We have received the following information from the state:

Interim Use Guidance
Bartram Canoe Trail
Prepared for Members of
The Mobile Bay Canoe & Kayak Club
and
The Mobile Chapter of the Sierra Club

This period of interim use is being provided to members of the two local organizations who originally worked to co-sponsor the effort to develop a platform-based camping system associated with the Bartram Canoe Trail. This trail-use period is being provided free of charge, and is intended to facilitate a review of the platforms and the Bartram Canoe Trail webpage, such that any problematic aspects of their design and management can be worked out prior to opening the system for public use.

Interim Period of Use: August 20, 2004 to September 13, 2004

To reserve platforms for this trail-use period, contact Chris Smith by e-mail, cesmith@dcnr.state.al.us or call 1-800-LAND-ALA and ask for Chris Smith.

Individuals making the reservations should be prepared to provide the following information: 1) date of use; 2) number in party; 3) platform to be used; 4) point of contact for information.

All parties making reservations during this interim period should be sure to provide a point of contact so that Lands Division staff can confirm their reservation.

Once the platforms are open for public use in mid-September, all reservations will be processed through the online web-based system.

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Editor's note: We are further advised that there is a limit of eight persons per platform and that, after this free interim-use period by our clubs, there will be a charge of $20 per platform.