According to a social media post from the campground, Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina near Carbondale was informed by the manager of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge that the facility will be closing down at the end of the year.
The campground has been in operation for the past 15 years through a five-year concessionaire contract, with the option of an additional five years without having to resubmit a bid. Campground leaders say they were anticipating another five years at the end of their 2020 contract.
Currently, the dam on the lake is undergoing a study to assess future repairs, and the water level is being kept at least 4 feet below the pool level. According to the post, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has indicated that the water levels will remain as they are for potentially a few more years, with a deeper drawdown expected sometime in the future while the modifications are being made.
However, the manager of Little Grassy Campground and Marina says that even with the lower lake levels, Little Grassy is still accessible by boat, and "still in great shape for fishing, swimming, and paddling."
Campground leaders say they have appealed to the refuge and proposed solutions to address their concerns, and any questions or comments can be directed to the Refuge Headquarters in Marion, Illinois or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 Headquarters.
(Photo: Little Grassy Campground Facebook)
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Little Grassy Campground Facebook post
