Corps of Engineers to waive recreation fees Aug. 1-9, 2009

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it will waive all day use fees from Aug. 1-9, 2009 at its more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation sites nationwide. This will include Corps-operated sites at Lakes Thurmond and Hartwell in the upper Savannah River Basin. The waiver applies to day use fees collected at boat launches and swimming beach facilities. Fees for camping and camping related services and specialized facilities or special events will not be waived. “The Corps encourages Americans of all ages to take part in outdoor recreation. Our hope is to encourage increased use during this traditionally low use period, which will help individuals and local communities economically,” said Steve Stockton, the Corps’ Director of Civil Works.

State and local agencies and private partners who manage recreation facilities on Corps lands are encouraged but not required to comply with the fee waiver. The Corps is the nation’s largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting more than 350 million visitors per year at more than 400 lakes and river projects. Many of these sites are located close to major metropolitan areas and provide 4,500 miles of trails, 90,000 campsites, and 33 percent of all U.S. freshwater fishing.  

The J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Project at Clarks Hill is located north of Augusta, Ga., on the Savannah River.  Call 800-533-3478 for information on Thurmond Lake.  The Hartwell Dam and Lake Project is near Anderson, S.C., where the Seneca and Tugaloo Rivers join to form the Savannah.  Call 888-893-0678 for information on Hartwell Lake.  To find other Corps of Engineers recreation sites, please visit http://www.CorpsLakes.us.