The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will temporarily close the Springy Point Recreation Area and reduce services at several other Corps-managed facilities on Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River for the upcoming summer season.
The closure at Springy Point, which includes the campground, restrooms, beach and boat ramp, will begin May 10 and remain in effect until further notice.
Officials said the closures and reduced services are necessary to prioritize visitor safety and resource protection amid limited staffing.
The closures will not affect properties owned by the Corps but managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, such as the Driftyard, Morton Slough and Johnson Creek.
All interpretation, public outreach events, and water safety education activities have been canceled for the season, affecting an estimated 5,000 visitors based on recent annual averages.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that more than 450,000 people visit Corps-managed sites around Lake Pend Oreille each year, generating an estimated $17 million for the local economy.
“The Corps of Engineers is experiencing various challenges providing its standard level of public service this year,” Albeni Falls Dam Natural Resources Chief Taylor Johnson said.
“Because our visitors’ well-being is our top priority, we’re reducing services and closing designated recreation areas to ensure our staff can provide safe experiences for everyone. Limiting the number of sites our staff need to monitor and manage will help with this,” Johnson added.
According to a report, other affected recreation areas include Vista Recreation Area, which will remain open year-round with reduced visitor center hours starting Memorial Day, and Albeni Cove and Priest River Recreation Areas, both opening May 17 with reduced janitorial services.
Riley Creek Recreation Area will also open May 10 with one restroom closure, reduced picnic shelter availability and reduced janitorial services.
The Corps relies on seasonal employees and volunteer campground hosts to support permanent staff during peak recreation season from May through September. Permanent staff remain responsible for critical maintenance and visitor assistance, including enforcement of Title 36 regulations to maintain facility safety and upkeep.