The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District would like to inform the public that the recreational facilities at the W.P Franklin Lock and Dam on the Caloosahatchee River near Alva, Florida, sustained damage during Hurricane Ian and will remain closed until further notice.

Many hazards remain from Hurricane Ian, such as hanging limbs, downed trees, debris piles, and unsafe docks at the W.P. Franklin South Day Use Area and W.P. Franklin North Campground. Extended closures of the areas are required to ensure public safety due to the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The areas will be closed until further notice because of the extent of the damage.

Debris pile at W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam South Day Use Area following Hurricane Ian.

“We appreciate the public’s patience while we work through the cleanup and repairs necessary following landfall of Hurricane Ian. This includes repairs to buildings and boat ramps, and the removal of large, downed trees,” said Tammy Cleveland, Deputy Chief of the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “It is always our goal to provide safe recreational opportunities to the public, and there is more work required before we can safely reopen.”

The public will be notified as soon as repairs are complete and recreational facilities can be reopened safely.

All other recreation areas are now open, including the Ortona South Campground, Ortona North Day Use Area, Port Mayaca Day Use Area, St. Lucie South Campground, and St. Lucie North Day Use Area.

For more information on Corps of Engineers recreation facilities in south Florida, please visit the Jacksonville District website at www.saj.usace.army.mil/Rec.