Approximately 400 acres of water form lakes varying in size from 0.1 acres to 24 acres. Colleen Callahan, Director| We had a backhoe repossessed we had leased, Hill said. Site-specific rules and regulations can vary from one unit to another. Vegetation sought by the deer for food consists of areas farmed by tenant farming, site staff and from natural moist-soil production. The largest state park in Illinois at over 19,000 acres, Pyramid State Recreation Area (the correct name) has it all - fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, dog field trials, and wildlife spotting. Pyramid Lake, located in the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests, is a reservoir formed by Pyramid Dam on Piru Creek, near Castaic, California. regardless of race, sex, national origin, disability, Additional public hunting is available in areas around the lake owned by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Not long after the crossing, there is a side trail to the left that is just a view down the power line cut. Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. Large gravel parking lot that often fills on weekends. Although Illinois Department of Natural Resources harvest reports (which can be accessed on the department website) do not reflect the size of harvested deer, they do show the number of deer harvested in either the archery or firearms seasons in each of the past five or so years. Fun fact: A glacial erratic is a rock transported by ice that differs from the type of rock native to the area. by age 3. . Some require special permits. Randolph County Campground. About 7 miles west of Pyramid State Park turn south into the Denmark Section. Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season. Muskie have been collected during trap net surveys up to 45 inches in length. BLUE DOT ends]. 5. The majority of the area was previously strip mined for a shallow vein of coal. As might be expected, the success rate on the different properties varies. They still require all hunters observe all state laws governing deer hunting. The field trial area now contains a barn with 32 stables, a building with meeting rooms and a kitchen and a campground with electrical hook-ups. | In addition, 150 adult Smallmouth Bass were also stocked during May of 2022, generally ranging in size from 1 to 4 lbs. The Pyramid State Park is located at the latitude and longitude coordinates of 38.0181067 and -89.4145342 at an elevation of 137 feet. The 19,701-acre site contains more than 500 acres of water, including the 276-acre Summer Lake. Hunters are advised that "windshield cards" are requiredto hunt all species which are available from the IDNR homepage -. For more information on these opportunities consult the 2017 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations or online from the various county forest preserve districts. The windshield card number must be displayed on the tree stand. But, a bigger, better Pyramid State Park emerged on the other side of those dark times. Harvest success throughout the refuge tends to be quite high. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. The visitor center and refuge office are located in Marion. Click to reveal Rend Lake. Enjoy a wide range of geological and ecological experiences at the spectacular natural area known as Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. IDNR Crappie have been difficult to collect in numbers at Super Lake. IDNR employees had to walk 100 yards through rough terrain, carrying five-gallon buckets of muskie fingerlings to the waters edge. Crawford County State Fish and Wildlife Area. About 6 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn north onto Panda Bear Road. Retrace BLUE (Mennen) back downhill to the parking lot. A little farther south in Shelby and Moultrie counties is Lake Shelbyville near the town of Sullivan, Ill. Amazingly,much of the improvements were made when the state enduredone of the worst financial times in its history. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Contact Information: Pyramid State Park: 618-357-2574IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Nick Abell618-967-0952, IDNR They are: Pyramid State Park (3,181 acres), Captain Unit (6,105 acres), Denmark Unit (4,385 acres), East Conant Unit (2,824 acres) and Galum Unit (2,520 acres). Pyramid State Park consists of five separate management units. The land and water portion of the Super Lake refuge will be closed to all access from Oct 29 through Feb 28. What had been a small park catering to hiking, horseback riding and fishing, became the largest state park in Illinois when the state accepted thousands of acres from Arch Minerals Company in 2001. This map source includes coverage for all 294 public hunting areas in Illinois and is based on the official boundaries published by the Illinois Dept. 2,444 Sq. Statewide regulations thereafter. Pyramid State Park consists of five separate management units. To create longer loops, add in an out-and-back on PINK DOT or cross the road from the parking lot and also hike Turkey Mountain. maximum limit. Features quick-change barrel system. Those pesky power lines and towers dominate the view but the overlooks are still nice. Like much of Southern Illinois, the region lay atop Pennsylvanian deposits of coal. Pyramid State Park is a park in Illinois. Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. Fishermen and Fisherwomen should also submit a comment or report on Pyramid State Park to help out their fellow anglers. Hunters in search of public land on which to hunt should pay attention to a variety of factors. Get yours submitted today! Browning's Rafę Nielsen shares details on the new X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan hunting rifle with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Fishing and boating are allowed on lakes with a 10 h.p. To some, it seems a waste of time hunting public land. The largest White Bass weighed 2.7 lbs. This area is: all land west of the western haul road and all land east of the eastern haul road to the shore of the super lake to south haul road. The primary coordinates for Pyramid State Park places it within the IL 62274 ZIP Code delivery area.. Maps, Driving Directions & Local Area Information Applicants can use the District's online application system at www.mccdistrict.org to begin the process of getting access to county regulated hunting areas. The topological map of Pyramid State Park is drawn on and part of the United States Geological Service (USGS) area map of Pinckneyville. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. At 300 acres, Super Lake is the largest lake on the Arch Portion of Pyramid State Park. Randolph County State Recreation Area in Chester. 1.9 Turn LEFT and start following ORANGE. Pyramid State Park. This applies to all deer hunting (firearm, muzzleloader,and archery). The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. SOLD FEB 15, 2023. [1], Pyramid State Recreation Area is almost entirely made up of land that was strip mined for coal. 2.7 Turn LEFT at a trail kiosk and visitor center sign to continue following ORANGE across a small footbridge. In winter deer seek out both of these food sources. About 3,693 acres of its 9,300 acres are huntable. [ORANGE starts to the left near a sign for bear rock and will be the return route]. It is located within Perry C . Your IP: Trail of Tears State Park. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. Body gripping traps with a 10-inch jaw spread or larger must be submerged. 0.5 Continue following BLUE (Mennen). The state property consists of 7,690 acres of huntable land out of the total 12,690 total acreage. Employment Opportunity Officer, IDNR, One Natural The data you provide allows us to make better decisions and set regulations on the sites where you hunt. However, some past surveys have yielded numbers of crappie exceeding 10 inches and crappie over 15 inches have been collected. Of the 27 crappie collected, 41% were at least 10 inches in length. The survey was conducted at night due to the deep, steep-sided nature of the lake, which can limit the efficiency of electrofishing during daylight hours. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. A fall netting survey (trap nets and gill nets) was also conducted and indicated the lake harbors a good Crappie fishery and a small number of quality-size White Bass. 2022 Hunting Season Updates: Hunters will need to pick up their harvest cards at the unit they wish to hunt. A list of stakes for the unit will be provided each day in the harvest box. Hunters will be asked to mark the stake they have chosen so other hunters will know the stake is taken for the day. The area has been designated as a Quality Deer Management Area. A total of 18 Largemouth Bass were collected during 20 minutes of electrofishing. Woman reported missing 31 years ago and declared dead has been found alive in Puerto Rico, Outdoors | Photos: Quality wildlife photos require many elements, Outdoors Column | Les Winkeler: Reminiscing on my first catch, Outdoors | Waterfowl hunting was underwhelming in Southern Illinois this season, Outdoors | Little Grassy Lake dam under maintenance for foreseeable future. The Pyramid State Park is located in Perry County in the State of Illinois. Ive always been an outdoorsmen, I love to hunt and fish. Approximately 400 acres of water form lakes varying in size from 0.1 acres to 24 acres. There are a high number of oak trees combined with agricultural areas containing corn. The mean relative weight of all Largemouth Bass in the sample was excellent at 104. The avian advocates note the state park's service as a territory for wetland birds such as the sandhill crane, trumpeter swan, and owls such as the barn owl and the short-eared owl.[2][3]. Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed. Rentals Property Types All RBO Homes . Please subscribe to keep reading. There was no extra improvements you wanted to do. Pyramid State Recreation Area is located in Perry County in southwestern Illinois. Former superintendent of Pyramid Park Cha Hill. Hornady's Seth Swerczek goes in depth about the new cartridge with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Now it's time to hit the woods and fields at one of the locations noted above or another productive hunting land near you. Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. The largest state park in Illinois at over 19,000 acres, Pyramid State Recreation Area (the correct name) has it all - fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, dog f. More Reviewed on /Date(1560678627000+0800)/ Visitation at the park varies from year to year, but is in the 200,000 range. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Pinckneyville woman's estate includes $720,000 for Rend Lake College, Boys Basketball | Webber edges past Gallatin County in Class 1A sectional semifinal, Boys Basketball | Pinckneyville gets sectional semifinal win over Massac County, Boys Basketball | Gatewood delivers for Meridian in sectional semifinal win over Wayne City, Girls Basketball | Christopher advances to state title game with win over Champaign St. Thomas More, Girls Basketball | Hargrove leads Christopher past Neoga for Super-Sectional title, Girls Basketball | Amiah Hargrove leads the way in votes as Southern Illinois is well represented in All-State honors, Workhappy Spotlight | Carbondale native relishing her stint as an Oscar Mayer Hotdogger, Suspect in custody following airsoft pellet incident outside Marion Junior High School, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years, Boys Basketball | Carterville falls to Breese Central in Class 2A sectional semifinal. Randolph County State Recreation Area. Nearby homes similar to 209 Massive Rd have recently sold between $520K to $1M at an average of $310 per square foot. [BLUE (Mennen) also goes to the right]. Squirrel hunting season dates shall be the day after Labor Day through the end of statewide season. The new Frontier, available in 8x42 and 10x42, has all the range-finding capabilities a hunter needs. [1], The Pyramid State Recreation Area has been listed by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area of Illinois, because of the extensive grasslands located within the state park and the parcel's vulnerability to infestation from exotic species. County permits are required during the muzzleloader only season. Available Game Species: Deer,Dove, Woodcock, Turkey,Rabbit, Furbearers, Squirrel,Quail. Facilities at this 125-acre lake include a boat launch, floating docks, and bathrooms. Illinois DNR planners hope to increase the numbers of oak and hickory trees in the recreation area. Overview: BLUE (Mennen) BLUE DOT PURPLE BLUE DOT ORANGE BLUE (Mennen). 3.9 Now follow BLUE (Mennen) straight. Late Winter Antlerless Only not permitted. The state brochure 2017-18 Illinois Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations contains information on this and all available deer season hunts in the refuge. Non-toxic shot size number 6 or smaller must be used. They must submit their name, address and birthdate to the site office for a drawing by late August. 0.7 Scenic overlook sign. Archers took 187 deer on the federal land and 44 on the state property. Pyramid State Recreation Area (the United States), This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties, List of National Natural Landmarks in Illinois, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pyramid_State_Recreation_Area&oldid=1119274529, Protected areas of Perry County, Illinois, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Chiwaukee Illinois Beach Lake Plain (shared with Wisconsin), This page was last edited on 31 October 2022, at 16:29. 1562 Pyramid Park Rd, Pinckneyville, IL 62274, Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced the 2012 consumption advisories for sport fish caught in Illinois waters. Stretching from Cave-in-Rock on the Ohio River to Grand Tower on the Mississippi River, Shawnee National Forest includes parts of 10 southern Illinois counties.The counties involved include Jackson, Pope, Johnson, Union, Williamson, Harden, Saline, Gallatin, Massac and Alexander. It wasnt even all open to the public at that time, Hill said. Gun Creek Campground. See 156 Places to Stay near Pyramid State Park, IL | Quickly compare Pyramid State Park vacation rentals, hotels, cottages, cabins, chalets, and more. It is located within Perry County, and is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Illinois DNR). Legal fishing hours from November 1 through the last day of February are from one half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m. Of the bass collected, 28% were at least 15 inches in length, but none were over 18 inches. The bluegill population is poor. by age 2, and preferred size (15 in.) This post may contain affiliate links. Although considered a nuisance species in most waters, Yellow Bass are fine table fare and a great sport fish when growth rates are sufficient and fish over 10 inches are common. These tips and locations can help you tag a deer this season. Photo archive: Tripod Rock in JulyHiked 5/20/12. Blue Wing Lake appears to have a very good crappie population consisting of both Black and White Crappie. The corridor, which measures 9 meters (nearly 30 feet) by 2 meters (more than 6 feet), is perched above the famous structure's main entrance and was detected using a scan, authorities said. Trap nets and gill nets are still utilized to collected data on species frequently underrepresented during electrofishing surveys. Pyramid State Park, Perry County, Illinois. Waterfowl hunters may not hunt on main lakes other than staked locations. Rocky, somewhat steep uphill to overlook and a slightly difficult rocky descent past Whale Head Rock. Dave Phillips and Bob Shaw were . Piney Creek Ravine, IL. Pyramid State Park consists of heavily forested hills interspersed with numerous lakes and ponds. The open area is 23,000 acres and is open to the public for hunting in compliance with state hunting regulations. The rifle has five caliber offerings, two barrel choices and three different riser stocks. Cross a power line cut, with a large electrical tower. specific permit which is available through the statewide lottery. Muskies have been PIT tagged prior to stocking since 2018 to gather data on growth rate and maximum age. Largemouth bass: 5 fish under 14 and fish 1 over 18 limit, 1418 inch protected slot (no possession) All live bait in excess of 8" must be rigged with a quick set rig. After duck season is closed, hunters may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag. As Illinois' largest state park, Pyramid State Park also provides a large amount of huntable public hunting. Privacy, lL State Management Plan Aquatic Nuisance Species. Boulder Lake is one of many lakes in the park. The National Wild Turkey Federation's mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve hunting heritage is still going strong after a half-century. The influence of riverine fishes coming in from Pipestone Creek may have a direct negative effect on the bass population in this lake. Remainder of change log at page bottom. For further information, contact: Pyramid State Park - 1562 Pyramid Park Road, Pinckneyville, IL 62274 (618) 357-2574. The bugs were terrible. 29. There is extensive fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, and limited fishing for smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, and walleye. Pyramid State . It is available online. [Source: Park website.]. From State Route 127, head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. Otolith length-at-age data was collected from all 50 Largemouth Bass in the sample. Firearm deer hunting is by permit issued through the permit Lottery System. This combination is home to a sizable deer herd. Pyramid is south of Pinkneyville in Perry County. The nearest large town is Pinckneyville, Illinois. Dolan Lake is . Open for youth deer firearm season. Individuals ranged in length from 14 to 17 inches. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, IL. Once ORANGE levels off, watch for the trail markers, as the trail is all rocks and is not always an obvious footpath. One of the larger public land units available in the central part of the state is the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County. Here's What You Need to Know, Backyard Ready: Grilling the Perfect Steak, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection, Classic Marlin: 336 and 1894 Lever-Action Hunting Rifles, NWTF's Passion for Wild Turkey Conservation Still Burns After 50 Years, First Look: Leupold's BX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binos, Browning's Max Point, Silver Series Rifle Ammunition, New Hunting Ammo from Remington: 360 Buckhammer, New from Browning: X-Bolt Pro LR McMillan, Hornady's Hot New 7mm PRC Cartridge: SHOT 2023, Hawke Optics' Frontier LRF Laser Range Finding Binoculars, New from LaRue Tactical: Siete Chassis Rifle. There are 24 separate lakes and bodies of water. Trail Blog: Whale Head, Bear Rock, KincaidHiked: 5/10/09. The 2021 spring nocturnal electrofishing survey was the first conducted on Blue Wing Lake. Take note there is the rule requiring archery deer hunters harvest an antlerless deer on the refuge before they can take an antlered deer. This is one of the sites where a free windshield card is mandatory. Outdoors | Former superintendent of Pyramid Park Cha Hill made mark on site over years of service. In general there are some 6,200 acres of huntable land. Site-specific regulations for this and most Illinois public hunting areas are available on the IDNR website. [BLUE (Mennen) leaves to the right and loops back to the parking lot.]. But that's "little" as in past tense. A daily lottery will be conducted for staked waterfowl locations during duck season only at the Denmark multi-purpose buildingbeginning at 4:30 am in Nov, 5 am in Dec, and 5:30 am in Jan. Continue following BLUE DOT after Tripod Rock. Additional Lake Information: Note: There is no motor HP limit, but all boats must be operated at no wake speed. Therefore, an electrofishing survey was conducted during April of 2021. From State Route 127 head west on Pyatt-Cutler Road. The length distribution of Largemouth Bass in the 2022 sample is indicative of a quality bass population, containing an ample number of individuals over 15 inches. Dave Phillips and Bob Shaw were his predecessors. By Joe Rehana. Pyramid State Park Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest state recreation area in Illinois, contains 19,701 acres and 48 camping sites. The refuge contains some 44,000 acres. The topological map of Pyramid State Park is drawn on and part of the United States Geological Service (USGS) area map of Pinckneyville. Colleen Callahan, Director| Routes can be found in Hiking New Jersey, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: New York City, Hiking the Jersey Highlands,Hike of the Week and 50 Hikes in New Jersey. [2], In 1959, the Pyramid Coal Company ceased mining operations, and 924 acres (374ha) of former coal-mining property soon entered state hands, being owned and used by Southern Illinois University for research into the rehabilitation of strip-mined coal properties. At SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Mean body condition was relatively poor. Statewide regulations apply, unless otherwise specified. Shorter: To create a short-but-sweet 3-mile loop, follow the directions below to Tripod Rock, then . Facilities at this 46-acre lake include a concrete boat launch, floating dock and bathroom facilities. An initial year class of over 28,000 Smallmouth Bass fingerlings was stocked during June of 2021, but none were captured during the 2022 bass survey. BLUE (Mennen) also goes left this intersection is from early on in the hike.]. . Contact Us County permits required during the muzzleloader only season. Subscriber Services. History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Thanks to upgraded equipment, electrofishing is now an effective sampling tool for this lake. Hunters must participate in a daily lottery at 11 am at the Denmark multi-purpose buildingSept 1-5 to hunt over sunflower or wheat fields. A 10-horsepower boating limit is enforced throughout the park. Several anglers have reported catches of stocked adults. A daily lottery will be conducted for staked waterfowl locations during duck season only at the Denmark multi-purpose buildingbeginning at 4:30 am in Nov,5 am in Dec,and 5:30 am in Jan. Waterfowl hunters not participating in the daily lottery may not access Pyramid State Park property until 4:30 am in Nov, 5 am in Dec, and 5:30 am in Jan. After duck season is closed, hunters may not possess more than 5 shot shells for every Canada goose allowed in the daily bag. We had to haul water from the shop out there and pump it in containers. Facilities at this 46-acre lake include a concrete boat launch, floating dock and . Park hunting rules grant certain enumerated preferences to deer bowhunters. [2] Much of the former strip-mined land has been replanted with trees, with tolerant, early succession trees such as cottonwood, box elder, and sycamore predominating. Permit winners must have a Cass County Youth Firearms Deer permit. Anglers reported frequent catches of stocked adults for several months following stocking. Be sure to check the deadlines for submitting paperwork. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pyramid State Recreation Area. Furbearer trapping isallowed with aspecial permit from site. . About 6 miles west of Pyramid State Park, turn north onto Panda Bear Road. 1.2 Turn LEFT to now follow PURPLE to Lucys Overlook. The land and water portion of the Denmark refuge will be closed to all access from Oct 29 through Feb 28. Parks and preserves in Northwest New Jersey Skylands: The story of one of the Northwestern New Jersey's largest and more improbable natural treasures, a fist shaped swath of land designated in 1987 as the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, nearly 1,500 acres of wooded terrain dotted with brooks, swamps, glacial deposits, rock outcroppings glens and vistas. 468i) Sec. 2 pole and line fishing only and bowfishing is allowed. 1.4 Continue on BLUE DOT straight. Shooting hours are legal opening to 1 pm. Last year 26 hunters participated on probably the coldest day of the fall. Pyramid State Park is covered by the Pinckneyville, IL US Topo Map quadrant. Hardwoods and pines grow in the reclaimed land along with small food plots. Bluegill or redear sunfish: 25 fish daily limit They did manage to take six deer. Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. Waterfowl hunters may not hunt on main lakes other than staked locations. 23 to High Point State Park and stop in the Office for a map. 33. We were on a bare bones budget. The trail is only like this in the beginning and soon becomes a normal rocky hiking trail. Firearms hunters harvested 156 deer from the open area and 151 from the special permit area. This includes archery, muzzleloader and firearm hunters. Randolph County State Recreation Area. Give a Gift The following described areas are designated State Fish and Wildlife Areas (SFWAs) and sites are designated as such by their purpose to reserve land and water areas for production and conservation of fish or wildlife and to provide hunting, fishing, trapping, observation, and other forms of compatible recreational use. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Muskie have been stocked annually since 2008 and fish up to 45" have been collected during surveys. The harvest total for the entire forest land is archery 866 and 1,835 gun. Unsuccessful lottery participants and other hunters not participating in the lottery drawing may only hunt in designated areas during Sept 1-5. The name derives from a coal mine that once existed here. Location: Pyramid State Park is located south of Pinckneyville in Perry County. Washington County State Park, IL. I FISH ILLINOIS.ORG| Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2908a86c052f75 Take the blue trail and cross a rushing stream on a boardwalk, surrounded by a wild wetland garden. The Corps office mentioned above should have information available for those interested in participation. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Illinois Caverns in Waterloo. It was tough.. Hill said stocking Goldeneye Lake with muskie was a memorable event. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. You can cancel at any time. Autumn olive bushes cover a hillside bordering a Pyramid State Park Lake. A Free Upland Game Permit issued by statewide lottery is required. Fall Firearm Turkey hunting not permitted. When back at BLUE DOT, turn LEFT to continue on BLUE DOT. The 3,200-acre park got a boost in size in December when Gov.
