U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, Announces Reduction of Services and Operational Changes at Blue Marsh Lake for 2025 Recreation Season

LEESPORT, PA (Friday, April 25, 2025) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Philadelphia District, which oversees the operations of numerous Flood Risk Management and recreation sites throughout the Delaware River Basin, will be implementing operational changes and reductions in services at Blue Marsh 
Lake due to staffing shortages during the 2025 recreation season. Staffing shortages are due to the inability to hire seasonal staff because of the current federal hiring freeze. USACE staff will continue to prioritize tasks essential to public health and safety, such as dam operations for 
flood protection and emergency response readiness.

As a result, visitors will experience impacts at the Blue Marsh Lake’s recreation facilities. These impacts include:

• Reduced hours of operation and services at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area (Swim Beach)
  • Day Use Area Hours 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Swim Beach will close at 5:00 PM 
  • No entry after 5:00 PM
  • Picnic pavilions will not be reservable and will be available on a first come, first serve basis only.  

• Boat Launch operational changes and reduced services.  
  • The Dry Brooks and State Hill Boat Launches will be closed for the remainder of the day once they reach full capacity on weekends and holidays, and will reopen after 5:00 PM
  • The picnic area at the Dry Brooks Boat Launch will be closed for the season. The ramp will remain open for launching purposes only.  
• Delays or reductions in trail and facilities maintenance.
• Reduced outreach and interpretive programs.

Reduced hours of operation and services at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area will take effect starting May 4, 2025.  All other changes in operations and services will take effect starting May 17, 2025.

Our team of permanent staff remains committed to serving surrounding communities to conduct our primary mission, which is managing critical infrastructure for flood protection to downstream communities.

We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work through these challenges and continue to prioritize public safety and responsible stewardship.

All questions and information requests can be directed to the Philadelphia District Public Affairs Officer, Stephen Rochette, Stephen.Rochette@usace.army.mil -En