CANYON LAKE, Texas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Canyon Lake will temporarily close recreation areas on weekends at Canyon Lake due to safety and environmental impact concerns. The Guadalupe Trail parking lot will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays. The parking lot that provides access to the ADA fishing pier will remain open.
"In recent weeks, large crowds have been gathering in and around Overlook Park and the Guadalupe Trail. The size of the crowds have caused concern for public safety and negative impacts to the environment," said Javier Pérez Canyon Lake manager. "In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, USACE urged customers to follow social distancing and other CDC guidelines as parks were reopened in May. The recent crowds at Overlook Park and the Guadalupe Trail have not been in compliance with those COVID-19 CDC guidelines."
The large crowds have impacted the land and natural resources on public and private property. Large amounts of garbage and other debris have been left behind by these crowds and vegetation has been damaged due to the number of vehicles being operated and parked off of roads and designated parking lots. The Stilling Basin fence located at the Guadalupe parking lot has been vandalized several times recently.
Additional closures may be necessary to ensure the safety and health of the recreating public and to protect the natural resources.
Canyon Lake staff members ask all visitors to practice leave-no-trace, use designated trash receptacles and always wear a life jacket while boating or anytime you are in or near the water.
Visitors should follow CDC’s guidelines regarding social distancing and remain diligent. Do not visit parks and recreation areas if you are sick or have any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
Additional information is available by calling the Canyon Lake Office at 830-964-3341.
Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and social media at: https://about.me/usacefortworth.
Release no. 20-037