More Corps of Engineer-operated parks on Lake Lanier could be re-opening after the Mobile District Office received 16 hiring freeze exemptions recently. This will allow the Corps to bring on additional Park Rangers to support public recreation sites across the region, a spokesman said.
The exemptions include six positions at Lake Lanier, two at Walter F. George (Lake Eufaula), two at the Black Warrior and Tombigbee Rive Lakes, and six temporary summer rangers. These positions are specifically focused on supporting recreation areas, such as campgrounds, day-use parks and boat ramps.
“We want to thank the elected officials and the public for making their voices heard about how much an impact our recreational lands are to themselves and the region,” said Dustin Gautney, Chief of Public Affairs for the Mobile District.
“These exceptions to the hiring freeze would have not been possible without their support.”
Earlier this year, the Corps announced plans to limit or temporarily close some recreation areas due to staffing shortages. These decisions were made, Corps officials said at the time, to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, because current staffing levels did not allow for essential services such as park supervision, maintenance and safety monitoring.
While hiring exemptions represent progress, the public should be aware that reopening parks will take time, Gautney said. Even if vacancies are filled quickly, new hires must complete required training before being placed into active duty.