Interview
1.)What type of artwork do you have in parks and how do you preserve it?
At the Corps of Engineers office, we have a visitor center that includes a Caddo Indian display, serveral mounted animals, water safety information, and other various lake information.
2.)How do you maintain parks and conserve parks?
We maintain parks through contracts(mowing, cleaning, janitorial, maintenance.) We will upgrade our parks periodically to add needed facilites. We cut hazardous limbs and trees to make it safe for campers.
3.)What type of events do you have in parks?
In the summer at the amphitheater, we will do programs on weekends on topics ranging from water safety to tree indentification and native animals. Special events can be held by the public on a first-come, first-saved basis. These events include fishing, shoreline cleanups, and nature walks.
4.)How are the state parks"policed"?
Uniformed rangers with citation authority patrol the parks, but do not have full law enforement authority. In some parks, and agreement is reached with country sheriff's office to provide added patrol and law enforcement authority.
5.)How do you evaluate and rate your parks?
I believe the parks that the Corps managers are second to none. We have over 300 campsites with electricity and water, and some of them have full hookups. We put a lot of stock in keeping our parks and restrooms clean, and keepig the grass mowed. We get overwhelming good feedback on the way our parks are maintained and for the facilities that we add.
6.)How can common, everyday people help maintain parks?
Everyone can help by cleaning up the trash that they generate at the parks. Education in respect to taking care of public land is the key. We don't volunteer couples, usuallly retired, the do maintenance work for us in return for a place to stay.
7.)What kind of permits are needed for activities in the state parks?
If a large activity, then a special even permit ($50). If a smaller event that impacts the lake little, then a special activity permit.
8.) How do parks work with community groups?
Parksdon't solicit from community groups for help, but the Corps is receptive to offers from community groups.
9.)Where can I find out more about state parks?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife website is www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
10.)What kind of environmental work is done at the parks?
Or forestry division does selective thinning of trees in and around parks. The corps performs and contracts water quality monitoring. The Corps follows all environmental laws and regulations concerning park upgrade, timber harvest, ect.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_faqs/park_faqs.html