The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 30, 2020 – Page 4
Camping is a great way to unwind this summer By Lori Larsen
Camping is a great way to spend some weekend or holiday time with the family enjoying the great outdoors, conversation around a crackling fire, eating such camping delicacies as s’mores and exploring the wonderful sites in Camrose County. Camrose County offers plenty of campground options for weekend warriors of the campfire, some are operated by the county and others by the province and include Tillicum Beach Park and Campground, Ferry Point Campground, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park and Campground, Ferintosh Campground, New Norway Campground, Pelican Point Park Campground and Ross’ Flats Campground. Each offers unique opportunities. Some are nestled among the trees, or near a waterbody or playing field, but all of them provide campers with an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Understanding that most people want to get away and relax, campers are reminded to be respectful of the facility and other campers, follow all campground rules, maintain social distancing and abide by any restrictions put in place to protect against COVID-19. The following are a few golden rules to keep in mind while camping. Register as soon as
SUNSET FISHING
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Whether camping or casting a line, many Camrose and area residents are taking advantage of getting out closer to home this year. Driedmeat Lake, Tillicum Beach offers a variety of family activities including boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking or just sitting on a dock enjoying the view and sunset.
you have selected your campsite. Honour all noise bylaws and respect the rules when it comes to quiet time. Honour “pets on leash” rules and always pick up after your pet and dispose of garbage in proper waste containers. Set tents up in established areas only. Dispose of all trash in designated trash bins or take it home with you.
Keep your campsite tidy. Do not leave food laying around that may attract wildlife. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Observe from a distance, or safely (for both human and wildlife) shoo them away from your site. Honour fire bans when in effect. Maintain a controlled fire, never leave fires unattended, and ensure they are com-
pletely distinguished before leaving your site. Do not encroach upon other campers’ sites. Respect a “no trespassing” unspoken rule. Ensure all your property and camping vehicles are secured while away from your site or while sleeping. When using walking or hiking trails, stay in designated areas as much as possible, do not trespass onto private land,
and bring out everything you bring in with you. Use only designated firewood or bring your own firewood. Do not cut down trees or chop up deadwood. Keep campground facilities such as washrooms and buildings clean. If everyone plays by the rules, camping can be a wonderful way to rejuvenate.
Ross’ Flats campground to be in County hands By Murray Green
T he ag reement between the Duhamel Historical Society and Camrose County to run a campground will be terminated within 30 days of the County’s regular meeting on June 23. The historical society has been in charge of running the Ross’ Flats Campground near Duhamel in the past, but the County ended that relationship in order to determine if the campground should remain open or be closed in the future. Several letters were turned into the County about the all-night parties and damage caused at the campground due to no supervision. A few people are spoiling the experience for others. “Closing the campground won’t solve the
problem of parties. They will just be moved somewhere else,” suggested councillor Trevor Miller. The Duhamel Historical Society runs the campground and is responsible for maintenance of the site and the collection of fees. The proceeds from camping belong to the Historical Society, which amounts to around $1,000 in a typical year after the costs of maintenance. Adding additional fencing was suggested, but the costs will run about $3,300 for install. The campground was opened May 29, and since reports of parties of 25 to 30 people, a picnic table being burned and campers couldn’t leave because the main entrance was blocked by vehicles. The RCMP were called, but they failed to respond.
CLEAN SITE
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster
Campers are reminded to leave their sites in good condition and do not damage property.
A large amount of empty bottles were left. The fire was large and very close to the trees. On another date, County staff attended to
extinguish a fire burning in a stump from a party the previous night. “I’d like us to terminate the lease, monitor the situation over the
summer, and then decide what steps to take in the future,” suggested Reeve Cindy Trautman.
