Angela Brandt
Havre Daily News
abrandt@havredailynews.com
The Hill County parks superintendent is asking for the public's assistance during the summer camping season at Beaver Creek Park.
“This is your park, provided for your enjoyment. Take pride in it and help keep it clean,” Chad Edgar said Saturday.
About 700 permits are issued for the use of the park each year, he said, and it's important for the park's users to be mindful of littering, safety and park regulations.
Garbage is always a problem in park, Edgar said. It is important to tie garage bags shut and, if the receptacle is full, stack bags beside the trash can. Another key step, he said, is to place wood or rocks on the top of loose trash so it won't be blown out the container by the wind.
“Remember to secure your garbage and keep in mind that it could be 24 hours until the park workers can pick it up,” Edgar said.
On busy holidays like Memorial Day weekend, he said setting bags in trash containers nearest to the road helps the park's employees.
Edgar said campfires are another one of his concerns. He said campers need to remember to use the established fire rings for their purpose - not as a Dumpster.
“We spend countless hours picking up bottles and cans out of the fire rings,” Edgar said.
When it is dry, fires should be kept small. Of course, he added, caution should be used year-round.
If fires are not put out correctly, campers may be fined a minimum of $50.
“A smoldering log can reignite,” Edgar said.
Downed and dead trees and bushes can be used in campfires, he said.
In the park, dogs must be on a leash or in a kennel at all times.
Edgar said off-road vehicles are not allowed on the park grounds during the summer camping season from May 15 to September 15.
He said park officials also need park patrons to be helpful in reporting rule violations.
“We don't see everything out there. It sure helps if someone sees someone doing an unlawful act and reports it,” Edgar said.
Reports can be made to the park office at 395-4565 or the Hill County Sheriff's Office at 265-2512.
Edgar said he is concerned about drinking and driving at the park.
“If you plan on drinking out on the park, plan on staying,” he said.
The park's summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Park permits cost $6 for one-day use, $25 for a yearly pass for Hill County residents and $40 for a yearly pass for non-residents. Permits are required for all activities at the park, including camping, fishing and hiking, and are available at Stromberg's Sinclair, Bing N Bob's, Bi-Mart, the Hill County Courthouse and at the park's office, which is located 20 miles south of Havre at 17863 Beaver Creek Road at Camp Kiwanis.
If caught with out a valid permit, a $15 penalty is added to the purchase of a permit and the violator is fined a minimum of $50.
Permits for camping at Bear Paw Lake differ from other sites in Beaver Creek Park as they are sold on-site at a pay station. Bear Paw Lake campers also must purchase a permit for Beaver Creek Park.
Donations for the use, maintenance and development of the park are accepted at the park office and the Hill County Commission office at the Hill County Courthouse.
