Published: November 03, 2009 12:49 pm      

Corps of Engineers waives day-use fees for Veterans Day

NASHVILLE, TENN. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced it will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members and their families at the more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11.

"We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served the nation and the armed forces,” said Steve Stockton, director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "We encourage our veterans, active and reserve component personnel and their families to visit one of our many recreation areas and enjoy their favorite outdoor activities.”

The day-use fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service. This waiver covers boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees for specialized facilities, such as picnic shelters. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on Corps lands are encouraged, but not required to offer the Veterans Day waiver of fees in the areas that they manage.

The Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation and hosts more than 350million visits each year at its lakes, beaches and other areas. Corps lands and waters provide approximately 4,500 miles of trails, 3,400 boat launch ramps and 33 percent of all U.S. freshwater fishing. To discover the Corps recreation area near you, please visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm