St. Louis District News Releases

Rivers Project Master Plan Update Public Comment Period

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:17:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, invites your review and comments regarding the revised draft “Rivers Project Master Plan Update” with accompanying “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” and “Environmental Assessment (EA)”. The Rivers Project Master Plan is a conceptual document that guides public use and natural resource management of over 48,000 acres of federal lands for environmental stewardship and recreation related purposes. The current Master Plan was approved in 2015. The Project area for the Master Plan extends from Mississippi River Mile 0, at Cairo, Illinois; upstream to the tail water of Locks and Dam 22, Mississippi River Mile 301, at Saverton, Missouri. Most the Project’s public lands are upstream of St. Louis, Missouri. The lower 80 miles of the Illinois River is also managed by Rivers Project and is therefore included in the update. This management effort also includes coordination with federal and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Public Comment Period and Open House planned for West Alton Islands Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project

Press Operations — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:20:05 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, federal partner the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

20th Anniversary Commemoration Event Planned for the National Great Rivers Museum

Press Operations — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:48:45 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will be celebrating 20 years since the opening of its National Great Rivers Museum. The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 4 and will include informational tables and children’s activities at more than 20 stations, as well as several food trucks. The commemoration of the National Great Rivers Museum will occur at 12 p.m. on a stage behind the museum, overlooking the Mississippi River and the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Alton Mayor David Goins and St. Louis District Commander Colonel Andy Pannier, along with others, will be speaking at the commemoration about the importance of on-going cooperation along our Nation’s rivers.

Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors to practice water safety

Press Operations — Mon, 08 May 2023 19:11:00 GMT

As millions of Americans plan visits to our nation’s lakes and rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors of the importance of practicing safe, sensible, and thoughtful activities in, on, and around open water. Tragically, people lose their lives while visiting USACE-managed lands and waters every year. Most of the tragedies are water related. The public’s help is needed to reduce the number of fatalities at the more than 2,800 USACE-managed recreation areas nationwide. USACE personnel stress the importance of water safety year-round when talking with visitors, but especially during the summer season because that is when most public recreation fatalities occur.

“REC Fest” Spring Festival Returning to the National Great Rivers Museum

Press Operations — Thu, 04 May 2023 19:25:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project Office invites you to R.E.C. (Recreation, Education, and Conservation) Fest – the largest recreation and safety festival in the Riverbend! Kick off the summer season with your family at the National Great Rivers Museum, in Alton, Illinois on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this free, adventure-themed (rain-or-shine) event. “Our goal with this new, exciting event is to encourage families to explore their outdoor recreational opportunities and learn how to go about them safely,” said Park Ranger and Event Coordinator Travis Smith. “From archery and hiking to weather and first aid there will be plenty for you and your family to test out and learn.”

Temporary Closure of Maple Island and Low Water Access Area

Press Operations — Mon, 09 May 2022 12:17:27 GMT

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close Maple Island in West Alton, MO as well as Low Water Access Area on Chouteau Island, Illinois to all vehicles, pedestrians and fishermen due to high water. These project areas will re-open when water levels recede at a date that is yet undetermined. Further information will be made available when these areas are again accessible for recreation.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary to Host Walk for Wildlife 5K Benefitting Local Wildlife

Press Operations — Mon, 09 May 2022 12:14:13 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is partnering with the Audubon Center at Riverlands and TreeHouse Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to host the second annual Walk for Wildlife event on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This fun-run style walk will benefit the TreeHouse Wildlife Center during the peak spring baby season while also supporting the conservation education team at the Audubon Center at Riverlands.

National Great Rivers Museum to Re-Open

Press Operations — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT

E. Alton, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be re-opening the National Great Rivers Museum

National Great Rivers Museum Temporarily Closed

Press Operations — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:04:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be closing the National Great Rivers Museum beginning close of business November 20th, 2020 until further notice as a result of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the subsequent mitigations issued by the state of Illinois. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains proactive with regards to the safety and health of all visitors and will provide additional information regarding this closure and any other modifications or restrictions of our Project Areas as it becomes available.

National Great Rivers Museum to Reopen July First

Press Operations — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:46:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) will reopen beginning Wednesday, July 1.

“Masters of the Sky”: Eagles, Falcons, and Hawks Oh My!

Press Operations — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:32:02 GMT

Attention all Eagle and Raptor Enthusiasts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will offer live Raptor shows to the public on Saturday, February 15 at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Ill.

Proposed Reduced Operating Hours at the National Great Rivers Museum

Press Operations — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:33:11 GMT

In anticipation of funding changes currently reflected the proposed 2020 Federal Budget, the visiting hours of the National Great Rivers Museum will change beginning January 1, 2020 to support the new levels. New public hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday thru Saturday. Tours of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam will still be available on these days at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Army Corps of Engineers promotes water safety this summer season

Press Operations — Mon, 20 May 2019 18:29:00 GMT

Summer is almost here and that means millions of Americans will be planning visits to our nation’s lakes and rivers. As the steward of many of these public waters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reminds visitors to be aware of the importance of practicing safe, sensible and thoughtful activities in and around the water.

Temporary Closure of Riverlands Way

Press Operations — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:45:59 GMT

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close Riverlands Way to vehicle traffic on Saturday March 25, 2017. The road will be closed from 6:00 am to 10:30 am for the annual Alton Half Marathon. Maple Island Access Area will still be available via Red School Road. For more information please contact Christopher Garcia at the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-0094.

There’s something for everyone at the Great Rivers Festival

Press Operations — Wed, 11 May 2016 13:52:41 GMT

This Father’s Day, bring Dad down to the Mississippi River! The third annual Great Rivers Festival will be at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, IL on Saturday June 18th from 12 pm – 7 pm. You can look forward to live music from Whiskey Drive, local food and drink vendors, local art vendors, and much more! There will be live bird shows from the TreeHouse Wildlife Center and an appearance by Serengeti Steve: The Reptile Experience. Other attractions include archery, catch-and-release trout fishing, birdhouse building, sand and chalk art, and lessons on how to catch and prepare Asian carp!

“Masters of the Sky”: Eagles, Falcons, and Owls - Oh My!

Press Operations — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 17:58:48 GMT

Tickets are now available for the annual Masters of the Sky event at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Ill. The two-day eagle extravaganza will be held on February 13 and 14, 2016. Each year, this event promises to amazing and entertain audiences of all ages.

Partial Closure of Riverlands Way

Press Operations — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:11:30 GMT

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is announcing the partial closure of Riverlands Way within the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. This road will be closed from the last parking lot east of the pavilion to the end of the road. This portion of Riverlands Way will be closed from July 23, 2015 until August 8, 2015 for road construction. Access to the Rivers Project Office and Riverlands Way Pavilion will not be impacted.

Riverlands Way Now Open to the Public

Press Operations — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:07:37 GMT

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office has re-opened Riverlands Way road in West Alton, Missouri. The Mississippi River has crested and the roadway is now safe for visitor access. The Rivers Project Office and the Audubon Center at Riverlands are both open for visitors. Numerous other recreation areas are still closed due to flooding.

Corps of Engineers closes locks due to high water

Press Operations — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 19:14:46 GMT

Due to high water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District closed Mississippi River Locks 24 in Clarksville and 25 in Winfield, as well as Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam on the Kaskaskia River.

Get Your Paddle On! at the Riverlands Paddle Festival

Press Operations — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:24:20 GMT

The Mississippi River Water Trail Association, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation and their associated partners invite you to experience the Mississippi River first-hand at the Riverlands Paddle Festival in the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Saturday, May 16, 2015. Paddling and other activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.