Walla Walla District prepares to close Corps-managed recreation areas if there is a government shutdown; Parks leased to non-federal agencies and concessionaires to remain open

WALLA WALLA, WASH. – The Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks beginning Saturday, April 9, if the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted. Corps visitor centers at Walla Walla District locks and dams are included in this closure.

However, Corps parks leased to non-federal agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place.

Mission essential operations such as hydropower generation, navigation locks and flood damage reduction operations will continue during the shutdown.  The Corps Regulatory Branch also will close; residents seeking Corps permits for work in waters of the United States must wait until the office reopens.

Beginning Saturday and continuing through the end of the shutdown if it goes into effect, Walla Walla District Corps-managed campground facilities will be closed. No new visitors will be allowed into those Corps-managed campgrounds, nor reservations accepted. Campers who are on-site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. Sunday, April 10.

In the event of a government shutdown, customers may cancel their reservations for a full refund. Customers required to vacate campsites early will receive a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservations.  As an alternative, customers may elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Customers may request a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation service at 1-877-444-6777. If the customer chooses to do nothing, the reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after their departure date during the shutdown period.

Visitors, campers and boaters are encouraged to call recreation areas prior to travel to confirm they are open. More information including phone numbers is available at the District website at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors/. If there is no government shutdown, all operations will continue as normal.