TULSA, Okla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District announced today it will waive day-use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas in recognition of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) Saturday, Sept. 26.
The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. Other agencies and partners that manage recreation areas located on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to comply with this waiver of day-use fees in the areas they manage.
“National Public Lands Day is an opportunity to celebrate the places that belong to everyone,” said Col. Jessica Goffena, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,...
09.14.2026 | TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US |
Story by Stacey Reese
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at its recreation areas nationwide Sept. 26 in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Tulsa District will also host volunteer cleanup and improvement events at Eufaula, Kaw and Fort Gibson lakes as part of the annual observance.
U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Lawrence, engineer, Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, walks down the ramp of the Oologah Stilling Basin after demonstrating the scale of one of the conduits at the Oologah Dam main spillway near Oologah, Okla., Sept. 11, 2026. Oologah's spillway was dewatered in June 2026 to enable repairs to the concrete slab, rebar and baffle blocks in the stilling basin. After more than 50 years of water releases the stilling basin slab, which prevents erosion of the ground beneath the dam by absorbing and slowing the speed of releases, was damaged by a combination of sediment and water. The baffle blocks are being repaired and the slab beneath them will receive a new layer of concrete to ensure the project continues to operate safely. Oologah Dam's main spillway consists of two conduits that are 19 feet in diameter. Each conduit was designed to release 17,500 cubic feet of water per second when the lake is at elevation 661, the top of the flood storage pool. While the main spillway is closed for repairs water releases will be made through Oologah's auxiliary spillway. Oologah Dam impounds the Verdigris River forming Oologah Lake. Construction of the dam was completed in 1974. Oologah Lake's missions include flood control, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife. (U.S. Army photo by Brannen Parrish)
Oologah Auxiliary Dam releasing approximately 6,200 cubic feet of water per second into the Verdigris River near Oologah, Okla., June 25, 2026. Oologah Dam and Oologah Lake are owned and operated by the Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Oologah Dam was completed in 1974. The main spillway was closed for repairs to the stilling basin in May 2026 and rainfall in the region in May and June required use of the auxiliary dam and spillway for water releases.
