Trappers take time to improve campsites, paint worn signs and shelters

Members of the Kansas District #3 Furharvesters held their annual workday and meeting on June 5-7 at Jewell State Fishing Lake (SFL). The group poured eight concrete slabs Saturday for campfire rings and stained signs and shelters. The concrete slabs will make it easier for caretakers to clean campfire ashes from the rings and keep camp and picnic sites cleaner. The workers included Roger and Donna Macy, Todd and Carol Hartman, and Bob Kerrick, all from Portis; Cleo Hahn, Osborne; and W.R. and Pauline Brecheisen, Chanute. Several other members attended the meeting on Saturday evening.

The District #3 Furharvesters have held many workdays at Jewell SFL, including donation and construction of the group shelter. But the lake has been dry in recent years, so this was the first year they were able to have their meeting at Jewell again. Rains and run-off in 2008 raised the lake 16 feet, and it is once again open for activity.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assistant manager Toby Marlier and seasonal employee Curt Shoemaker coordinated the effort.

“Groups like this donating their time and sometimes money are a big help to these public areas” said Mike Nyhoff, manager of Jewell SFL and Glen Elder Wildlife Area. “With budget cuts and more projects than manpower available, volunteers help us get more things done. We really appreciate the efforts and dedication the District #3 group has made through the years at Jewell.”

For more information on this area or District #3 Furharvesters efforts, phone 785-545-3345.

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