The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District announced today that ongoing work to recover from flood damage from storms last year will delay the season opening of some beach areas and roads at two recreation areas in Vermont.

But despite the delayed opening for some portions of the parks, most of the recreation areas will be ready for visitors when the season opens.

The upper part of the North Hartland Lake recreation area will open for the season on May 25, 2024. However, the boat launch and beach area will remain closed as staff and contractors repair the lawns and remove debris and silt from the boat launch to make these areas safe for visitors. Officials are hoping to have the beach and boat launch fully cleared and open in July. Visitors are reminded that they are not allowed to walk their boats down to the boat launch.

The picnic shelters, playground area and nature trail will open May 25. Picnic shelters can be reserved through Recreation.gov, and the upper part of the recreation area will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To obtain the latest updates, visit the North Hartland Lake Facebook page or call the office at (802) 295-2855. For more information, visit the North Hartland Lake webpage at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/North-Hartland-Lake/.

The Union Village Dam main recreation area and West Branch will also open for the season on May 25. The main gate will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the West Branch will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Most of the East Access Road (Buzzell Bridge Road) will remain closed until July as staff and contractors complete repair work on the road, Sandy Beach and the recreation areas. Once the repairs are completed, the road and recreation areas will only be accessible from Route 113 in Thetford Center to the Forest Management Trail where visitors will be required to turn around.

Once repairs are completed, the East Access Road will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily but will still not be open as a through road due to damage from a culvert. The road gate by the gatehouse will also remain closed.

Visitors can get the latest updates on the Union Village Dam Facebook page or by calling the office (802) 649-1606. For more information, visit the Union Village Dam webpage at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Union-Village-Dam/.

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