USACE Vicksburg District announces maintenance at popular Sardis Lake boat ramp
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS VICKSBURG DISTRICT
VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District announces that maintenance work will begin at the Engineer Point boat ramp at Sardis Lake Monday, Nov. 30.
Contractors will repair the shoreline and parking lot at the lower boat ramp. Maintenance is not expected to interrupt visitor access, but visitors should be cautious and watch for equipment and workers in the area. The work is expected to last several months.
The public will be notified of any forthcoming changes to access to the area. For more information or questions about recreation closures, please contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662-563-4531
.
Engineer Point is one of the busiest boat ramps in north Mississippi and provides year-round access to Sardis Lake. The area has been submerged and damaged several times during high water periods in the last several years.
FISH STRUCTURE PLACEMENT REGULATION
All persons placing structure(s) in Sardis, Arkabutla, Grenada, and Enid lakes must abide by the terms outlined in the following regulations according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Title 36.
The placement of untreated, wooden structures in the lake basin for the purpose of fish habitat is authorized. Artificial wooden "grabbling structures" are also authorized. Natural structures may not be altered and used to "hand fish" from. Other structures made of plastic, PVC, metal, and other non-biodegradable materials are NOT allowed. Any person(s) installing a structure not in compliance with this regulation may be subject to a citation under Title 36.
The placement of trees are allowed along with an appropriately sized anchoring device which may be made of concrete, brick, or stone. Any anchor(s) other than these approved materials will be in violation and subject to fines and penalties.
Structures may not be placed within 300 feet of any designated swimming area or beach. These structures should not be placed in any areas where they may become boating hazards such as directly below or adjacent to any boat ramp.
Cultural Resource Protection- Visitors are reminded that the removal of historical and archaeological features (material from old house sites, arrowheads, human remains, etc.) is PROHIBITED.
If caught, looters face arrest, fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for disturbing these areas.
Life Jackets are Mandatory at MS Lakes
The following life jacket rules are being enforced at all four of the Vicksburg District-North Mississippi lakes at Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada.
All persons must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times:
- while swimming outside of designated swimming areas.
- while skiing or being pulled by a vessel, regardless of vessel length.
- on powered vessels 16 to 26 feet in length whenever under power by the main propulsion unit.
- on powered vessels less than 16 feet in length or on non-powered vessels regardless of length.
For more information, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662.563.4531 or the MS Project Management Office at 662.578.3873
Rules for Sardis Lake Archery Area
The following rules are in effect at the Sardis Lake Archery Area. All hunters must have a permit prior to engaging in any hunting activity within the archery area. Permits must be picked up in person at the Sardis Lake Field Office. A hunter survey is included on the back of the permit form. It must be filled out and returned to the Sardis Lake Field Office or placed in a drop box at one of two check-in stations at the conclusion of each season.
The archery area is located near on either side of Sardis Dam and offers over 1,000 acres for archery only hunting. Hunters may use long bows, recurves, and compound bows. Seasons, bag limits, and other regulations are set by the MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. For more information please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sardis Lake Field Office (662) 563-4531.