PRATT, Kan. -(Ammoland.com)- “Exercise more” is a common New Year’s resolution, and you can live up to that pledge and enjoy a brisk day in a beautiful outdoor setting with a First Day Hike at a Kansas state park. Eighteen “First Day Hikes” will be hosted around the state on Jan. 1, 2018.
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff are excited and ready to make your start to the New Year a fun and healthy one!
Guided First Day Hike events will take you on a scenic route through wild landscapes, and select hikes may include educational programs and refreshments. Bring the kids for family fun.
Hikers should wear warm clothing and good trail footwear and bring water, a camera and binoculars. A winter hike is a perfect opportunity to view wildlife. Bring your pets, but keep them on a leash.
Visit their website for more information on events planned in Kansas.
When the hike is over, share your photos by using the hashtags #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.
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