A few weeks ago, in another thread I alluded to the fact that there might be a problem with barracks accomadations at the muster this fall. At that time I was unable to elaborate due to the fact that what I had heard was just hearsay and I wanted to get more reliable information. Today I was finally able to get that information.
The rumor was that due to budgetary considerations the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was going to close Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, along with Scout's Rest Ranch and several state parks. Like most rumors this one has some basis in fact, but had been overstated. If I understood the Commission assistant director that I spoke with correctly, the NGPC is forcasting a $12 milion deficite. In order to overcome this shortfall they are eliminating most seasonal help at almost all historic parks and some of the smalller recreational parks. Since Ft. Hartsuff is staffed almost entirely by seasonal employees, this will greatly curtail the amount of services available to the public there; which made me wonder if the GAF would be able to use the barracks the way we did last year. Today I spoke with Jim Fuller and was able to confirm that we will be albe to stay in the barracks. He indicated that had we wanted to use the facility during the regular tourist season that it probably wouldn't have been possible but that at the time of year we are wanting to use it, it won't be a problem. He promised me an Occasional Use Permit form which I should receive in the next day or two, and once it is approved they shouldn't be able to change their minds. So with that news I will be cashing the muster registration checks that I've been holding since I started hearing these rumors and (finally) get confirmations out to the registrants in the next few days. It would appear that everything is on schedule and judging by the number of registrations I've already received this year's muster will be considerably bigger than last years. We will need to limit the number of participants so I strongly suggest that if you are interested in attending the 2009 Grand Muster that you get your registration in early. Those of you who have contacted me and haven't heard back from me yet, don't worry; I am holding a space at least until you do hear back from me.