Collection of day-use fees will begin for the season at Beech Fork, East Lynn, Grayson, and Fishtrap Lakes, but with a new payment method. The day use fee amount will remain the same as in the past. However, the Corps will only accept debit/credit card or pre-paid credit card payments going forward - no cash will be collected or accepted.
Automated fee machines have been installed to replace the fee vaults at the Corps managed boat ramps and the beach at Beech Fork Lake. Visitors will be expected to pay the $5 per vehicle fee to use the boat ramps or beach. Customers will receive a receipt from the machine which they should clearly display on their vehicle dash. Park Rangers will periodically check vehicles within recreation areas to ensure payment. Once the fee is paid, it allows use of all Corps managed recreation areas and amenities for the entirety of that day.
The fee machines have been situated along entry roads and near boat ramps to make payment quick and convenient for visitors. Customers with a Corps Day Use Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass or other relevant America the Beautiful Passes, do not need to stop at the fee machines, but passes should be properly displayed in the vehicle dash so they can be seen from the outside of the vehicle. Corps Annual Day Use Passes may be purchased at the fee machines for $40. Customers have 10 days to take their Annual Pass receipt to the Corps Lake Office or other places identified on receipt to exchange it for a hard pass. American the Beautiful passes can be purchased with credit/debit card at the Corps project lake offices.
This modernization of the Corps fee collection system provides a safe and effective means for the collection of day-use fees, that is both convenient to the visiting public, and allows Park Rangers to focus their time and efforts on visitor safety and services.
Information on the ‘America the Beautiful’ Passes can be found at https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes or by visiting the project lake office. These passes are honored at all Corps operated Day Use Areas nationwide.
For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District Public Affairs Office at (304) 399-5353.
Original source can be found here.
