The new 2009 annual day use passes for use at U. S. Army Corps of Engineers day use recreation areas are now available for purchase at the Corps J. Strom Thurmond, Hartwell and Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project Offices.

Passes are available for purchase from each of the Corps Lakes Visitor Centers. The fee for the annual pass is $30. The new annual passes are valid 12 months from the date of purchase. Passes can be purchased at the following Corps of Engineers locations: J. Strom Thurmond Visitor Center, 510 Clarks Hill Highway, Clarks Hill, S.C.; Hartwell Visitors Center, 5625 Anderson Highway, Hartwell, Ga.; Richard B. Russell Visitors Center, 4144 Russell Dam Drive, Elberton, Ga.

Alternative locations for purchasing the passes in the J. Strom Thurmond Lake project area include Belvedere Marine and Sportsman Corner in North Augusta, Cliatt Crossing in Lincolnton, and West Marine in Martinez.

Annual passes sold in 2009 will have a 2010 expiration date sticker. The hangtag will depict expiration month and year, unlike the issue date used in previous years. Visitors should hang their passes from the vehicles rear view mirror so the decal on the pass will display the expiration date of the pass. Open vehicles such as motorcycles or jeeps should display the decal directly on the rear view mirror or some other easily visible location on the vehicle.

Corps day use areas typically include boat launch ramps, designated swimming beaches, and picnic areas. The annual day use pass does not affect campground usage and campground fees.

For more information contact the Visitor Center at either of these Corps lakes: J. Strom Thurmond Project Office at (800) 533-3478; Hartwell Project Office at (888) 893-0678; or Richard B. Russell Project Office at (800) 944-7207.