ORIGINALLY WRITTEN STAFF
Fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, wind surfing, boating, swimming,
sun bathing, bird watching and many other activities are all available
at one large location near the center of Marion County.
Marion Reservoir, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers
6,000 water acres and many more hunting and camping acres, for the
enjoyment of tourists and local residents alike.
?During the past few years the conditions for fishing have been
excellent here because of unique conditions that occurred several
years back,? says Neal Whitaker, project ranger.
?Back in the late ?80s and early ?90s we had a localized drought that
caused our water level to be eight feet below normal for several
years, allowing a lot of vegetation to grow around the shore,? he
says.
When the rains and flooding of 1993 occurred, Whitaker says the water
level shot up to eight feet above normal, so the lake experienced a
16-foot increase in a very short time.
?Basically, it was like a new lake had been formed, and the habitat
for fish was prime,? Whitaker says. ?Usually seven or eight years
after the formation of a new lake, or drastic change in conditions
such as we had, the fishing booms. We?re in that time right now, so
the fishing has never been better.?
According to power index, Marion Reservoir ranks No. 1 in the state of
Kansas for walleye fishing, adds Marvin Peterson, Kansas State Parks
and Wildlife Conservation officer.
Camping enthusiasts will also find the choices and facilities much to
their liking. Four parks provide more than 170 camping sites ranging
from semi-primitive to developed, according to information distributed
by the Corps of Engineers. Several new camping sites and shelters have
been added recently.
Fees are $14 per night for the Class A developed sites and $7 for the
other sites. Fifteen sites are available at Cottonwood Point with
50-amp electricity and water. The fee for those sites is $16.
Golden Age and Access passports are available for campers 62 years of
age or older for a one-time cost of $10. The passports allow members
to camp at facilities for half the usual fee.
Marion Reservoir has recently been added to the National Recreation
Reservation Service. Campers may reserve sites by calling toll-free,
1-877-444-6777.
Along with camping fees, day-use fees are also charged. To avoid
potential problems, check with the Corps of Engineers before using
park facilities.
Several boat ramps around the reservoir make it accessible for those
who enjoy the rush of water skiing or jet skiing. The ramps are
located at Cottonwood Point 2 (two ramps, four lanes), Marion Cove
(two lanes), Hillsboro Cove, Marion Cove, Durham Cove and Broken
Bridge.
The coves also offer sheltered areas for such activities, as well as
swimming and picnics. Campers will find picnic tables, grills and fire
rings, sun shelters and gravel parking pads.
At Cottonwood Point and Hillsboro Cove, campers also have access to
electrical hookups, showers, RV dump stations, group camping and
picnic areas, playgrounds and beaches.
Potable water is available in all parks.
For nature lovers who don?t care so much for water-based pursuits, a
nature trail, called the Willow Walk Trail, has been built at
Cottonwood Point to highlight the natural habitat of the area. Much of
the trail is under the shade of trees, making it an enjoyable walk
during warm summer afternoons, although insect repellent is
encouraged.
On your way to the reservoir, stop by the Corps of Engineers office
for statistics and information on fishing?including the 1999 forecast
along with rules and regulations?as well as camping and boating
information. The office is located north
BOATING & FISHING: Marion Reservoir offers choices for enjoying outdoors
More from article archives
HES student earns colorful achievement
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN DON RATZLAFF Hillsboro Postmaster Norman Bouie III watches as Kathy...
Read More