McCowns longspur and Pawnee Grasslands question

[Thea Sinclair]

My husband and I are planning to bird Pawnee National Grasslands in late August in search of McCown's longspur and to see other grassland species. We had reserved at Crow Valley Family Grassland, and received notice that our reservation was cancelled due to flooding. It appears all campgrounds in the Grassland are closed as well. We are concerned that we will not be able to find a nearby campground in late August, and also that perhaps nesting has been affected due to flooding. Can any local birders tell us what is happening? Thanks.
Thea Sinclair
Hickory, NC

[Amber Carver]

Crow valley is flooded, and it has continued to rain almost daily. Another option is to contact CSU about staying at the research housing where I work (CPER). You could volunteer for me on light duty nest checks and I'll show you where the longspurs are.

-Amber Carver
Littleton, CO

[Thea Sinclair]

That sounds like a possibility. How do I contact CSU and/or CPER?

[Cheri Phillips]

North Sterling State Park and Jackson Lake State Park are not too far from Pawnee National Grasslands though not nearly as close as Crow Valley. They do tend to fill up but may have few spots left if you aren't too picky about full services.

Cheri Phillips
Centennial, CO