St. Louis District News Releases

Carlyle Lake Facilities Opening Soon

Press Operations — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:07:00 GMT

Spring has arrived, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities at Carlyle Lake will soon open for the 2026 recreation season. This includes the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, campgrounds, and fish cleaning stations, all of which enrich the visitor experience and offer excellent recreational opportunities on public lands.

Volunteers Needed for Fish Habitat Improvement Projects at Carlyle Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:20:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Carlyle Lake Education Habitat and Preservation (CLEHP) group and community volunteers, will host two volunteer workdays in March to improve fish habitat and enhance fisheries at Carlyle Lake.

Applications open for 36th annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters and Wounded Warriors

Press Operations — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:27:45 GMT

The 36th Annual Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek State Park will be held Nov.20 through Nov. 22, 2026. Applications are available at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, online at http://tinyurl.com/LakeShelbyville-Hunting, or by mail by contacting the Environmental Stewardship Department at 217-774-3951, ext. 7049.

Kaskaskia Eagle Fest Set for March 7 at Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam

Press Operations — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:34:00 GMT

The Kaskaskia River Project will host Kaskaskia Eagle Fest on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, 4800 Lock and Dam Road, Modoc.

Forrest W. “Bo” Wood Area Temporarily Closed

Press Operations — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The Bo Wood Recreation Area will be closed February 17 through February 20. This closure includes the entire area, including the entrance road, dog park, and boat ramp. Access will not be permitted for either vehicle or pedestrian traffic during this time.

St. Louis District announces commercial concession opportunity at Carlyle Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:15:27 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, is pleased to announce an exciting commercial concession opportunity at Carlyle Lake, Illinois’ largest man-made lake. The Corps of Engineers is seeking qualified applicants to develop and operate facilities and services in the Dam East Recreation Area aimed at enhancing visitor experiences while supporting local economic growth. The selected concessionaire will be authorized to operate within an approximately 3.44-acre lease area at 13551 Dam East Access Road, Carlyle, Ill., 62231. An approximately 40-by-80-foot building is available at the site, along with water, electric, communication and data utility services.

Eagle Watch at Case-Halstead Library

Press Operations — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Eagle Watch, a collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Carlyle Lake Project and Case-Halstead Public Library, will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The World Bird Sanctuary will present two "All About Eagles" programs, one at 9:30 a.m. and another at 10:30 a.m., featuring a live bald eagle and offering a closer look at the fascinating nature of this iconic species.

Repurpose Your Live Christmas Trees for Fish Habitat

Press Operations — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 22:16:00 GMT

Repurpose your live Christmas tree by donating it to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project for fish habitat. Donated trees will be bundled together and placed underwater in Rend Lake, providing fish habitat and improving angling opportunities.

14th Annual Ben Sapp Memorial Shed Antler Hunt for Youth

Press Operations — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

14th Annual Ben Sapp Memorial Shed Antler Hunt for Youth at Mark Twain Lake December 12, 2025, Mark Twain Lake – Are you looking for a new outdoor adventure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake in partnership with the Monroe City Whitetails Unlimited Chapter, the Mark Twain Lake Visitors and Educational Resource Center Committee, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Mark Twain State Park are proud to announce the return of the Annual Ben Sapp Memorial Shed Hunt for Youth. This event will take place on Saturday, February 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center.

Boundary Maintenance Work at Carlyle Lake

Press Operations — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:59:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will be performing boundary maintenance work from December 15, 2025, through January 9, 2026, on multiple sections of the boundary line at Carlyle Lake, specifically the area from Coles Creek Recreation Area to Boulder Recreation Area.

Temporary Area Closures During Firearm Deer Seasons at Rend Lake

Press Operations — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:04:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake wishes to inform visitors that several recreation areas will be temporarily closed during the state firearm deer hunting seasons.

Temporary Recreation Area Closings at Lake Shelbyville To Conduct Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities

Press Operations — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:25:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wolf Creek State Park will hold the 35th Annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities during the first firearm deer season on November 21-23, 2025. The hunt will be conducted in portions of recreation areas at Lake Shelbyville that are closed for the season.

FIREWOOD CUTTING AT MARK TWAIN LAKE

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

November 14, 2025, Mark Twain Lake– The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that firewood cutting for personal use will be allowed by permit on designated areas of Mark Twain Lake. The cutting period will begin on November 15, 2025 and continue through February 29, 2025. Please be aware that firewood cutting areas may close for short durations during this period to accommodate hunting seasons, inclement weather, and ground conditions. Areas available for firewood cutting are as follows beginning November 15: Frank Russell Recreation Area(near fishing pond), South Fork Recreation Area, Robert Allen Recreation Area and Hunter/Fisherman Lot #26. These areas contain designated trees which are located along the roadway leading to the recreation area or H/F lot. Additional firewood cutting areas in recreation areas and hunter/fisherman access areas will become available throughout the cutting period depending on demand, weather conditions, and ground conditions. Check with the Mark Twain Lake Facebook page or future news releases to determine status. The fee for a firewood permit is $10.00. Permits and maps can be obtained by visiting the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center at 21629 Hwy J, Perry, MO 63462, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Permits may also be requested by emailing a photo of the paid receipt from the kiosk outside the Visitor Center to marktwaininfo@usace.army.mil. Credit card or debit card are the only forms of payment accepted. Firewood cutting for commercial use or resale is prohibited. For further information, contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office, 20642 Highway J, Perry, MO 63462, or telephone (573)-735-4097.

Small Business Industry Day at Mark Twain Lake

Press Operations — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Small Business Industry Day at Mark Twain Lake

Lake Shelbyville 4th of July Fireworks Parking and Holiday Festivities

Press Operations — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:52:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gearing up for the 4th of July at Lake Shelbyville. Fireworks will be launched on July 4th at dusk from Ramp Point, located in Dam West Recreation Area. Lake Shelbyville has compiled a list of locations best suited for viewing the fireworks. Locations include Dam West Recreation Area, Dam East Recreation Area, Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center, portions of the road across the Dam, and Dam West Overlook. At 8 P.M., the Dam Road will be closed to traffic for the fireworks from the 9th street intersection to Dam East.

Community Cove Welcomes New Kayak Launch and Pollinator Field

Press Operations — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:32:00 GMT

The area of public lands designated as Dam West High Water Boat Ramp, commonly referred to as “Community Cove”, recently acquired a new kayak launch and pollinator plots through various partnerships and grants. The “Community Cove” area includes the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp as well as public lands directly encompassing the boat ramp. This area extends West to Forest Park, South to the 9th Street and Dam Road intersections, and East to the Dam West Recreation Area.

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

Press Operations — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:46:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Commercial Concession Opportunity at Carlyle Lake

Press Operations — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:39:00 GMT

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Summer at Carlyle Lake

Press Operations — Mon, 19 May 2025 18:45:00 GMT

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is excited to welcome visitors to Carlyle Lake for another recreation season. Carlyle Lake is the perfect destination for a variety of activities, from fishing and camping to boating and biking. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors or participating in our scheduled events, safety remains a top priority.

Rend Lake Dam West Boat Ramp Closed for Special Event May 1 & 2, 2025

Press Operations — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:22:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project will temporarily close public access to Dam West Boat Ramp and Recreation Area from sunrise to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2. This closure is to accommodate the Rend Lake Get Outdoors Event, which invites 1,500 students and teachers from across Southern Illinois for special outdoor education programs.