Corps: Pause in fee intended to encourage park use

By Gary Lookadoo

Posted: July 29, 2009 at 6:32 a.m.

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ROGERS — Some people soon will save a little money while enjoying themselves, thanks to a decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Alan Bland, a Corps park ranger.

At the request of U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., the Corps decided to waive day-use fees collected at boat launches and swimming-beach facilities nationwide - of course, including those at Beaver Lake - from Saturday through Aug. 9, Bland said.

Through the rest of July, most people at the park have to pay a $4 fee, he said.

"If you're going to the marina, that's free. But if you're going down into the parkto launch a boat, or to swim, or to hike on a nature trail, or use bathrooms, or feed the geese, or take your dog for a walk, then we charge you $4 - unless you have a Golden Age card, which means you're 62 or over. Then it's $2, : half price," Bland said.

"If you buy an annual pass - we sell thousands of them at $30 apiece - that annual pass is good for a year at any Corps lake to get you into those facilities," he said.

But there will be a nine-day break in day-use fees, Aug. 1-9, the inspiration of Pryor, Bland said.

"Sen. Pryor thought, well, it's tough economic times. And that might be something good that the Corps could do to inspire : increased tourism, maybe people who haven't come out to the lake in a while, to come out and enjoyand not have to pay that dayuse fee, Bland said.

During the Aug. 1-9 period, people won't be asked to present their passes, and signs that say 'Pay here' will be covered up, Bland said.

Even during that early-August break in day-use fees, the cost of big shelters, camping and other things won't be changed, he cautioned.

In a letter to the Corps in June, Pryor asked the Corps to consider waiving such fees at local parks, lakes and other facilities so families can enjoy an inexpensive day trip or weekend this summer, despite tough economic times.

"Waiving these fees at Corps facilities allows families an enjoyable and affordable day outdoors, which they may not otherwise experience during tough economic times. It's also a win-win for surrounding businesses, local economies and it reinforces the importance of investing in our natural resources," Pryor said in the letter. "I hope Arkansans will take advantage of this opportunity to spend a day at the lake, beach or park."

News, Pages 5 on 07/29/2009

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