Oklahoma lake recreation areas closed during high water, staffing shortage

Continued high water has closed some camping areas in Oklahoma lakes, while staffing shortages are leading to cancelled reservations at some lakes operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Related: Temporary closures at recreation areas impacting Kansas and Oklahoma: What you need to know

Most Oklahoma flood control lakes are above normal levels and are dropping or remaining steady.

The Corps has closed some areas at almost every lake it manages because of staff shortages and a hiring freeze that doesn't allow hiring for seasonal staff who help manage federal land.

Lake Keystone is about 10' above normal, after the rainfall of the last month, but the levels are dropping quickly.

"The situation is getting better day by day. We were 14' above normal this time last week. It wasn't looking promising for this week, and I was worried about Memorial Day, but the Corps is doing a great job releasing water and getting it out of here quick," said Sean Adair, the General Manager of Pier 51 Marina.

There are some hazards still in the water, that Adair said were manageable if boaters use caution.

Randy Coleman, a Keystone visitor from Oklahoma City, said his time on the water Friday morning was "nice and calm, not a lot of wind, it's murky. There's some areas where there are logs, but not too much debris in the water, so if you pay attention you should be fine on that."