Local news outlets across the area are reporting the same thing: "ETX lakes, parks closed due to government shutdown". In a report by KETK NBC this afternoon we read:
According to the owners of Lake Sam Rayburn and Lake o' the Pines, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Rhonda Paige, spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, says campers in public park areas of Lake O' the Pines have to leave the grounds by 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, and reservations nor people being in public recreation areas will be allowed until the government re-opens.
http://www.ketknbc.com/news/etx-lakes-parks-closed-due-to-government-shutdown
However, the US Army Corps of Engineers website offers a different explanation. Over and over, the ramps and parks at these lakes are not shown to be closed due to the government shutdown but were already shut down due to "low water levels".
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/drought/drought.htmExample:
Lake Bardwell- Due to low water levels Little Mustang Creek, High View Park, Love Park, Mott Park and Waxahachie Creek Park Boat Ramps are closed. There are currently no usable open boat ramps at Bardwell Lake.
Lake Georgetown- Fishing docks and courtesy boat docks are closed due to low lake levels.
Lake Grapevine- The following boat ramps are closed due to low lake levels...
Lavon Lake- All Corps boat ramps are closed due to low lake level
Lewisville Lake- Doe Branch Access, Hidden Cove, Westlake Park, Oakland Parks, Hickory Creek Park, Oak Point Boat Ramp and Big Sandy Access are all closed due to low water levels.
Lake O.C. Fisher - All ramps are unusable due to low lake levels
This is repeated over and over for lakes all across the State, yet the government is telling people in press releases these lakes are closed due to the government shutdown.
