IDNR closes Ramsey Lake, Horseshoe Lake parks over electrical, trash service interruptions
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SPRINGFIELD – In what one state senator called a “wake-up call” over the need to fix the state’s budget problems, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area near Ramsey and Horseshoe Lake State Park near Granite City are being closed indefinitely.
Ramsey Lake is being closed due to termination of electrical service. Horseshoe Lake will close April 25 due to termination of trash and electrical service. There is no estimate of when either site might reopen.
“We are going to see more park closures if government doesn’t get its act together and begins to conduct business in a fiscally-responsible way,” said state Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon. “Just like the family that doesn’t pay its bills and later finds its car missing because it was repossessed, state government is getting a harsh dose of reality for years of fiscal mismanagement.”
Ramsey Lake campgrounds and picnic shelters were open at the time of the closure announced this week. IDNR will contact campers with reservations to work out other arrangements or refunds.
Camping at Horseshoe Lake was to begin May 1, but will not open on that date. IDNR will contact people with camping and shelter reservations to work out other arrangements or refunds.
The department says it intends to reopen the parks as soon as services are restored.
Ramsey Lake site staff is being told to report to Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. Horseshoe Lake staffis reporting to Frank Holten State Recreation Area.
