30 Jun 2015

Be safe, know and follow the rules this upcoming holiday

With the upcoming holiday, rangers at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas across the Missouri Basin want to remind the public about a few rules and policies to help prevent fires, drowning, protect public safety and make for overall enjoyable recreation experiences during the holiday weekend and in the future.

6 May 2015

"Play it safe" at USACE Lakes

The warmer temperatures are bringing more visitors to recreation areas across the Omaha District. Park Rangers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are reminding visitors to have life jackets for everyone and please wear them. On average, 9 out of 10 people who drowned at a USACE lake or river project didn’t wear a life jacket. Life jackets save lives by keeping you afloat and providing time for rescue.

24 Apr 2015

Temporary Closure of East Tailrace Recreation Area at Garrison Dam

The road to the East Tailrace Recreation Area downstream of the Garrison Dam in Riverdale, N.D. will be closed on April 27 and April 28 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This closure is required to allow sedimentation removal from the downstream boat ramp. The road to the East Tailrace will be closed during this time. Shore fishing at the East Tailrace will not be permitted. Shore fishing will remain available at the West Tailrace. Signs will be in place to direct the public. Access to the East Tailrace will reopen once the work is completed.

12 Jan 2015

Winter ice access in ND comes with regulations and safety warnings

The 2014-2015 winter access policy for North Dakota including Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon is now available. Jeff Keller, Natural Resource Manager at Williston, said, "Any winter activity performed on the ice can be hazardous. The Corps does not encourage or recommend driving on the ice at any time. Thin ice or open water may exist anywhere along the river or across the lake, and pressure ridges occur throughout the winter."

6 Nov 2014

Garrison Dam West Tailrace Road reopens

The West Tailrace Road at the Garrison Dam near Riverdale, N.D., which provides access to the Garrison Power Plant wing walls and west side of the tailrace area, is now open for public use.

27 Aug 2014

Vegetation control to begin on Missouri River sandbars between Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe headwaters, N.D.

During September, the Omaha District will conduct vegetation management activities on sandbars in the Missouri River. Contractors will use a helicopter to spray sandbars with aquatic-approved herbicides to keep them clear of vegetation. This work is being done so that the sandbars can continue to be used by the endangered interior least tern and threatened piping plover for nesting. The sandbars being treated are on the Missouri River between the Garrison Dam and the Hazelton Boat Ramp on Lake Oahe (river miles 1381 to 1278). The Bismarck-Mandan river reach, river miles 1325 to 1310, and river miles 1364 and 1363 north of Washburn, N.D. will not be sprayed.

8 Aug 2014

Public comments sought on environmental assessment for a proposed seismic study to evaluate hydrocarbon reserves in N.D.

A draft environmental assessment for a proposed seismic study to evaluate hydrocarbon reserves in McKenzie and Williams Counties, N.D. is currently available for public review. The draft EA evaluates the environmental impacts of seismic exploration activities on federal and non-federal lands within the project area.

2 Jun 2014

N.D. landowners with flowage easements to receive letters on property use requirements

Many landowners with properties that are adjacent to Lake Sakakawea and along the Missouri and Little Muddy Rivers are being sent letters notifying them that their property falls under a flowage easement with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. The Corps has acquired numerous flowage easements in this area. If a property falls under a flowage easement, the land owner must obtain consent from the Corps prior to excavation, fill or construction on those lands.

23 May 2014

Boaters and swimmers reminded to wear life jackets

Before you head out for a day on or near the water, you're encourage to make sure you have life jackets for everyone and that they please wear them. On average, 9 out of 10 people who drowned at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake or river project didn’t wear a life jacket. Life jackets save lives by keeping you afloat and providing time for rescue.

21 May 2014

Piping plover arrive in North Dakota

Some areas around Lake Sakakawea where Piping Plovers typically nest are inaccessible during this year's nesting season. Park rangers and biologists from several agencies have observed many of the birds at area boat ramps. As the mountain snowpack begins to melt and the runoff arrives at Lake Sakakawea, rising lake elevations reduce the available nesting habitat near the lake and lead to birds nesting in marina parking lots and boat ramp areas. If you discover what appears to be a Plover nest along Lake Sakakawea, or have questions about Piping Plovers, please call the USACE office in Riverdale, N.D. at 701-654-7759.