Army Corp Lakes- Closures due to Federal Shutdown

[Caudawg]

I called and spoke to the SF branch office who handle Lake Sonoma and Medocino.

Lake Sonoma Marina will remain open and launching will be available. However the camping will close some time within the next 5-7 days. Mendocino was the same as far as camping and he didn't think the launch ramps would be open anyway due to low water levels. It might be "launch at your own risk" but please confirm that any way you can before you go there! From what I could gather...if the (fed)Army Corp runs the park or concession at the lake, the lake will be closed. If it is run by the state or by private concession...the lake may be open with limited or closed services (i.e. camping).

If you are planning to go to any other Army Corp lake you should call ahead. The info is very tough to come by so to be safe...you should be aware that there may be closures throughout the western US due to the federal shutdown.

Here are some other lakes by the Army Corp of engineers where service may be limited or closed completely: Black Butte, Englebright, Martis Creek, New Hogan, Eastman, Hensley, Pine Flat, Kaweah, Success.

While some lakes may remain open in some capacity...the Army Corp Rangers will be on very limited or no staffing.

Note: New Hogan's website (Army Corp) says the following but unfortunately it's a bit inaccurate:
"Because of the federal government shutdown, all Corps lakes are closed and Corps Lakes webpages are not operating. For more information, go to http://www.usace.army.mil.

So it appears that New Hogan is closed but the statement that "All Corps lakes are closed" is not completely true per my conversation with the SF Branch. So call ahead and be ready to change plans to be safe.

One last note: I was told it will be difficult after today to get any info by calling because much of the staff will be on furlough leave. You might try calling anyway in case some of them had time to record a message before they were told to leave.

For info on the Pacific Northwest you can visit:
for Portland Area http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/
For Seattle Area http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/
For Walla Walla Washington / Idaho http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/

I will try to update this info if I find out more...hope this is helpful!!