ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.
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 manage.
Thousands of volunteers are expected to support the more than 70 USACE projects participating in this year’s National Public Lands Day, the largest annual volunteer hands-on restoration activity of its kind. Volunteers at USACE sites will take part in tree planting, erosion control, bank stabilization, building trails, restoring recreation areas, trash pickup, removing invasive species and non-native plants, improving wildlife habitats, harvesting prairie plant seeds, and rehabilitating playgrounds.
Last year, more than 7,500 volunteers served 34,000 hours on USACE-managed lands, removing 51,000 pounds of trash, cleaning 1,100 miles of roadways and shoreline, improving 320 acres of habitat, and engaging 218 partner organizations.
"One of our key missions is the stewardship of public lands," said USACE-Albuquerque District Commander Lt. Col. Larry Caswell. "This year the theme for National Public Lands Day is ‘Connecting to Nature through Service’ and we look forward to the opportunity to connect with so many great volunteers as we work together to improve our conservation efforts and enhance the recreational resources available at our lakes. I want to encourage everyone to join us at one of our five lakes hosting an event on Saturday, Sept. 28!"
National Public Lands Day events in the Albuquerque District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Santa Rosa Lake, New Mexico:
Come join us as we clean up the shoreline and roadsides at the lake.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Additional Information: Volunteers meet at the Juniper Park Group Shelter. Please bring safety glasses, a hat or cap, gloves, and sunscreen. Lunch will be provided immediately following cleanup. Water will be provided for all volunteers throughout the morning.
For more information, visit: https://www.neefusa.org/npld/juniper-park-boat-ramp-recreation-areas-along-highway-91-joe-louie-page-road-roadside-clean or contact the project office at 575-472-3115.
Santa Rosa Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Santa-Rosa-Lake/
Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico: Volunteers will assist our lake staff with shoreline cleanup, building a new playground, and creating pollinator gardens. As part of the festivities the New Mexico Wild Life Center will be giving a live animal presentation Friday night, Sept. 27, at 6:30 pm in the campground. Additionally, volunteers will be treated to a free night of camping. To make reservations, volunteers should call 505-685-4371.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Additional Information: Volunteers meet at the Cerrito Recreation Area. For more information, or details on how you or your organization can help, call the Abiquiu Lake Project Office at 505-685-4371.
Abiquiu Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Abiquiu-Lake/
Follow Abiquiu Lake on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbiquiuLakeUSACE/
Cochiti Lake, New Mexico:
Join our Cochiti Lake Rangers and fellow volunteers as we attempt to create more shade for our visitors and create better habitat for our wildlife. We will be planting cottonwood and coyote willow trees along our shoreline near the boat ramp and swim beach area.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Additional Information: For more information, contact Park Ranger Juan Sanchez at the project office, 505-465- 0307 or visit: https://www.neefusa.org/npld/cochiti-lake/national-public-lands-day-cochiti-lake
Cochiti Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Conchas-Lake/
Follow Cochiti Lake on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USACE.Cochiti.Lake/
Conchas Lake, New Mexico:
Join us to help clean up the shoreline and campgrounds. There will be a small cookout for the volunteers afterward.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Additional Information: Registration is at the Ranger Station. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. We’ll provide water to refill your bottles, gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and trash grabbers. For more information, contact the project office at 575-868-2221.
Note on evening event: After the morning and lunch events, our park rangers will be setting up and participating in the Fired-up program in nearby Tucumcari, N.M. For more information, visit: https://tucumcarimainstreet.wildapricot.org/Fired-Up-2019
Conchas Lake website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Conchas-Lake/
Follow Conchas Lake on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConchasLake/
John Martin Reservoir, Colorado:
Volunteers will assist our John Martin staff in installing a disc golf course. The project is to install sign posts and sleeves around the course. The holes will be prepared ahead of time, but we'll need people to mix and shovel the concrete.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Additional Information: Gloves, boots, and pants are recommended. Check-in will be at the John Martin USACE shelter. For more information, contact the project office at 719-336-3476.
John Martin Reservoir website: https://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/John-Martin-Reservoir/
Follow John Martin Reservoir on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnMartinReservoirUSACE/
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