For Immediate Release Contact: Tracy Lawrence

February 16, 2007 617-626-4995

NICKERSON STATE PARK IN BREWSTER REOPENS

CAMPSITES FOR SPRING RESERVATIONS

Construction work in campground now scheduled for fall

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that 204 campsites at Nickerson State Park in Brewster, previously scheduled to be closed during the spring due to expected construction, will soon be available for reservations. These campsites (Areas 1-5), representing roughly half of the park’s camping capacity, were previously listed as closed from May 1 – June 28, 2007.

On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. DCR’s campground reservation provider, ReserveAmerica, will begin taking reservations for Nickerson State Park campsites in Areas 1-5, which will be available for camping from May 1 – June 28, 2007. To make a reservation for Nickerson State Park or any other DCR camping facility, call 1-877-I-CAMP-MA (1-877-422-6762) or visit http://www.reserveamerica.com.

Nickerson State Park’s Camping Areas 1-5 were previously scheduled to be closed until June 29, 2007, so that work could be carried out to replace the park’s water system. DCR has rescheduled the water system work to begin shortly after Labor Day, so that the installation of a new underground electrical system can be completed simultaneously.

“DCR is happy to reopen this popular campground during the spring, to accommodate the thousands of families and groups that take advantage of a reasonably priced camping experience on Cape Cod,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Priscilla Geigis. “Also, the installation of a new electrical system in addition to the planned improvements to the water system will greatly enhance the visitor experience at Nickerson State Park.”

The new water system, when complete, will be connected to the Town of Brewster’s water lines, and will no longer rely on on-site wells. The modern, underground electrical system will be less susceptible to damage from weather and fallen trees than the current above-ground wires. The work is estimated to cost a total of $2.5 million.

Customers who attempted to make reservations (up to six months in advance) for a stay at the campground in the spring or early summer 2007 were initially told that the area was closed until June 29 for construction.

“DCR regrets any inconvenience this temporary reservation closure has caused to Nickerson camping customers,” said Acting Commissioner Geigis. “We are making every effort to ensure that the reopening of reservations for this very popular campground is seamless and equitable.”

As a result of construction work rescheduled for the fall, Camping Areas 6, 6x and 7 will close on September 3, 2007. Advanced reservations for Areas 1-5 of Nickerson’s campground will not be available for dates after September 29, 2007. Throughout October 2007, customers will be able to camp at Nickerson only on a walk-in basis in Areas 1-5 in order to accommodate customers when possible during construction. It is also anticipated that Areas 1-5 will be closed from April through June 2008 to complete construction.

Visitors come from throughout North America and Europe to camp at Nickerson State Park. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Commonwealth, boasting family-friendly camping at more than 420 campsites, hiking trails, bike paths, and access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. DCR will also complete a $6 million rehabilitation of the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail in mid-June of this year.

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