PRATT, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- While all state parks and wildlife areas are open for camping and other outdoor recreation throughout December, there will be some days when state park offices will not be open during regular office hours.
But don’t worry, state park daily vehicle and camping permits can be purchased at self-pay stations at any time.
Normally, state park office winter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. However, all park offices will be closed on Dec. 12-13 while staff attend a division meeting. Regular office hours will resume on Dec. 14.
Over the Christmas and New Year holidays, Dec. 23, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018, state park office hours will be limited, so call ahead if you plan to visit. One exception to this is, on January 1, 2018, many state parks will be hosting First Day Hike events.
Visit their website to find a First Day Hike event at a state park near you.
The Guided First Day Hike program is sponsored by America’s State Parks. The First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on New Year’s Day at a nearby state park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, and enjoy nature with friends and family. Stay tuned for more information.
About KDWPT:
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.
KDWPT employs approximately 460 full-time employees in five divisions: Executive Services , Administrative Services , Fisheries and Wildlife , Law Enforcement , Parks and Tourism.
Department History:
- 1905 – Fish and game laws were organized under the Kansas Fish and Game Department and implementation of a state law requiring a license to hunt.
- 1911 – The State Fish and Game Department was placed under the supervision of the University of Kansas Board of Regents
- 1925 – The Fish and Game Department was reorganized as the Kansas Forestry, Fish and Game Commission with three board members appointed by the Governor.
- 1927 – Commission was reorganized and was given approval to organize a warden service. Fishing licenses required of men 18-70.
- 1939 – Commission’s three-member board was abolished by the legislature and replaced by a six-member bipartisan commission appointed by the Governor
- 1943 – Legislature gives the commission full authority to set seasons and dates
- 1955 – The legislature and Gov. Fred Hall create the State Park and Resources Authority.
- 1960 – First Kansas boating laws enacted
- 1987 – Gov. Mike Hayden signs executive order merging the State Park and Resources Authority and Fish and Game Commission to create the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
- 2011 – Gov. Sam Brownback signs executive order moving the Division of Tourism from the Department of Commerce to the newly renamed Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism