The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will waive all day use fees from Aug. 1-9, 2009 at its more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation sites nationwide including Arkansas. 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. To find the nearest Corps of Engineers recreation site, please visit
