The Lakes staff met with campers who use Cravens Bay Campground. We wanted to know what was most important to campers at Cravens Bay. Maintenance and the current condition of the bathhouse were the two biggest topics. This meeting resulted in a project list for improvements for Cravens Bay Campground. All sites markers will be replaced. Completed August of 2015. The road drainage was reworked to allow better flow of water in storm events. Completed November of 2015 The current bathhouse will not be replaced but rehabilitated. The interior of the…
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Colson Hollow Road Upgrade

Colson Hollow Road Upgrade

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Colson Hollow Road 169 Creek Crossing Hardening Project Forest Service Road 169 is the access to Colson Hollow Group Campground. There is a low water creek crossing at the entrance of the developed recreation site. There have been intense storms that have deposited gravel in the crossing that made it difficult for many vehicles to use. The group that maintains the cemetery located at the back of the campground was having trouble using the crossing with mowers after storms. Planning and funding were in place in October of 2015. The creek crossing was stabilized…
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Sharing the Credit

Sharing the Credit

Dear visitors, friends, and stakeholders, I appreciate all the recognition lately for the upgrades and maintenance work completed at Land Between The Lakes this past year. However, it’s my staff that plans and prepares for the work to be completed here. Much of the work we plan years in advance while some work results from circumstances like the flooding we are experiencing this month. We complete a lot of work between our seasons from November through February. Some of it initiated by normal wear and tear; others are part of our regular maintenance schedule. Ongoing requirements In order to serve…
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