Staffing shortages force closures at Lake Lanier, other SE recreation areas
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. - Residents near Lake Lanier began reaching out to FOX 5 Atlanta this week when they started noticing workers blocking public access to some areas of the lake.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District, told FOX 5 Atlanta that they have been forced to close multiple recreation areas across the Southeast ahead of the 2025 season because of significant staffing shortages.
USACE did not provide an explanation for the staffing shortages.
What we know:
The closures, which impact campgrounds and beaches across several lake systems, are part of a broader effort to prioritize public health and safety, according to USACE. Essential operations such as dam management, flood protection, and emergency readiness will continue without disruption.
What they're saying:
USACE officials said the decision was made after careful evaluation of available resources and the need to maintain safe environments for visitors. The affected sites will either see reduced services or be closed entirely to allow full staffing and operational support at nearby locations.
Officials emphasized that the well-being of the community is their top priority, and their current staffing levels do not allow them to maintain the necessary safety measures within their parks.
Recreational areas currently impacted by the closures include:
Allatoona Lake (Georgia)
- Victoria Day Use Area
- Payne Campground
Lake Sidney Lanier (Georgia)
- Balus Creek
- Belton Bridge
- Burton Mill
- Keiths Bridge
- Little Hall
- Little Ridge
- Little River
- Long Hollow
- Lula
- Mountain View
- Old Federal Day Use
- Robinson
- Sardis Creek
- Simpson
- Thompson Bridge
- Tidwell
- Two Mile
- Upper Overlook
- Van Pugh North & South
- Vanns Tavern
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System (Alabama)
- Public Shoreline Area
Black Warrior & Tombigbee Lakes (Alabama)
- Arcola
- Blue Creek
- Deerlick Creek
- Service Park
Okatibbee Lake (Mississippi)
- Pine Springs
Walter F. George Lake (Georgia)
- Bluff Creek Day Use Area
- Hardridge Creek Campground
Lake George W. Andrews (Georgia)
- East Bank Day Use Area/Lower Pool
The other side:
A local resident who reached out to FOX 5 Atlanta said he is concerned about the impact on local businesses and property values as a result of the closures. He also pointed out that only those who own "million dollar properties" will now have access to the lake and the closures could become a safety issue if emergency vehicles need access to the lake because of a fire or problem with a boat or boater.
Georgia political reaction:
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff released the following statement about the closures:
"The White House must take immediate action to reopen these beautiful parks at Lake Lanier for Georgia families. This is a direct and predictable result of the Administration’s reckless and chaotic mismanagement."
Dig deeper:
USACE is responsible for more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states.
Lake Lanier, which is the largest lake in Georgia, is one of the Army Corps' most popular lakes and is visited by millions of people each year.
Earlier this year, President Trump instituted a federal hiring freeze and took other steps to eliminate tens of thousands of government jobs.
Although it has been reported that USACE employees are exempt, that only applies to their lock and dam operators, according to their public affairs office. Recreation, which includes their rangers, was not included. USACE says the hiring freeze and a series of deferred resignations have led to their staffing shortage. USACE normally hires seasonal workers, including park rangers, maintenance personnel, and deckhands.
Earlier this month, FOX 5 Atlanta reported that President Trump's 2026 budget proposes slashing $1.2 billion from the National Park Service, which would put 11 national park sites and areas in Georgia at risk for closure.
RELATED: Trump's budget reportedly puts Georgia's national park sites at risk
What's next:
The closures will remain in effect until staffing issues are resolved. USACE will continue to monitor the situation throughout the summer and provide updates on its website and social media channels. Visitors are encouraged to check for restrictions or safety alerts before traveling.