More people took advantage of Manitoba's provincial park system this year compared to 2014. That from Conservation Minister Tom Nevakshonoff who explains campsite reservations are up 9.4 per cent from 2014, translating to an increase of about six thousand. He adds campsite occupancy was also up about 1.2 per cent, or 21,500, camper nights from last year. "That sounds like an improvement me."

When asked his thoughts on why these figures are up, the Minister said millions of dollars in government investments may have played a role. "Through our hundred million dollar commitment over an eight year period we've enhanced parks such as Bird Hill." Nevakshonoff explains the lake at that park was made bigger. "That's the most heavily used park in the province."

He adds the increased use may also be an extension of the repairs done to several provincial parks following the devastating flood in 2011. "Spruce Woods park was one that was profoundly damaged. We put a lot of money into that and we've got a lot more scheduled."

Meantime, Nevakshonoff says Manitoba Conservation experimented with extended fall camping this year. Campgrounds in Manitoba typically close Labour Day weekend, mostly because the staff was made up of students heading back to school.

"(September and October) can be beautiful months, it's just sad that so many of our parks are closed."