SAINT LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced it will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,800 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The fee waiver not only applies to the St. Louis District's five multi-purpose reservoirs Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, Lake Shelbyville, Wappapello Lake and Mark Twain Lake, but to all Corps of Engineers day-use areas nation-wide where visitors would normally be charged a fee.
The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches, but does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events.
Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.
"We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served the nation and the armed forces," said Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations.
"This Veterans Day we invite our veterans, active and reserve service members, and their families to visit one of the thousands of USACE recreation sites throughout the country and enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, free of day use charges."
USACE is one of the nation's federal leaders in providing outdoor and water-based recreation hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects.
It's estimated that 90 percent of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home.
With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and more than 416,000 acres of public lands and water, the St. Louis District hosts more than 17 million visitors annually at its five multi-purpose reservoirs and two river projects.
