Lake Hartwell services reduced

Significant cuts in federal spending are leading the Savannah District, U-S Army Corps of Engineers to close one primitive campground and partially close six day use areas for the 2013 season. Service reductions affecting the Oconee-Pickens area include partial closing of the Friendship Day Use Areas. Mullins Ford and Lawrence Bridge Recreation Areas will be operated as pack-in/pack-out areas. The Corps will reduce cleaning, mowing, water safety outreach, trash collection and some maintenance. Peggy O’Bryan, Chief of the Operations Division for the Savannah District, said, “During 2012, the Hartwell Project was able to avoid complete closures of recreation areas by reducing service levels and reducing operating seasons to lower overall operations and maintenance costs. Unfortunately, continued funding restraints and uncertainties have resulted in further actions for the 2013 season.”