Some U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cooperatively Managed Parks/Areas fees to increase

Published Feb. 2, 2012

Some U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cooperatively Managed Parks/Areas fees to increase

FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, and the Our Lands and Waters Foundation have been cooperatively managing USACE lakes and parks since 2007, and OLWF is announcing an important change in the 2012 Use Fee schedule. Affected cooperatively managed USACE Lakes and Parks:

Lewisville Lake - (469) 645-9100 - Westlake, Oakland, and Hickory Creek Parks

Benbrook Lake - (817) 292-2400 - Holiday (North & South), Mustang, Bear Creek, and Rocky Creek Parks

Lavon Lake - (972) 442-3141 - East Fork, Lavonia, Clear Lake, Avalon, Lakeland, and Tickey Creek Parks

Sam Rayburn Lake - (409) 384-5716 - Mill Creek, Twin Dikes, San Augustine, Rayburn, Ebenezer and Hanks Creek

The Our Lands and Waters Foundation is a non-profit foundation established to upgrade and enhance the aging facilities on the lakes managed by the USACE. They have also worked with local communities to secure partners for facility development across the lakes. By working together, the OLWF and the USACE have been able to provide additional public services such as water safety education, additional funding for operational and management activities, renovated park amenities, and enhanced stewardship and recreation opportunities.

This partnership was initiated in order to "stretch" the USACE' declining budgets and as a way to keep the USACE from having to close facilities or limit park utilization. As the downward trend of funding is expected to continue and accelerate, under the cooperative management agreement, the OLWF will not only continue to assist in operating the parks but also manage and pay for electrical and water usage within the parks; various services including cleaning, mowing, refuse pickup; and to assist in the minor maintenance of the recreation facilities within their leased premises. The USACE has retained its responsibilities for management, patrol, and regulation enforcement, and will continue (within available funding) to provide major maintenance, renovations, and rehabilitation of all cooperatively managed parks and recreation facilities for the benefit of present and future generations.

In order for the Our Lands and Waters Foundation to provide all of these public services, effective January 1, 2012, the OLWF "Use Fees" will be nominally increased in day use areas, campgrounds and group shelter facilities. All use fees collected by the OLWF are collected and expended by the OLWF for the support of the Cooperatively Managed Parks/Areas at each Lake. Actual prices vary by lake and/or region depending on the amenities provided. OLWF continues to honor all passes, including the Golden Age/Access and America the Beautiful Passes, and the USACE Annual Day Use Pass. For specific information, please see the modified fee structure at your favorite lake or park website:

OLWF: www.ourlandsandwaters.com – "Use Fees"- click on "Camping, Day, or Group" use fee

USACE: www.swf.usace.army.mil - "About Us" – "Lake Rec. Info" – "Use Fees" – "Camping, Day, Group Use Fees"

All existing reservations will not be affected. Customers may continue reserving facilities in these parks through the NRRS at www.Recreation.gov or by calling toll free (877) 444-6777. Hours of Operation and rules governing the use of the parks will not change at this time. Additional information on OLWF can be viewed at www.ourlandsandwaters.com, or by calling the OLWF at (972) 436-0176. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil.

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Contact
Clay Church
817-886-1314

Release no. 12-009