CONCORD, Mass. – Most
recreation areas at the 31 federal flood risk management reservoirs in New
England operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District will
open to the public in mid-to-late May 2016. Some recreation areas in Connecticut
will open in late April.
The Corps of Engineers
recreation program provides quality outdoor public recreation experiences to
serve the needs of present and future generations and contributes to the
quality of American life, while managing and conserving natural resources
consistent with ecosystem management principles.
“Most areas offer a wide-range
of recreational opportunities, including picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing
and hunting, while a few also provide facilities for overnight camping,"
said Frank Fedele, chief of the Operations Division for the U. S. Army Engineers, New England
District, with headquarters in Concord, Mass.
Fishing is permitted at all
federal flood risk management reservoirs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire and Vermont. The only requirement to fish the lakes is a state
license and adherence to state regulations. Trout, bass, pickerel, hornpout and
perch inhabit most reservoirs, while a few areas have their own
specialties. Many of the areas are
stocked by state fish and game agencies to provide some of the finest fishing
in the region.
Developed facilities,
including beaches, picnic areas, athletic fields and campgrounds, are available
at some locations. Many are open to individuals or small groups free of charge
on a first come, first serve basis. A nominal fee is charged to reserve covered
picnic shelters. Large groups may be required to obtain user permits for a
small fee. Some areas collect a user fee from the weekend before Memorial Day
to the weekend after Labor Day.
For a free brochure about 2016
Corps recreational opportunities in New England, including directions to each
site, write to the New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN:
Public Affairs Office, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. For more
information about Corps of Engineers recreation and activities in New England visit
the website at: www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.aspx.
The Corps of Engineers
nationwide manages 12 million acres of recreation lands and waters in 43 states
and hosts 370 million visitors a year. For more information on Corps of
Engineers recreation nationwide visit the website at www.CorpsLakes.us.