ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,200 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27. On this day, fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches will be waived.
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.
In addition, volunteers who participate in one of USACE’s National Public Lands Day activities will be issued a fee-free coupon if the volunteer site is participating in the coupon program. Volunteers should check with their local USACE project for more information. The fee-free coupon is valid for one year from date of issue and may be used for one day of entrance or day use fees at any participating federal agency’s park, forest or recreation area that charges either of these types of fees. For more information on the fee-free day and coupons visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/highlights/fee-free-day-and-coupons.
Thousands of local volunteers are expected to support the more than 233 USACE sites participating in this year’s 21st annual National Public Lands Day, the largest annual volunteer hands-on restoration activity of its kind. In 2013, more than 16,000 volunteers worked to clean 1,651 miles of shoreline, maintain 135 miles of trails, and plant some 835 trees and shrubs at USACE-operated sites.
USACE has been involved with National Public Lands Day since its inception in 1994 and has consistently been one of the event’s largest providers of sites and volunteers. As the nation’s leading federal provider of water-based recreation, USACE manages 404 lake and river projects in 43 states. With 90 percent of these projects located within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, USACE sites provide a wide range of safe, affordable, outdoor recreation opportunities close to home.
For more information on National Public Lands Day visit http://www.publiclandsday.org
For more information on Albuquerque District recreation opportunities visit: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation.aspx
National Public Lands Day events in the Albuquerque District:
Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico:
Volunteers will assist with trail maintenance, shoreline and river cleanup, native landscaping, and completing the construction of an information kiosk.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Point of Contact: John Mueller, 505.685.4371
Website: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/AbiquiuLake.aspx
Additional Information: Meet at the Cerrito Boat Ramp parking lot. Volunteers will be allowed to enjoy both day use facilities and camping at no cost. (This is the only Albuquerque District site offering free camping to NPLD volunteers.) The site will be broadcasting the event with a DJ from KDCE Radio and hosting an environmental education fair with the Wildlife Center of Espanola. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided.
Cochiti Lake, New Mexico:
Volunteers will assist with trail construction and maintenance When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Point of Contact: Nicholas Parks, 505.465.0307
Website: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/CochitiLake.aspx
Conchas Lake, New Mexico:
Volunteers will assist cleaning weeds around rip rap and painting parking stripes in parking lot. The Albuquerque District is also partnering with N.M. State Parks for shoreline cleanup. The shoreline to be cleaned up includes N.M. State Parks campgrounds and shoreline, and all shorelines and parking areas in the Southside Recreation Area. When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Point of Contact: Michael Vollmer, 575.868.2221
Website: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/ConchasLake.aspx
Additional Information: Drinks and Barbeque will be provided. Please bring sunblock, water, hat, gloves and snacks.
John Martin Reservoir, Colorado:
Volunteers will assist with critical habitat work on the south and north shores of the reservoir for the endangered species that nest here each year.
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Point of Contact: Chris Langstaff, 719.336.3476
Website: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/JohnMartinReservoir.aspx
Additional Information: Volunteers - Please register at the Picnic Shelter, located next to the Corps Office. Please bring protective clothing; gloves; sunscreen; and any hand tools that would benefit your efforts. Also, please bring your own water and snacks.
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