Hunting News

COVID19 UPDATES

COVID19 UPDATES

By Buckmasters Online

Accurate information on your state’s Department of Natural Resources response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available on your state’s DNR website, social media channels or Information Center. Find a link to your state website here.

FLORIDA
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s May 14 meeting at 9 a.m. will be open to the public online. Originally scheduled to be held in Miami, the meeting has moved online because of coronavirus social distancing guidelines.

The meeting will be held using media technology (Adobe Connect) and a telephone conference line for accepting public comment. The Florida Channel will broadcast live video coverage and participants watching from the Florida Channel can utilize the telephone conference line to call in for public comment.

The full May 14 agenda and links to background reports is available on the FWC website.

The Commission welcomes input regarding agenda items requiring action, and the Chairman reserves the right to designate the amount of time given to a topic or speaker. The Commission is presenting a reduced agenda and will limit public comment to one hour per agenda item.

Stakeholders can provide comments regarding agenda item topics in advance, and should be submit comments by May 1 in email to Commissioners@MyFWC.com. Mail written comments to FWC Commissioners, 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399.

MISSOURI
Missouri State Parks have extended temporary closures of campgrounds, park-run lodging, offices and visitor centers through May 3. The suspension includes Missouri State Parks special events, on- and off-site programming, third party events, group reservations and guided tours.

Most state parks and state historic sites remain open for day-use, with the exception of temporary closures at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety. Gates to individual parking lots may close at all state parks when the lot is near capacity.

For questions regarding state park or historic site campground or park-run lodging, call the Reservation Call Center at (877)422-6766, open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find the latest actions taken by Missouri State Parks in response to COVID-19 online.

SOUTH CAROLINA
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will continue to keep several properties and facilities closed until further notice. Closures include piers at 13 state lakes, Capers Island, St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve islands, Fenwick Island, and Botany Bay beach access, as well as Bald Rock Heritage Preserve and Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower.

SCDNR continues to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and will make decisions regarding the opening or closing of SCDNR-managed properties with the goal of ensuring the health and safety of staff and visitors as its first priority.

TEXAS
Since April 20 Texas State Parks have started reopening for day-use only as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas.  The new restrictions include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting gathering of groups larger than five.

During the temporary closure, State Parks personnel have been cleaned and sanitized park facilities, addressed routine maintenance projects, and ensured requisite safety protocols are in place. Due to limited staffing, weather conditions or continuing construction projects, some state parks will not reopen currently.

Check the Texas State Parks Alert Map for information about the status of individual parks. Resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been determined.

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