Upcoming Events
For more information about special events, or if you are interested in sponsoring/scheduling an event, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662-563-4531.
ATTENTION OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USERS!
Based upon recommendations provided by field employees and public feedback, the following amendments have been made to the Off-Road Policy implemented 1 October 2015:
- General Authorization for ORV Use: ORVs are authorized for off-road use on Subject Lands in accordance with COE rules and with other applicable laws, regulations or restrictions. Nothing in these rules should be construed to authorize operation of ORVs on public roads or highways in violation of Mississippi law.
- Age Requirements: Persons less than 16 years of age are prohibited from operating an ORV unless they are licensed or in possession of a safety course completion certificate, as provided in Rule 6, and they are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.
ATTENTION OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USERS!
Beginning 1 October 2015, the following rules will be enforced at Sardis Lake:
- Helmet Requirement. Anyone operating, riding on, or being carried by an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) must at all times wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
- License Requirement. Drivers must possess a state-issued driver's license or a certificate of completion of an ATV Safety Course as provided in Mississippi Code Ann § 63-31-3, except in an emergency situation.
- Age Requirement/Responsible Operation. No drivers may be under 16 years of age and all vehicles shall be operated in accordance with posted restrictions and regulations and in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local laws.
- Natural Resource/Environmental Protection. No person may operate an ORV in streams, creeks, ditches, pools, ponds, lakes, wetlands, impoundments, or other permanent, intermittent or seasonal water bodies, except to ford at the lowest practicable safe speed, in a manner to cause the least damage to banks and beds, when necessary to continue travel.
- Hours of Operation. No person may operate an ORV between the hours of one hour after sunset and one hour prior to sunrise except for purposes of hunting and fishing only.
A link has been provided in the section above to a complete copy of these rules.
For more information, please contact Sardis Lake Field Office at 662.563.4531.
Life Jackets are Mandatory at MS Lakes
The following life jacket rules are being enforced at all four of the Vicksburg District-North Mississippi lakes at Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada.
All persons must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times:
- while swimming outside of designated swimming areas.
- while skiing or being pulled by a vessel, regardless of vessel length.
- on powered vessels 16 to 26 feet in length whenever under power by the main propulsion unit.
- on powered vessels less than 16 feet in length or on non-powered vessels regardless of length.
For more information, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662.563.4531 or the MS Project Management Office at 662.578.3873 or 662.712.1201.
New Rules for Sardis Lake Archery Area
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sardis Lake Field Office announces new rules for hunting in the Sardis Lake Archery Area. Beginning with the 2014-2015 deer hunting season, all hunters must have a permit prior to engaging in any hunting activity within the archery area. Permits must be picked up in person at the Sardis Lake Field Office. A hunter survey is included on the back of the permit form. It must be filled out and returned to the Sardis Lake Field Office or placed in a drop box at one of two check-in stations at the conclusion of each season.
The area is located near on either side of Sardis Dam and offers over 1,000 acres for archery only hunting. Hunters may use long bows, recurves, and compound bows. Seasons, bag limits, and other regulations are set by the MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. For more information please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sardis Lake Field Office (662) 563-4531.
REMINDER - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), All-Terrain Cycles (ATC), Utility Vehicles (UTVs) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) – The wear of a DOT-approved helmet is required for operators/passengers when operating these vehicles at Sardis Lake. For more information contact Sardis Lake Field Office at 662-563-4531.
NOTICE: ATV Usage at Corps Lakes
Over the past several years, the recreational sport of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riding has become increasingly popular at the Mississippi lakes (Arkabutla, Enid, Sardis, Grenada). The numerous acres of mudflats and miles of shoreline during low lake levels provide great riding opportunities for ATV enthusiasts. However, the increased ATV traffic has prompted the Mississippi lakes' staffs to institute an educational campaign to remind users of the safety and environmental concerns associated with ATV usage.
It is imperative that riders practice safety and follow all rules and regulations while riding or using ATVs for recreational or work-related purposes at the Mississippi lakes. According to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 36, it is unlawful to operate an ATV in a careless, negligent or reckless manner. SKIMMING, which is motoring an ATV to a high rate of speed and hydroplaning across water, is a violation of CFR Title 36. Strict enforcement of all rules and regulations is intended to provide a safe environment for ATV operation.
Visitors are also reminded that the destruction, defacement, removal, or any alteration of any public property including natural formations, mineral deposits, historical and archaeological features (material from old house sites, arrowheads and other Native American artifacts, etc.), and paleontological resources (Native American remains) is prohibited. Misuse of these machines can cause rutting and destroy sensitive wetland habitat, erode creek banks, and even destroy native plant species allowing invasive plant species to take over. Therefore, it is very important that all ATV users practice responsible riding, respect other visitors, be environmentally conscious, and abide by all rules and regulations or risk losing the privilege of riding ATVs at the Mississippi lakes. For more information, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662-563-4531.
The Vicksburg District has a new APP!
The app is a great source for learning about the services offered by the District. Here are some of the items contained in the app:
• Water level observations for the District and forecasts from the National Weather Service
• Info on how to sell your goods and services to the Corps of Engineers
• Social media, news and photos from the District’s Public Affairs Office
• Info from the District’s Emergency Management Office for times of crisis
• Permitting info and notices from our Regulatory Office
• Tons of info on all of the recreation areas in the District
• Free map downloads of maps of major rivers including the Mississippi
• Ways to find our offices in the District and contact us here at HQ
