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Corps of Engineers Closes Recreation Sites Along Lower Snake River by Eric Barker Lewiston Tribune, April 28, 2025

LEWISTON -- Staffing shortages caused by the federal hiring freeze and DOGE-linked deferred resignation program is forcing the Army Corp of Engineers to shutter 10 recreation sites along the lower Snake River.

Corps spokesperson Dylan Peters said about 50 employees of the agency's Walla Walla District voluntarily accepted offers to leave the federal government earlier this year. The program known as Fork in the Road was pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency Service and its leader, Elon Musk, and was designed to save money by trimming the size of the federal workforce. But workforce reductions have consequences -- the 10 sites will be closed to public use and gates, where they exist, will be locked.

"We have been unable to bring on new staff including filling some staffing shortages that pre-existed the deferred resignation program," Peters said.

He said the agency looked at all of its recreation sites to determine which ones it could operate with fewer people.

"What we looked at was with the limited amount of staff available, where we could realistically still do patrols that have an impact on maintaining facilities that ensure the safety and security of the public and the safety and security of the facility itself."

He said the closures are temporary but may last through the end of 2025 recreation season.

Peters said the district did not lose any employees during the federal government's move to fire many probationary employees.

Recreation closures impact USACE sites
April 24, 2025

Walla Walla, Wash. -- Due to limited resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District is making targeted adjustments to recreation operations, resulting in the closure of multiple recreation areas.

This season, select areas will be closed to allow staff to focus on maintaining safe, high-quality service at priority locations. These adjustments are guided by the need to concentrate available resources, including personnel, where they are most impactful. Closures will remain in place until further notice.

Additionally, all Walla Walla District project areas (Mill Creek, McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, Lower Granite, Lucky Peak and Dworshak) will experience reductions in services including maintenance, landscaping, trash collection and facility cleaning.

"Visitor well-being is our top priority," said Lt. Col. Katie Werback, Commander of the Walla Walla District. "While these decisions were not made lightly, ensuring we continue to fulfill critical requirements for our land and wildlife management programs is necessary."

The following areas will be closed:

• Ice Harbor Dam and Lock
  • Ice Harbor Visitor Center -- School and VIP tour booking still available
  • Fishhook Park & Class A Campground
  • Levey Park
• Little Goose Dam and Lock
  • Lambi Creek Recreation Area
  • Willow Landing Recreation Area
  • Illia Dunes Recreation Area & Habitat Management Units
• Lower Granite Dam and Lock
  • Visitor Center - no services available -- School and VIP tour booking still available
  • Blyton Landing
  • Lewiston Levee Parkway confluence parking and restrooms (D Street & Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center)
• Lower Monumental
  • Riparia Recreation Area

"By concentrating our resources, we can better maintain essential missions," said Werback.

USACE asks visitors to respect posted closures and any associated signs, flagging, or barriers.

Visitors are encouraged to "know before you go" as many locations lack cell phone coverage -- before leaving home:

• Check site status for closures, limited services, and safety advisories.
• Pack water, food, weather-appropriate gear, first aid, and navigation tools.
• If recreating on or near water, bring a life jacket and make a float plan.

For the latest information on recreation site availability and service updates, visit www.nww.usace.army.mil