GOLDEN POND, KY - Land Between The Lakes, like the rest of the federal government, is facing a budget reduction that can only be solved by decreasing costs or increasing revenue.  Our communities are helping us face this challenge and make decisions that enable us to continue providing quality outdoor recreation experiences and environmental education opportunities.

Many people have contributed to the facility and maintenance budget reductions process.  A total of 97 people attended the four public meetings, 92 staff members contributed comments, and 300 people responded to an online questionnaire.  In total we received over 400 comments, which generated 250 unique ideas, 100 of which were deemed feasible and aligned with our mission. 

“Our goal with this final feedback opportunity is to share the results of our extensive public involvement process these past three months.  On our website, the public will find the list of needed spending cuts, new ideas, and fee increases that will put Land Between The Lakes on course to balance its budget,” stated Area Supervisor, Bill Lisowsky.  “The public understood our budget challenge, and took it very seriously.  That is why we decided to provide a final opportunity for feedback on proposed budget solutions before we make decisions in August.”

LBL management asks that you follow these steps to contribute to this 21-day feedback opportunity between July 10 and August 1: 

1.    Review the “Opportunity for Feedback before Final Decisions are Made” document at www.lbl.org/documents/FINALFeedbackTable2012_0705.pdf. 

2.    Provide comments on specific items in the document by August 1:

       a.    Email your comments to comments-southern-land-between-lakes@fs.fed.us with “Budget Reductions” in the subject line of the email. Please 
              provide your name and phone number in your email so we can track the responses and contact you if needed; or

       b.   If you do not have access to email, please mail your comments to:
            Area Supervisor, 
            Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area
            100 Van Morgan Dr, 
            Golden Pond, KY 42211

       c.    All comments will become part of the official public record.

3.    We will respond to comments that contain new information. 

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.  Managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Land Between The Lakes provides outdoor recreation, lake access, and environmental education for the public to enjoy.  Follow Land Between The Lakes on www.Twitter.com/LBLScreechOwl.  Additional LBL information can be found on the official website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.