New England federal recreation areas to open

Published May 15, 2013

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 will open to the public in mid-to-late May 2013. Some recreation areas in Connecticut will open in late April.

“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 Operations Division for  the U. S. Army Engineers, New England District.

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 2013 recreational opportunities, 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: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.aspx.


Contact
Tim Dugan
978-318-8264
cenae.pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-029