It’s been over two months now since Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of camping in Guthrie County. Despite some severe thunderstorms in June, conservation officials are pleased with camping participation this season.

Conservation Director Joe Hanner tells Raccoon Valley Radio the severe weather in June did not have much of an impact as far as flooding was concerned. “The rivers in Guthrie County have behaved themselves and stayed in the banks. I was a little nervous at Lenon Mill Park 4-5 weeks ago, but so far no high water out of the banks. Camping activity has been really solid, maybe a little above normal.”

Hanner says those above-normal camping numbers are due in part to contractors from MidAmerican Energy projects in Adair County coming north to take in the recreational opportunities. Hanner also says the parks have seen a rise in participation from campers with canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.

To hear more on the mid-summer assessment from Guthrie County Conservation, listen to Hanner on tomorrow’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.