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  • Mark Twain Lake High Water Update

    Mark Twain Lake, July 1, 2021 – UPDATE - The Salt River basin that forms Mark Twain Lake has been subjected to heavy precipitation during the last several days. As a result, the lake level is continuing to rise. It is anticipated to bring the lake’s level up to 628.2 NGVD by Sunday, July 4, 2021.  Normal lake elevation is 606.0 NGVD.  You will likely find floating and submerged debris on the lake as the water rises so please be cautious and always wear a life jacket.   All courtesy docks at boat ramps have now been removed due to lake levels.

  • Carlyle Lake Fireworks Spectacular Postponed

    CARLYLE LAKE – The Fireworks Spectacular to be held this Saturday, July 3, has been postponed until Labor Day weekend due to unforeseen circumstances. There will also be no food vendor. Although there will not be a fireworks display, the Dam Jam, Sandcastle Building Contest, and Beach Games are still scheduled to take place in the Dam West Day Use Area, so there is still plenty of fun to had at Carlyle Lake. Visitors are also reminded that fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted on Corps of Engineers property.

  • Lake Shelbyville Tree Stand Permits Now Available

    Lake Shelbyville Tree Stand Permits now available for the 2021-2022 Deer Season Lake Shelbyville - Lake Shelbyville's Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season ("Seasonal Tree Stand") and/or utilize up to two "Roving" stands that can be left up during archery season for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours - the length of a 3 day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed 2 weeks prior to archery season and must be removed within 2 weeks of archery season ending. Archery season runs from October 1, 2021 - January 16, 2022.

  • Parking for Lake Shelbyville 4th of July Fireworks

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gearing up for the 4th of July at Lake Shelbyville. Fireworks will be launched 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, on top of the Lake Shelbyville Dam, and Dam West Overlook. At 8 p.m., the Dam Road will be closed to traffic prior to and during fireworks from the 9th street intersection to Dam East.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake

    CARLYLE LAKE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for a fun and safe weekend celebrating Independence Day at Carlyle Lake. This free, fun-filled, family-friendly event begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Dam West Recreation Area. All activities are free of charge and open to the public.

  • Mark Twain Lake High Water Update

    Mark Twain Lake, June 26, 2021 – The Salt River basin that forms Mark Twain Lake has been subjected to heavy precipitation during the last 48 hours. As a result, the lake level is rising rapidly. With additional precipitation forecasted it is anticipated to bring the lake’s level up to 621.0 NGVD by Thursday, July 1, 2021.  Normal lake elevation is 606.0 NGVD.  You will likely find floating and submerged debris on the lake as the water rises so please be cautious and always wear a life jacket.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake, June 25-27

    June is National Camping month and Carlyle Lake is the perfect place to camp. The Corps of Engineers and Illinois Department of Natural Resources offer campgrounds available around the lake. Corps of Engineer campgrounds Dam West, Coles Creek, and Boulder and the Illini campground at Eldon Hazlet State Park offer a mix of reservable and first come first serve individual sites, while McNair/Dam East Spillway Campground offers first come first serve individual sites. Enjoy great views of the lake and Kaskaskia River at one of our many waterfront campsites. Make your reservations today at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 for the Corps of Engineers’ campgrounds or visit www.reserveamerica.com for Eldon Hazlet State Park camping.

  • Two Short-term Closures Announced for South Fork Recreation Area

    Mark Twain Lake, June 17, 2021 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces that the South Fork Recreation Area will be closed to public use on two separate occasions. The first closure will occur beginning June 28 through July 1, 2021. The purpose of the closure is to accommodate public safety. The boat ramp will be utilized as a staging area to demobilize and disassemble transport and work barge units that have been performing shoreline erosion work in proximity to the South Fork Recreation Area. The boat ramp will reopen July 2, and remain open through the July 4th holiday weekend.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake

    CARLYLE LAKE – Grab your fishing poles and bait and celebrate Father’s Day with some fishing this weekend at Carlyle Lake during Illinois Free Fishing Days. From Friday, 18 June through Monday, 21 June, anyone can fish in Illinois without having to purchase a fishing license. This annual event is the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport of fishing.

  • Weekend Activities at Carlyle Lake 6-18-21 - 6-20-21

    Grab your fishing poles and bait and celebrate Father’s Day with some fishing this weekend at Carlyle Lake during Illinois Free Fishing Days. From Friday, 18 June through Monday, 21 June, anyone can fish in Illinois without having to purchase a fishing license. This annual event is the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport of fishing.