MOBILE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announces it will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,400 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11.

“More than 350 million visitors a year enjoy the outdoors at Army Corps of Engineers’ recreation projects. This Veterans Day we will continue the valued tradition of honoring our veterans, active and reserve service members, and their families with an invitation to visit one of the thousands of USACE recreation sites throughout the country, free of charge. As the Corps is an active member of this administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, we hope that you will join us,” said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

The day-use fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service. This waiver covers boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the Veterans Day waiver of fees in the areas that they manage.

“We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces, and to encourage them and their families to visit and enjoy one of our many recreation areas,” said Steve Stockton, Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

USACE is the nation’s largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation, managing more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states. The more than 2,400 USACE- operated recreation areas nationwide provide a diverse range of outdoor activities to people of all ages, and USACE estimates that nearly 89 percent of its recreation projects are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas.