DALLAS -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division announce a phased re-opening of USACE recreation areas that were closed due to COVID-19 in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
The decision to re-open is specific to each location and will be based largely on the safety of the staff and visitors. Visitors can find the latest opening information for each state at the websites below.
Arkansas- https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Campground-Closure-Detail/
Kansas- https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Park-and-Campground-Closures/
Missouri- https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Campground-Closure-Detail/
Oklahoma- https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Park-and-Campground-Closures/
Texas- https://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lake/lakefacilities.htm
https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Park-and-Campground-Closures/
“The health and well-being of our visitors, volunteers and employees remains our highest priority,” Brig. Gen. Paul E. Owen, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division, said. “We will open areas with the upmost adherence to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and state health officials.”
Social distancing and other restrictions required by local, state and federal authorities to include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be in place. Current guidance provided by the CDC can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/index.html. If these restrictions cannot be followed recreation areas could be forced to close again.
Campers will be able to make limited reservations as sites reopen. Campers must pre-print passes and proceed to campgrounds where possible. Campground reservations and fees must be made in advance at www.recreation.gov.
Visitors should also note:
- Many USACE sponsored events, tournaments, volunteer activities and public meetings remain cancelled until further notice.
- Visitor centers and lake offices remain closed to the public until further notice.
- Day use facilities, such as group shelters, are subject to evolving conditions and may not be available. Please call the local project for the latest information.
- Shoreline management activities including one-on-one contacts that requires USACE personnel to make a site visit or inspection may proceed consistent with force protection guidelines established by CDC, DOD, state and local direction.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the Fort Worth, Galveston, Little Rock and Tulsa District webpages for the latest information, or call the local lake office for current conditions before traveling to the lake.
The Southwestern Division is the second largest provider of recreational opportunities in the Army Corps of Engineers. Lake-specific recreation information can be found at the Fort Worth District webpage and www.swf.usace.army.mil; the Galveston District webpage at www.swg.usace.army.mil; the Little Rock District webpage at www.swl.usace.army.mil and the Tulsa District webpage at www.swt.usace.army.mil. A complete list of USACE recreation areas with contact information is available at www.CorpsLakes.us. One may also visit www.recreation.gov to determine the status of campgrounds that are on the reservation system. For the latest news, follow the Southwestern Division on Twitter @USACE_SWD.
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