WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the first day of summer approaches, recreation sites across the country managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) face reduced hours or full closures due to a U.S. Department of Defense hiring freeze. The freeze was signed on February 28 and restricts the Army Corps from hiring the seasonal staff needed to safely manage boat ramps, campgrounds, and swimming areas. The Army Corps has requested Secretary Driscoll use his waiver authority to allow seasonal hires. Without it, Army Corps recreation sites will be closed or have reduced access at the time they are used the most. 

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Commanding General of the Army Corps Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham highlighting the need for immediate action to address the staffing shortfalls. Specifically, it urges the Army to approve a waiver request from the Army Corps allowing it to bring on seasonal workers. Under current policy, the Secretary of Defense has authorized Service Secretaries to grant waivers for positions essential to public safety.

“Every year, outdoor recreation contributes more than $1 trillion to the economy and supports over 5 million jobs,” the senators wrote. “Limiting access to Army Corps recreation sites hampers this economic engine and has adverse impacts on communities who depend on the reliable summer influx of visitors. However, this is about much more than merely the economic implications. Outdoor recreation is a way for people to engage with nature, spend quality-time with family, and boost their physical and mental health.”

If the waiver authority is not utilized, several Army Corps managed recreation areas in North Dakota will be partially or fully closed for the summer season due to staffing shortages. This includes the East Totten Trail and Wolf Creek at Lake Sakakawea, Beaver Creek and Hazelton at Lake Oahe, and East Ashtabula Crossing, Eggerts Landing, and West Ashtabula Crossing at Lake Ashtabula.

Click here for the letter.