Army Corps delays Albeni Falls Dam recreation season

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials at Albeni Falls Dam have delayed its recreation season. Subject to state and federal changes in guidance the Corps is now tentatively scheduled to open Albeni Falls Dam recreation areas on June 19.  The delay provides greater flexibility to contractors and protects against further spread of the coronavirus.

With multiple and varying stay at home orders and travel restrictions throughout the country, park attendant contractors have been unable to depart their homes and report to campgrounds.  Albeni Falls Dam park attendant contracts were modified to afford additional travel and recreation area staging time. Many park attendants are also in coronavirus at-risk categories.

Riley Creek Recreation Area was scheduled to open May 9. Albeni Cove, Priest River “The Mudhole”, Springy Point and Trestle Creek Recreation Areas were scheduled to open May 16. All five areas will remain closed to camping and day-use tentatively until June 19. In addition, the Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center closed March 13 and will remain so tentatively until June 2.

Corps public lands managed by Idaho Department of Fish & Game, including Morton Slough, will remain open. 

“In the best interest of our visitors, contractors and Corps staff we feel it is necessary to delay opening our facilities on the Pend Oreille River until it is safe for everyone.” says Taylor Johnson, Natural Resource Manager at Albeni Falls. “We are disappointed we aren’t able to serve the public in our normal capacity at this time, but our Natural Resource staff is anxiously awaiting when we can safely reopen our facilities for the public to enjoy.”

Any individuals with paid camping reservations through June 18 will be contacted by email and full refunds will automatically be processed by Recreation.gov with no cancellation fees. Individuals should not contact Recreation.gov to request a refund as that will lead to a cancellation fee being charged.

For more information on the current status of USACE recreation area closures, we ask that you contact the USACE lake or river project before your visit. A complete list of recreation areas is available at www.CorpsLakes.us. The public’s patience and understanding during this unprecedented time is appreciated.

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