Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

May 31 is National Dam Safety Awareness Day commemorating the failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889, resulting in the loss of life of 2,220 people.

Dams play a crucial role in managing water for flood risk, power generation, environmental conservation, and recreation, but none are risk free.

Dam safety programs, like the one from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, help federal, state, and local stakeholders responsible for dams monitor them and follow best safety practices.

To learn more about dam safety and the dams in your area, visit the National Inventory of Dams: https://nid.sec.usace.army.mil/

Corps of Engineers Hosts Public Meetings about Brunswick Harbors Dredging Activities

Savannah District, is hosting a series of in-person and virtual public meetings to discuss the development of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Brunswick Harbor.

The purpose of the meetings is to share information about the EIS process and to gather the community’s input regarding the long-term strategy for maintaining safe, efficient navigation.

There are four options available for the public to submit formal comments:

1.) By email to [email protected]

2.) On the website at https://sardn-eis-sardn.hub.arcgis.com/

3.) At the public meetings

4.) By U.S. mail. Send to the attention of Suzanne Hill, Planning, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401

The comment period ends June 29, 2026.

For the full press release: https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/media/news-releases/article/4502598/corps-of-engineers-hosts-public-meetings-about-brunswick-harbors-dredging-activ/

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division I U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters I Georgia Ports Authority

Today and throughout the year take time to remember the lives lost fighting for our freedom.

This Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District, reminds everyone to make water safety a top priority in every water adventure.

This weekend brings the first major influx of boaters and swimmers as thousands of visitors are likely to visit Hartwell, Richard B. Russell, and J. Strom Thurmond Lakes, on the Upper Savannah River Basin. Corps of Engineers officials remind visitors to be prepared for the current low water levels, due to the ongoing drought conditions in the area.

If visiting the lakes, be especially vigilant for potential hazards just below the surface of the water. And when in, on or around the water:

Always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on or near the water. Statistics show that most drowning victims were not wearing one.

Swimming in undesignated areas is the leading activity associated with drownings in Corps of Engineers lakes and river projects. Beware of sudden drop-offs and underwater hazards.

Low lake levels have exposed submerged stumps, rocks, and shallow sandbars. Navigate with extreme caution and never dive into unknown waters, as depths have changed significantly.

Avoid overestimating your swimming ability and never swim alone. Do not try to swim across coves, to buoys, or to islands – they are farther than they appear or might be too far for your swimming abilities.

Because many water-related tragedies involve individuals who never intended to enter the water, we strongly encourage all visitors to wear life jackets, regardless of age or swimming ability. For those who may have forgotten their gear, free life jacket loaner stations are readily available at many designated swim beaches and boat ramps.

Finally, we remind everyone to boat and swim sober, as alcohol severely impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. By staying alert, adapting to the lower lake levels, and wearing a life jacket, you can help ensure a secure and memorable holiday weekend for your family and friends.

Following these safety tips can help make your family’s holiday a safe and enjoyable one.

For more water safety tips, visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/National-Water-Safety_Program/

Join us at Modoc Fishing Pier this Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance 2026 Kids Fishing Day! 🎣

Young anglers, this is your chance to reel in some Thurmond Lake action from the pier union volunteers built for the community. The first 150 registered kids will receive free fishing gear to help them get started.

Register here: https://fishaugusta2026.eventbrite.com

Boaters and anglers: Memorial Day weekend runs May 23-25, so expect heavy traffic around the Modoc area and congestion at the boat ramp throughout the holiday weekend. Plan extra time if you're launching. 🛥

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned young angler, come make fish stories worth telling. See you at the pier!

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Modoc Boat Ramp Fishing Pier Area
Gilchrist Ferry Road, Modoc, South Carolina

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Make the most of National Safe Boating Week (May 16–22, 2026) by making safety your priority. Wear a life jacket every time you’re on the water. Falls overboard happen without warning—and a life jacket could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy for you and the people who love you.

Ridge Road Campground is reopening!!

Savannah District, is reopening Ridge Road Campground Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

This is the final campground to be restored and reopened at J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill Lake) since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024.

Ridge Road Campground offers 69 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups. 🏕️

To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232687

The 2026 camping season ends September 13.

For the full press release:
https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4487146/final-thurmond-lake-campground-ready-to-reopen-since-hurricane-helene/

I I U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division

Strength isn't just found in a uniform.
Today, we recognize the military spouses who hold it all together—through every move, every deployment, and every unknown.
They are the steady force behind mission readiness.
They are part of our workforce.
They are part of our success.
And every day, they help Build Strong With Us.
Join us in thanking the military spouses across the USACE team.

Thank you, Dani!

In support of Georgia Environmental Protection Division officially declaring a ‘Level 1 Drought Response’ for public water systems that use surface water and/or groundwater, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District encourages all Park and Campground visitors to:

• Report leaks at hydrants, faucets, or bathhouses to campground hosts and Park Rangers

• Ensure all water taps are fully closed after use

• Limit unnecessary water consumption at campsites

By reducing water use now, we can help protect local water sources and potentially avoid more restrictive “level 2” or “level 3” Drought Response measures in the future.

More water conservation information can be found at: https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

If you own an inflatable life jacket, do you know if it is a manual- or automatic-inflate style? Make sure you know before you get out on the water and might have to depend on it to save your life.