USACE Warns of Further Canyon Lake Closures Over Safety and Environmental Concerns

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today confirmed it is closing the Guadalupe Trail parking lot at Canyon Lake and warned of future closures over safety and environmental impact concerns.

As reported yesterday, the Corps said it was closing its Guadalupe Trail parking lot on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. The parking lot that provides access to its ADA-compliant fishing pier remains open.

Additional closures may be necessary to ensure the safety and health of the recreating public and to protect natural resources, USACE said in a press release it issued on Tuesday, June 23.

USACE said recent crowds at Overlook Park and the Guadalupe Trail did not comply with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19. The Stilling Basin fence located at the Guadalupe Trail parking lot was vandalized several times recently.

These large crowds have impacted the land and natural resources on public and private property, USACE said.

Large amounts of garbage and other debris have been left behind by these crowds and vegetation has been damaged due to the number of vehicles being operated and parked off of roads and designated parking lots.

“The size of the crowds have caused concern for public safety and negative impacts to the environment.”

“In recent weeks, large crowds have been gathering in and around Overlook Park and the Guadalupe Trail,” said Javier Pérez, Canyon Lake manager. “The size of the crowds have caused concern for public safety and negative impacts to the environment. In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, USACE urged customers to follow social distancing and other CDC guidelines as parks were reopened in May. The recent crowds at Overlook Park and the Guadalupe Trail have not been in compliance with those COVID-19 CDC guidelines.”

For updated, complete information on the status of all USACE facilities, click here.

Visitors are asked to practice leave-no-trace, use designated trash receptacles and always wear a life jacket when boating or near the water.

USACE said anyone in its parks should follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines regarding social distancing and remaining vigilant. Anyone who is sick or has COVID-19 symptoms is asked to stay away from parks and recreation areas.

For more information, call USACE’s Canyon Lake office at 830-964-3341.