WASHINGTON (Nov. 11, 2008)– The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will waive all day use fees for veterans, active, reserve and guard service members and their families at its recreation areas nationwide on November 11.

"It is our intent to honor and support the men and women who have served our nation in the armed services," said Steve Stockton, director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "We chose this occasion to encourage our veterans, active duty personnel and their families to come enjoy one of the more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation sites nationwide. Whether you like to walk, jog, bike, hunt, fish, swim, boat, bird watch or study nature, we invite you to visit a Corps lake near you.”

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 the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The Corps hosts about 372 million visits each year at its lakes, beaches and other areas, and estimates that 70 percent of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a Corps lake. To find a Corps lake near you, please visit  http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm