WASHINGTON – Recreation sites across the country managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers face reduced hours or full closures due to a U.S. Department of Defense hiring freeze.

In response, U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, and Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., who are chair and ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Commanding General of the Army Corps Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, highlighting the need for immediate action to address the staffing shortfalls.

The hiring freeze was signed on Feb. 28 and restricts the Army Corps from hiring the seasonal staff needed to safely manage boat ramps, campgrounds and swimming areas, according to Cramer’s office. The Army Corps has requested Driscoll use his waiver authority to allow seasonal hires. Without it, Army Corps recreation sites will be closed or have reduced access.

Several Army Corps managed recreation areas in North Dakota will be partially or fully closed for the summer season due to staffing shortages, according to information from Cramer. This includes the East Totten Trail and Wolf Creek at Lake Sakakawea, Beaver Creek and Hazelton at Lake Oahe, and East Astabulta Crossing, Eggerts Landing, and West Ashtabula Crossing at Lake Asthabula.

“Every year, outdoor recreation contributes more than $1 trillion to the economy and supports over 5 million jobs,” the senators wrote. “Limiting access to Army Corps recreation sites hampers this economic engine and has adverse impacts on communities who depend on the reliable summer influx of visitors. However, this is about much more than merely the economic implications. Outdoor recreation is a way for people to engage with nature, spend quality-time with family, and boost their physical and mental health.”