The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,200 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11. The fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service. The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. The Corps does not charge an entrance fee to access its parks. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on Corps lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage. “We first began the Veterans Day fee waiver in 2006 as a way to honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces,” said James R. Hannon, the Corps’ Chief of Operations in Washington, D.C. “We invite veterans, active and reserve service members, and their families this Veterans Day to launch a boat, swim at one of our beaches, or just spend some time together enjoying the outdoors free of charge,” added Hannon. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation hosting more than 370 million visits annually to its 404 lakes and river projects. It’s estimated that 90 percent of the Corps-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home. To discover a Corps recreation site nearest you, please visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm.
