The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces it will waive the day-use fees typically charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 26.
The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies and partners that manage recreation areas located on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to comply with this waiver of day-use fees in the areas they operate.
This year, approximately 7,900 volunteers are expected to support National Public Lands Day (NPLD) at 372 work sites spread across the 56 participating USACE projects nationwide. National Public Lands Day is the largest annual volunteer hands-on restoration activity of its kind and is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation.
Last year, 4,383 volunteers served 24,499 hours on USACE-managed lands, removing 94,297 pounds of trash, cleaning 2,225 miles of roadways and shoreline, maintaining 22 miles of trails, planting 190 trees and shrubs, and engaging 243 partner organizations.
Volunteers participating in one of USACE’s NPLD in-person activities will receive a fee-free coupon if the volunteer site participates in the coupon program. Participants should check with their local USACE project for more information. The fee-free coupon is valid for one year from the date of issuance and can be used to waive one entrance or day-use fee at any participating federal agency’s park, forest or recreation area.
This year’s NPLD theme, “Caring for Our Shared America,” is “an inspiring call to action as we observe America’s 250th anniversary,” according to NEEF. The theme recognizes that caring for public lands strengthens not only the landscape itself, but also the bonds among participants as stewards of a shared American story passed down through generations and carried forward into the future.
USACE manages more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states, with 90 percent within 50 miles of metropolitan areas. The Pittsburgh District of the USACE covers Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties and parts of western Pennsylvania. For more information on National Public Lands Day, visit here or call your local USACE lake or river project office at 412-395-7500. To organize an event, see here.
About: The Pittsburgh District covers 26,000 square miles, including parts of western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Maryland and southwestern New York. It manages over 328 miles of navigable waterways, 22 navigation locks and dams, 16 multi-purpose flood-control reservoirs, and over 80 local flood-protection projects, working to protect and enhance the nation’s water resources infrastructure and environment. Follow the Pittsburgh District on Facebook, Instagram and DVIDS.
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