WASHINGTON, D.C – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees for veterans, active, reserve and guard service members and their families at its recreation areas nationwide on November 11.

"Our intent is to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation in the armed services," Major General Don T. Riley, the Corps’ Director of Civil Works, said. "We chose this occasion to encourage our veterans and those on active duty to enjoy our parks and realize the benefits of outdoor recreation activities." On November 11, day use fees will be waived for veterans, active, reserve and guard service members and their families visiting Corps-managed recreation areas. This waiver includes boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. However, fees for camping and camping related services as well as fees for specialized facilities, such as picnic shelters, will not be waived.

The Corps is one of the largest providers of outdoor recreation, operating 2,625 recreation areas at 423 projects (mostly lakes) and leasing an additional 1,867 sites to state or local park and recreation authorities or private interests.

The Corps hosts about 371 million visits each year at its lakes, beaches and other areas, and estimates that 25 million Americans (one in ten) visit a Corps project at least once a year to recreate. Additional information about the Corps’ recreation program is available at http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm.