25 Jun 2013

Enjoy Your Holiday, Play It Safe and Return Home Alive

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, yet the number of deaths by drowning could be reduced drastically if everyone would wear a life jacket. Statistics show that 89 percent of those who drown at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket. Here are some safety tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

13 May 2013

Garrison Dam East Tailrace access road closure

The East Tailrace access road will be closed today, May 13, 2013 until the fall of 2013 for the construction of a new switchyard for the Garrison Dam Powerplant. The East Tailrace can be accessed using the Tailrace Boat Ramp Road and the upper parking lot. Detour signs will be set up to show the new access route. A new East Tailrace access road will be constructed in the future around the south side of the new switchyard.

13 May 2013

Big Bend's Left Tailrace Campground now open

The Left Tailrace Campground at the Big Bend Dam has reopened to the public. The campground had been closed since flooding in 2011 and extensive damage, which requiring repair work that began in mid 2012. Technical difficulties and inclement weather delayed contract completion but the campground reopened May 3. Some chip sealing work remains with partial closures expected while the work is completed.

7 May 2013

Interagency Military Pass waives fees at Corps recreation sites nationwide

America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Pass Program’s Interagency Annual Pass for Military continues to be accepted at more than 2,500 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed recreation areas nationwide. The Omaha District does not charge day use fees at any of its recreation areas. Special event, day group facility/picnic shelters and the use of the Oahe Visitor Center do not qualify for the Military Fee Waiver. Separately, the Corps continues to waive camping fees for active duty military members and their dependents on mid- or post-deployment leave from duty in a hostile fire zone to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other deployments to support Overseas Contingency Operations.

4 May 2013

Garrison Dam West Tailrace road closure

The Garrison Dam West Tailrace Road, which provides access to the Garrison Power Plant wing walls and west side of the tailrace area, will be closed May 20 through the fall of 2013. The closure is necessary to conduct a road reconstruction project consisting of milling, replacement of asphalt pavement, culverts, storm drains and guardrails.

3 May 2013

Powerhouse tours, camping and day use at Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea

A new schedule is available for Powerhouse tours, campground opening dates and camping fees for the 2013 recreation season. Walk-in Tours of the Powerhouse will take place Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They will be conducted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tours for large groups can be arranged by calling 701-654-7758. Day use fees will be waived at Lake Sakakawea for the 2013 season.

30 Apr 2013

Bass Pro Shops and Corps Partner together to educate water safety at Annual Go Outdoors Event

As part of a Water Safety Partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Park Rangers from Tri-Lakes Project near Denver, Colo., and Missouri River Project near Council Bluffs, Iowa, will be hosting “Wear it Right” and “Safe Passage” seminars. These free Summer Kickoff seminars and activities will be held May 18, 19, 26 and 27 as a part of Bass Pro Shops Annual Go Outdoors event.

24 Apr 2013

Big Bend's Left Tailrace Campground reopening delayed

The Left Tailrace Campground at the Big Bend Dam has remained closed since flooding in 2011. The flooding caused extensive damage requiring repairs that begin in mid 2012. The reopening is scheduled for early May however, technical difficulties and inclement weather have led to delays in contract completion. Prior to making travel arrangements, visitors should call the Big Bend Project Office or check online for campground status updates.

18 Apr 2013

Construction projects impact water-based facilities at some Gavins Point recreation areas

Due to an ongoing construction project, all recreation areas below Gavins Point Dam that are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be without water-based facilities until approximately Memorial Day weekend. While the parks will remain open, some facilities within the parks will be closed.

15 Apr 2013

Boaters, Anglers, and Hunters: Beware of Cold Water

With the ice now off most local area rivers and lakes boaters, anglers, and hunters need to take extra precautions when around water during this time of year. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation opportunities, cautions outdoor recreationists to protect themselves against cold water immersion and hypothermia.