Come Labor Day, Osage Nation Will Run Wah-Sha-She State Park

NewsOn6.com

PAWHUSKA, Oklahoma -- The Osage Nation announced Tuesday that it will be assuming control of the Wah-Sha-She State Park in northeastern Osage County.

The Wah-Sha-She State Park was one of seven Oklahoma state parks forced to close in March due to budget cuts, prompting the Osage Nation to conduct a feasibility assessment and explore the opportunity of assuming control of the park.

5/2/2011 Related Story: Osage Nation Considers Taking Over Wah-Sha-She State Park

Osage Nation Principal Chief John Red Eagle says this was an important decision for the tribe.

"The Osage people have made it clear that one of their priorities is to expand and improve water recreation on the reservation, including swimming, boating, camping and fishing," Red Eagle said. "This one step enables the Osage Nation to begin realizing that goal."

In a news release, Red Eagle stated that this falls in line with his desire to be a good partner with the Nation's neighbors; in this case the State of Oklahoma, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to those who count on the park's existence.

"Being a good neighbor, whether it is with the State of Oklahoma or nearby local and county governments, was a priority of mine when I took office last year," Red Eagle said. "This is just one example of how I plan to deliver on that promise."

The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department will transfer control of the park to the Osage Nation after Labor Day.

The Wah-Sha-She State Park is located on Lake Hulah.