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As temperatures rise and grass begins to green, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites across the Rock Island District are reopening for the spring and summer seasons. After being closed for the winter, many areas such as campgrounds, day-use areas, boat ramps, and beaches, often need a lot of work.
“Every spring, natural resource management staff conduct thorough inspections and perform a variety of maintenance tasks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests,” said Sierra Phipps, park ranger at Saylorville Lake.
This work includes activities such as removing potential hazards like overhanging branches, leveling camping pads, repairing or replacing damaged picnic tables and fire rings to meet safety and usability standards. Rangers also test each campsite’s electrical hook-ups, clear winter debris from trails, take care of landscaping needs, install courtesy docks at the boat ramps, place safety buoys, and restock life jacket loaner stations.
“All this is done to create a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors,” Phipps said.
According to Phipps, USACE recreation areas rank among the nation’s most visited outdoor destinations with many parks located within 50 miles of major metropolitan area.
“These parks serve as convenient gateways to nature for urban residents seeking outdoor experiences,” said Phipps. “From wildlife observation and hiking to camping and water activities there are plenty of excellent adventures to enjoy.”
While the USACE Rock Island District offers recreational opportunities suited to every visitor’s interest and ability, natural resource management staff encourage the importance of safety when enjoying these spaces.
“For everyone’s safety and enjoyment visitors should always observe posted signage and restrictions,” Phipps stated. “When recreating in, on, or near water, each person must wear a properly fitted life jacket—this essential safety measure protects everyone participating in water activities. Remember: life jackets save lives!”
Phipps also clarified how the warmer months increase the types of activities available, yet visitors are welcome all year-round.
“Spring and summer are ideal times for recreating at Saylorville Lake,” she said. “Fall and winter offer their own kinds of enjoyment. Many people still use the bike trails and pursue wildlife observation and winter hiking. If we’re lucky, we have enough ice for ice fishing as well. The lake remains a valuable recreational resource throughout the calendar year.”
For Phipps, connecting people to the outdoors is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I get to do environmental stewardship, education and outreach, and visitor assistance all within the same week. I meet a variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds who visit the parks, and I get to help them and educate them about the nature around them.”
For more answers information on Saylorville Lake and other Rock Island District recreation sites visit: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2025 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 498519 |
| Location: | SAYLORVILLE LAKE, IOWA, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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