U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes

04/24/2026

A big THANK YOU goes out to these amazing individuals and to all our volunteers for your dedication, passion, and service. We couldn’t do it without you!

04/01/2026

ℹ Internship opportunities at Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes!

🌳 Are you passionate about the environment + natural resources and looking for hands-on experience? Student Conservation Association (SCA) internship applications are open for the season at our Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes in Pennsylvania!

⛺ As an SCA intern, you’ll work directly with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers on a variety of projects. SCA roles are vital to ensuring safety and enjoyment for a combined 350,000+ annual visitors at these sites — and protecting the area's precious natural resources.

💼 What you'll be doing:
- Leading water safety outreach and visitor services programs
- Assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of recreational areas, including trails, picnic sites, and boat launches
- Conducting environmental stewardship tasks such as water quality testing and data collection
- Engaging with the public to share the history and mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

🔗 Apply now:
Recreation and Natural Resource at Tioga-Hammond Lakes: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001187338506
Environmental Stewardship at Tioga-Hammond Lakes: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001187339206
Recreation and Visitor Services at Cowanesque Lake: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001187338906
Water Safety Outreach and Interpretation at Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001187338606

03/31/2026

03/12/2026

When the sea grows restless and the wind begins to howl, remember this tale the old sailors whispered beneath torn sails and shattered masts.
Long ago, when the wine-dark sea still answered to the temper of Poseidon, a young fisherman named Theron defied the tide. His brother had fallen from a skiff and was seized by the hungry surf. The waves clawed, the current dragged, and panic roared louder than the storm.
Theron leapt toward the water.
But from the foam rose gray-eyed Athena, who stays the reckless and strengthens the wise.
“Will you fight the sea with two drowning men?” she asked.
Theron faltered.
And the goddess taught him the Law of the Shore — a law older than bronze and truer than pride:
Reach. Throw. Row. Don’t go.
Reach — as far as your arm, your oar, your branch will carry.
Extend strength without surrendering your footing.
Throw — rope, buoy, timber, anything that floats.
Let reason travel where flesh cannot safely follow.
Row — if you have a vessel beneath you, use it.
Wood and craft are stronger than courage alone.
Don’t go — for the sea devours heroes and fools alike.
Two lost serve no one. Wisdom saves; impulse buries.
Theron braced himself against the rocks. He thrust an oar. He cast a line. He steadied the skiff and pulled his brother aboard. And the sea, denied its second offering, roared but yielded.
From that day forward, sailors carved the four commands into their docks and taught them to every child who walked the shore:
Not every battle is won by leaping into danger.
Strength without thought is tribute to the deep.
Courage guided by reason conquers the storm.
When the waters rise and someone cries for help, remember the counsel.

01/29/2026

Did you know Mark Twain nearly drowned as a boy? Growing up along the Mississippi River, young Samuel Clemens once found himself in serious trouble in the water. He was pulled out just in time, narrowly escaping drowning.

That close call stayed with him for life. Rivers—their beauty, danger, and quiet power—went on to shape some of the most enduring stories in American literature.

It’s strange to think how close the world came to losing one of its greatest storytellers before he ever picked up a pen.

Sometimes history turns on moments measured in seconds.

Reach, Throw, Row but do not go in the water.

12/22/2025

*Upcomming Event*
Eagle Watch program presented by Matt West through the PA Step Outdoors Winter Series

When: January 4th at 9am
Where: Tioga-Hammond Connecting Channel Overlook

12/18/2025

❤️ HEART ATTACK: KNOW THE SIGNS & HOW TO RESPOND ❤️

Heart attacks can happen to anyone, anywhere. Recognizing the warning signs and acting fast can save a life.

🚨 Common Signs & Symptoms
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back
• Nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Cold sweats or sudden fatigue

📞 What To Do Immediately
1️⃣ Call 911 – Do not delay
2️⃣ Keep the person calm and seated
3️⃣ Give aspirin if available and not allergic
4️⃣ Begin CPR if they become unresponsive

⏱️ ACT FAST — EVERY SECOND COUNTS

Please share this post. You never know when this knowledge could help save a friend, family member, or stranger.

🏰 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Committed to public safety on our lands and waters.

12/02/2025

Tioga-Hammond Lakes is looking for dedicated resident volunteers for the 2026 recreation season (May 1–October 31) at Ives Run Campground. Positions available:

• Campground Host Volunteer
• Maintenance Volunteer

Maintenance Volunteers help with mowing, trimming, debris removal, and general grounds upkeep.
Campground Hosts assist with reservation checks, guest check-in/out, fire ring cleaning, and provide customer service to campers.

Volunteers receive a free full-hookup campsite for the entire duration of the volunteer service in exchange for:
• 24 hours/week per couple, or
• 12 hours/week per individual.

A federal background investigation is required.

If interested, please email our Volunteer Coordinator: [email protected]

General questions? Send us a Facebook message or call the Ives Run Visitor Information Center at (570) 835-5281.

11/20/2025

Safety Reminder for Boaters
Nov 1 – Apr 30:
If you're on a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or any small boat under 16 feet, you MUST WEAR a life jacket — not just have it on board!

Carrying it isn’t enough — it must be worn while on the water.
This is the law and could save your life in cold water emergencies.

✅ Be safe. Be smart. Wear it every time.

10/08/2025

As the air cools and the colors turn to gold, our lakes grow quiet — but the mission continues.
The true guardians of the water’s edge know that courage isn’t only found in storms or rescues. It’s in every life jacket buckled, every safe choice made, every moment we stand ready for those we love.

Cold water steals heat faster than you can imagine. A single slip without a life jacket can change everything — but your strength is in your preparation.
So wear it. Set the example. Be the reason someone else makes it home.

So long as the flame endures, so does the mission.
— U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Building Strong® and Staying Safe

10/01/2025

At this time, recreation sites & campgrounds operated by Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will remain open through the end of their regularly scheduled season end dates. Other recreation areas will remain open according to our standard operating policies.

Seasonal camping closures:

Cowanesque
Tompkins Campground- Oct. 14

Tioga-Hammond
Ives Run Campground- Oct. 31

Jennings Randolph Lake
Robert W. Craig Campground- Closed Sept. 30
Howell Run Picnic Area Pavilions- Closed Sept. 30

Raystown
Seven Points Campground- Oct. 26
Susquehannock Campground- Closed Aug. 31

08/27/2025

It's the first-ever , highlighting their role as a source of fresh water, biodiversity, and recreational and economic opportunities. 🌊🏰 The Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes projects serve a primary mission of flood damage reduction, but the multipurpose lakes also provides outdoor recreation activities and natural resource opportunities.