Campers asked to register at ORRA

Galen Wittrock, assistant manager of the South Platte Natural Resources District, hopes to point out new SPNRD signage at Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area west of Kimball.

Signs have been erected at the main entrance and the west entrance of the recreation area requiring campers to register as is done is many campsites across the nation.

Since we took over the maintenance of Oliver, we have had to come up with our own rules," Wittrock said. "We set up rules and regulations through the advisory committee."

The recreation area will still rely on donations for upkeep, maintenance and salaries.

"It is a tracking mechanism. One of the main concerns is safety," Wittrock said. "We still have to have an idea of who is camping out here."

Another concern, according to Wittrock, is to keep camping at the recreation site to a total of 14 day in a 30 day period.

Another sign informs visitors that all-terrain vehicles are prohibited in the area.

"We cannot allow ATVs out here. That is not because of the NRD, that is a state law," Wittrock said. "You can drive an ATV through town, out in these rural areas that are public lands, we cannot allow that."

This year Kimball County Sheriff Harry Gillway and his wife, Ann, are serving as camp hosts. The Gillways can be found at the main entrance of Oliver Reservoir near the handicap dock. They will be on site through the summer to answer questions.