U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Closing Local Recreation Areas

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is preparing for the closure of USACE-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Tuesday, October 1, if the potential shutdown of the federal government for lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation goes into effect. 

Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted. Some USACE-operated campgrounds and day-use parks may remain open during the shutdown if visitor service requirements can be met and the public’s safety can be assured.Visitors are encouraged to contact their local park office or USACE district office for information, or look for additional information on their local district’s website.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers understands the impacts that these actions will have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas," said James R. Hannon, USACE Chief of Operations in Washington, D.C. "We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use USACE recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible once the government shutdown is lifted."

In the event of a shutdown, campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. the following day. These campers may elect to leave their campsite reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Campers will receive a refund for any unused portion of their reservations.

Customers scheduled to arrive while the potential shutdown is in effect may cancel their reservations for a full refund. These customers may also elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted and request a refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).The reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after a customer’s scheduled departure date during the shutdown period if the park is closed and the customer chooses to do nothing.

USACE will post current information on the closure and reopening of facilities at www.usace.army.mil and locally on the Kansas City District’s website at www.nwk.usace.army.mil.