The Emporia Rotary Club welcomed Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless as the featured speaker for their afternoon meeting Tuesday.
Loveless’ presentation focused on all of the work conducted by the department throughout the state of Kansas in the areas of state parks, law enforcement, tourism and much more. One subject Loveless highlighted was the Flint Hills Nature Trail which received state park status last May.
The trail runs through five separate counties including Lyon, Morris and Osage and according to Loveless has seen a high level of traffic from hikers, bikers and even equestrian — horseback riding — enthusiasts. Loveless says not only has the trail been beneficial for individuals, but it has also had a major economic impact for local businesses.
Loveless also took time Tuesday to touch on the impact heavy rainfall had on the camping season as several camping areas had to be closed down throughout the summer due to multiple flooding incidents. Loveless says KDWPT worked hard as water levels decreased to clear the areas and open them back up for visitors, however, he says overall this past year was a “battle.”
Despite this, Loveless says KDWPT is very optimistic they’ll see a greater turnout in 2020 as Kansas has a “very loyal” community of camping enthusiasts as well as a dedicated KWDPT staff who work hard to make every state park and campsite is a destination visitors want to travel to.
For more information on the work of the Department of Kansas Wildlife Parks and Tourism visit KSoutdoors.com.
