Traffic ADVISORY

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to start two paving projects on US Forest Service roads in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area next week.

The first project is on Energy Lake Road (USFS Road 134). This project begins at Energy Lake Campground and extends 3 miles towards US 68. It involves cement treating the existing roadbed and then placing a new asphalt overlay. This paving project on Energy Lake Road is expected to start Tuesday, November 11, 2008, weather permitting.

During this road improvement project Energy Lake Campground will remain open, but must be accessed from The Trace via the northern entrance along Mulberry Flat Road.

The second project is on Wranglers Campground Road (USFS Road 165). This project begins at The Trace and ends at the campground. It involves trenching the existing earth shoulder to widen the roadway by about one foot on each side, then filling the trench with asphalt. The final step will be to pave the entire width of the roadway with a new asphalt surface. This project is also expected to begin on Tuesday, November 11, 2008, weather permitting.

Wranglers Campground will remain open during the road work. However, to avoid construction delays, visitors may choose to access Wranglers Camp from US 68/KY 80 via USFS Road 160.

Rogers Group is the prime contractor on these asphalt paving projects in the LBL. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides road maintenance and improvements in the Land Between The Lakes through an inter-agency agreement with the US Forest Service.

LBL Late Fall & Winter Operation Schedules Announced

(Golden Pond)—Visitor facilities at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will begin their late fall and winter operation schedules in November.

The Homeplace and Woodlands Nature Station will be open Wednesday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during November. The Homeplace, Nature Station, and the North and South Welcome Stations will be closed Thanksgiving Day, and all of December, January, and February. However, The Homeplace and Nature Station will offer various guided programs, including the popular Bald Eagle Van Tours and Boat Excursions.

The Golden Pond Planetarium will operate Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 1-30 with the exception of Thanksgiving Day. The holiday favorite, “'Tis the Season,” and "A Story of Christmas" is being offered at the Planetarium Thursday-Sunday, December 4-21. If groups wish to be scheduled Monday thru Wednesday, arrangements may be made by calling 270-924-2020. After this period, the Planetarium will be closed through the end of February. These shows are presented in breathtaking, full dome views of the simulated night skies and celestial events using the latest in digital imaging technology.

The Elk & Bison Prairie remains open year-round, as does the Golden Pond Visitor Center (with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). The winter months offer the best chance of viewing elk, as the colder and shorter days draw the elk out later in the morning and earlier in the afternoon to feed.

While the developed campgrounds Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Energy Lake will be closed beginning December 1, 2008, campers will find all six fee lake access camping areas and all backcountry areas open throughout the winter. Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay OHV Area, as well as the hiking and biking trails, will also remain open throughout the winter unless inclement weather causes the facilities to be closed. During times of excessive wet conditions, it is recommended that visitors “Call Before You Haul.” Please call 270-924-2000 and press 3 for updates on weather related closures or visit our website at http://www.lbl.org/TrailsUpdate.html.

Facilities will re-open on March 1, 2009, with a vast array of springtime activities and programs.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org.