Ft. Hartsuff Out of State Jurisdiction and into Local Hands?

In a move to save money, the state the state of Nebraska is seeking to allow two state parks to be given to the nearby communities of Atkinson and Arnold. This would effectively place the ownership and responsibility for upkeep of the 32 and 40 acre parks respectivly, in the hands of the city. The Legislature voted 38 - 0 to advance Bill 743 introduced by Senator Deb Fischer of Valentine.

Due to state budget cuts and a greater emphasis on hunting and fishing as opposed to Historical sites, the Game and Parks Commision could save up to $3000.00 annually. Cutbacks in staff positions at some of the smaller parks have led to maintenance issues that would also be the burden of the receiving communities to bear. According to the law, the land or property of such parks could not be sold but must be maintained.

Fischer introduced her bill on behalf of the Game and Parks Commission and said it could be used as a model for other cities wishing to aquire state parks.

Ft. Hartsuff, near Ord is one of the parks that would fall into this category and work by a local organization (Friends of Ft. Hartsuff) is well on the way towards planning for upkeep of the only fully restored Indian Wars Fort remaining in the United States.