10/02/2025
Bob, of Bob Maindelle's Holding the Line Guide Service Page giving some insight on our USACE local waters during the shutdown. Give it a read.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CZgzVEVtt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Corps of Engineers issues gov’t shutdown statement for Belton/Stillhouse
The shutdown of the U.S. Government which went into effect on October 1 has far-reaching implications.
Some, like me, count on access to our public lands to conduct business and earn a living; for others, Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir are places for rest and recreation.
I have lived through numerous government shutdowns in the past. Only during two of them were we, the American people, at some point denied access to our own public lands.
Concerned, I reached out today to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ Fort Worth District which oversees, among other lakes, Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir.
I asked the following: “I would like to help keep local boaters and anglers aware of the status of access to their public lands during the government shutdown, specifically concerning access to boat ramps (not park or day-use facilities) at lakes Belton and Stillhouse. Could you provide a clear statement on this matter, please?”.
I received the following reply from Richard Bumgardner, Chief, Public Affairs, Fort Worth District, Southwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
“We are currently planning to keep recreation areas open for use by the American public during a lapse in appropriations, contingent on available funding and staffing. Parks, and their ramps, within the Fort Worth District footprint remain open under normal operations, including yearly seasonal closures. Visitor safety and well-being will continue to be our top priorities.
If, or when, appropriated funds are no longer available, USACE will execute orderly closures of USACE-owned and -operated facilities. Know that recreation facilities located on USACE property but owned and operated by external non-federal entities are not affected by a lapse in appropriations and will continue to operate.
You can find a complete listing of our parks and their status at:
https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/status.cfm?state=TX
Also, if a park is closed, the official reservation site: https://www.recreation.gov/ will have current statuses as well and not allow reservations to be made.
As always, USACE, as well as our Fort Worth District, remains fully committed to supporting the American people, the economy, and national security during a lapse in appropriations. The district will continue to carry out mission-critical activities that directly support national security and the economy, including the operation and maintenance of lakes, levees, dams and hydropower facilities.
Any other questions please ask.” [End of quote]
Bumgardner may be reached at his office number, 817-886-1312, his cell number, 817-781-6369, or by email at [email protected].
