You know us as builders, as engineers, as preservers of wetlands and coastlines, as protectors from floods. You probably don't know that the Corps of Engineers is America's largest provider of recreation. Corps projects include, for example, 4,000 recreation areas (80% within 50 miles of a large city); 101,000 campsites; 5,000 miles of trails; and 456 lakes.

L.A. District oversees recreation sites in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. We lease most recreation lands to local partners who operate campgrounds, parks, boat launch ramps, swimming beaches and other facilities. While visitor centers, wayside exhibits, overlook areas and certain other sites remain free-of-charge to the public, the Corps-like the private sector-has charged a fee for other facilities. The fee has gone for the maintenance and improvement of those facilities.

In January 2003, for the first time in eight years, we must raise some of those fees. Part of the increase is due to inflation, which affects upkeep, part due to the costs of improving the quality of our public recreational activities. We regret the price hike-but can you think of any product or service that hasn't gone up in price the past eight years? We appreciate your understanding and hope that you continue to enjoy yourselves in some of America's most beautiful natural wonders-all within L.A. District!

Links:

The Corps Lakes Gateway -
The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resources Management mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with the ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations. This site is your gateway to recreation opportunities at Corps lands and waters. Welcome to the Corps Lakes Gateway!

http://www.recreation.gov/
Recreation One-Stop is one of the E-Government initiatives in the President's Management Agenda to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and customer service of the recreation programs.

http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/
Corps Water Safety Information

http://corpsresults.us/
Corps Value to the Nation

http://www.orn.usace.army.mil/volunteer
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Clearinghouse is a nationwide, toll free hotline number for individuals who are interested in volunteering their time with the Corps.