Program Summary

Park Ranger History (1944 - Present) - Changes in the Park Ranger program mirror the development of the Corps Recreation program

1944

Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended, authorized the Chief of Engineers “to construct, maintain, and operate public park and recreational facilities at water resources development projects under the control of the Secretary of the Army, and to permit the construction, maintenance, and operation of such facilities.” It provides for the projects to be open to the public for recreational purposes, and provides for access to and from areas along the shores in the public interest.

1965

Recreation as a project purpose was established under the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-72), as amended. Section 2(a) specified benefits for recreation be included in the economic analysis of contemplated projects. The joint federal/non-Federal sharing of financial responsibilities for the development, enhancement and management of recreation and fish and wildlife resources was authorized under: 1986 - the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) 1990 - the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-640).