Army Corps to close recreation sites across Pennsylvania, southern New York, Maryland, West Virginia in response to COVID-19

Published March 19, 2020

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has closed or delayed the opening of its Corps-owned and managed recreation sites effective immediately and lasting indefinitely due to the concern for public health and safety of its employees and the visiting public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closures pertain to visitor centers, beaches, campgrounds, special events, volunteer activities, public meetings, interpretive programs and other public gatherings.

Baltimore District plans to keep day-use facilities and lake access areas open, such as boat launches, picnic areas, fishing piers and viewing areas. These areas are, however, subject to evolving COVID-19 conditions that may cause specific closures in the future.

  • Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
  • Tioga-Hammond Lakes, Tioga County, Pennsylvania
  • Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County, Pennsylvania
  • Foster Joseph Sayers Dam , Centre County, Pennsylvania*
  • Curwensville Dam , Clearfield County, Pennsylvania*
  • Alvin R. Bush Dam, Clinton County, Pennsylvania*
  • Stillwater Dam , Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania*
  • Aylesworth Dam , Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania*
  • Indian Rock Dam, York County, Pennsylvania*
  • Jennings Randolph Lake, Garrett County, Maryland and Mineral County, West Virginia
  • Whitney Point Dam , Broome County, New York*
  • East Sidney Dam , Delaware County, New York*
  • Almond Dam , Steuben County, New York*
  • Arkport Dam , Steuben County, New York*

*Areas managed or leased by other entities on Corps’ lands will follow the terms of their lease/license agreements and will operate at the discretion of the entities.

Campgrounds are not accepting additional reservations at this time. If, in the interest of public health, reservations have to be cancelled, you will be notified by Recreation 1 Stop, and refunds will be issued. Please contact Recreation 1 Stop directly at 877-444-6777 if you have questions concerning your refund.

No new special event permits, special activity permits, letters of permission or reservations will be issued/granted.

It is unknown when these affected areas will reopen to the public; however, the public is encouraged to monitor the project web pages on Baltimore District’s web site for information and/or follow the relevant pages on social media.

Baltimore District personnel will continue to operate the dams to execute their essential flood risk management mission.


Contact
Sarah Lazo
443-301-2580
sarah.d.lazo@usace.army.mil
or
Robert Schnell
570-419-3701
Robert.J.Schnell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-003