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  • Mark Twain Lake Trail Update

    Mark Twain Lake, August 27, 2021 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake announces two multi-use trails have reopened after the extended high water and storm damage, however, visitors may still encounter downed limbs and experience short detours. The Lick Creek and Joanna Trail provide hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders, backpack campers, birders and hunters many miles of natural enjoyment. Both trails meander through several habitat types including upland hardwood, open fields, bottomlands and limestone bluffs.

  • Providing Accessibility: General Dacey Trail Hay Ride

    Lake Shelbyville – Join us on October 13th for the 2021 General Dacey Trail Hay Ride for People with Mobility Restrictions. This event features scenic hayride tours of the General Dacey Trail for all, young and old, who are physically unable to walk the trail on their own. The trailers used for the events are made to accommodate wheelchairs and sitting participants.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake

    CARLYLE LAKE – Searching for a fun, outdoor activity? Look no further than the Carlyle Lake Geocache Trail! The new and improved geocache trail is a perfect activity for the entire family. It will test your navigation skills while providing scenic views from some of the hidden gems around the lake. The trail has twelve caches scattered around the lake. Ready to begin the hunt?

  • Mountain Bike Weekend at Lake Shelbyville

    Lake Shelbyville – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the Friends of Lake Shelbyville, Central Illinois Mountain Bike Association, and the General Dacey Trail Mountain Bike Club to host the 3rd Annual DirtWorx MTB Fest on September 10-12, 2021.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake

    CARLYLE LAKE – Join park rangers at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center on Saturday, 21 August at 2:30 p.m. in celebration of World Honey Bee Day! The day recognizes both the honey bee and the beekeepers who tend the hives. When we plant wildflowers, orchards, and other flowering plants, we support pollinators such as honey bees. They depend on the nectar of a variety of plants for their survival. Conversely, we depend on honeybees for our survival, too! Without their pollinating abilities, many nutritious plants wouldn’t reproduce. Buzz on over to learn all about honey bees and even make your own!

  • Frank Russell Campground Adjusts Reservation Period for Flint Ridge Loop

    Mark Twain Lake, August 6, 2021 – The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers announces that Frank Russell campsites 30 through 48 (in Flint Ridge Loop) will be available for reservations until September 8, 2021. The remaining Flint Ridge sites 49 through 60 will be open until November 1, 2021. Joanna and Clear View Loops close on September 27, 2021. Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov or telephone 877-444-6777.

  • Mark Twain Lake High Water Update

    Mark Twain Lake, August 5, 2021 – UPDATE - The Mark Twain Lake level on Thursday, August 5, 2021 is 619.2 NGVD. Normal lake elevation is 606.0 NGVD. All four lane boat ramps are open with courtesy docks in at Robert Allen, South Fork, Stoutsville and Spalding. Ray Behrens boat ramp is open, however it does not have a courtesy dock in place. You will likely find floating and submerged debris on the lake so please be cautious and always wear a life jacket.

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Auction off Impounded Deer Stands

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a silent auction for impounded deer stands and climbing sticks on Saturday, August 21st from 8:30 –11:00 a.m. at the government vehicle compound south of the Lake Shelbyville Administration Building.

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to hold second virtual public meeting for the University City Branch, River Des Peres General Reevaluation Report (GRR), a Flood Risk Management Study

    Due to technical issues with the July 26 virtual public meeting, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, is hosting a second virtual public meeting on August 17 to present information and gather feedback from the public on the University City Branch, River Des Peres, Missouri GRR with integrated Environment Assessment, a Flood Risk Management study. The meeting will be hosted virtually using the WebEx platform, and it will include an overview of the study process including preliminary findings and the several alternatives currently under consideration to reduce flood risk to business owners and residents such as nonstructural measures (i.e. wet/dry floodproofing or elevation of structures), the creation of detention basins, and flood risk awareness and outreach efforts.

  • Summer Hunting Opportunities at Carlyle Lake

    CARLYLE LAKE – Carlyle Lake offers the outdoor sportsman a variety of late summer hunting opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources work together to manage public lands and waters at Carlyle Lake. More than 10,000 acres of public lands are open to public hunting to which all-current Illinois game laws and regulations are in effect. All hunters are also required to sign in and out daily and record harvest at the nearest hunter sign in box. Access areas are conveniently located around the lake to provide parking and access to public lands.