A12._Carlyle_Gate_Attendant_Handbook_2019.pdf

CARLYLE LAKE

2019 GATE ATTENDANT'S HANDBOOK

ST. LOUIS DISTRICT

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Carlyle Lake Gate Attendant Handbook

Recreation Season 2019 St. Louis District

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

THIS SET OF GUIDELINES SHOULD ASSIST YOU IN LEARNING YOUR JOB. IT SHOULD ALSO SERVE

AS REFERENCE WHILE YOU ARE ON THE JOB. THESE GUIDELINES ARE CONSIDERED A MINIMUM

OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PERFORM YOUR DUTIES CORRECTLY. READ THEM

CAREFULLY. ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT SECTIONS YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND BEFORE YOU BEGIN

WORK.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE

A. APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT

B. REGISTRATION

C. CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS

D. NRRS COMPUTER SYSTEM

E. CAMPGROUND STATUS CHECKS

F. USER PERMITS AND COLLECTED FEES

G. CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS

H. HOW TO BEAT THE SYSTEM

I. MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES/OPERATIONS

J. DISCOUNT PASSPORT PROGRAMS

K. REFUNDS

L. DAY USE FEES & ANNUAL PASSES

M. HANDOUT MATERIALS

N. VISITORS AND SIGHTSEERS

O. PICNICKERS

P. RADIO USE

Q. LOST AND FOUND

R. SECURITY PROCEDURES

S. DIRECTORY OF FORMS

SECTION A

APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT

As a Gate Attendant, you are, in most cases, the first person visitors will see when they arrive at the campground.

The impression you create will form the opinion campers have of not only the lake, but also the Corps of Engineers.

Courtesy is key. The public is, after all, paying for these facilities and expects to be treated in a friendly manner.

The following are some things to keep in mind when meeting the public:

1. Treat each person like you're glad to see them. Everyone enjoys a genuine, friendly greeting.

2. Know your job. Answer questions. If you don't know the answer, don’t make a guess or give out wrong information. Tell the visitor you'll find out if they will check back with you later.

3. Act friendly even if you're not. Remember that an important part of your job is to provide services in a manner that helps make each visitor's stay as enjoyable as possible.

4. Another important factor in meeting the public is your own personal appearance. Keep these guidelines in mind:

a. Gate Attendants shall remain fully clothed while on duty.

b. Clothing must be neat in appearance and appropriate for meeting the public.

c. You will be required to wear a nametag for identification. They will be provided.

d. Sandals will not be permitted for safety reasons.

5. Smoking is not permitted in the fee booths. If you must smoke, do it discreetly outside the fee booth.

6. Alcohol or any drug (except prescribed medications) will not be consumed any time during duty. If you have a serious medical condition or if you are taking prescribed medications that might affect your job performance, be sure to inform the Contracting Officer.

7. Gate Attendants shall remain within hearing distance of the communication equipment in the fee booth during scheduled working hours unless responding to visitor needs or taking a bathroom break. Whenever you do leave the fee booth unattended, notify a ranger before your departure and lock the booth.

8. Tactfully discourage loitering at the fee booth by the visiting public.

9. You are not permitted to bring an unauthorized relative or friend to work with you, or have anyone else help you or keep you company. You are the only one authorized to be in the fee booth except Rangers on business. When your shift is through – stay out of the fee booth. If the other gate attendants ask for your help then by all means you may assist.

10. Keep the fee booth neat and orderly for the sake of appearance and other attendants who use the booth.

Only necessary information should be posted in fee booth.

11. How you spend your time during off duty hours is essentially your business, but you must remember that you are subject to the same rules as our visitors. Unless you receive permission from the Contracting Officer, avoid actions that would constitute violations of Corps regulations. The gate attendant’s hours of duty do not end with the end of their daily shift. You are on call from the beginning of your shift until the next gate attendant takes over their shift. If an emergency situation should occur during the night, the gate attendant should contact the Ranger on duty and report the emergency. If there is no Ranger on duty the gate attendant will assist with the emergency situation by calling 911 and standing by until help arrives. Don’t just point the person to the nearest phone and tell them to call from there.

12. When incidents, accidents, fires or fatalities occur in the campground, or even at other places around the lake, you may be the first to be questioned by reporters or curious visitors. All inquiries will be referred to the Ranger on duty or to the Project Office. If you know something that the Project Office doesn't know, tell the management, not reporters.

13. You are not permitted to use and/or possess firearms of any type in conjunction with your duties as gate attendants.

14. If personal radios and televisions are permitted, their use in the fee booth must not interfere with your duties as the Gate Attendant. Any wiring or installation of antennas for these items will be performed only after consultation with Contracting Officer.

SECTION B

NRRS – R1S COMPUTER SYSTEM

1. Purpose of the NRRS.

a. NRRS will help you with many things including:

(1) Registering campers with or without reservations

(2) Issuing camping receipts

(3) Requesting camping refunds

(4) Locating campers and visitors

(5) Moving campers to a new site

(6) Releasing vacant campsites which show as occupied in the system

(7) Voiding camping receipts

(8) Accepting campsite reservations

(9) Producing a number of reports on site occupancy, receipts issued, program settings, and Deposit Summary Reports.

(10) Changing the responsible Gate Attendant on duty.

(11) Selling annual passes

b. The program utilizes "menus". Like the menu in a restaurant, you are given a list of items to select from.

Each of these items is a task that you can do with the computer, issuing a receipt for example.

c. You can correct any typing mistakes that you make and, in most places, you can cancel whatever you are working on. You do not need to be an expert at typing, the computer does not care how much time you take to enter the information. It will operate at your speed.

2. Responsibilities of the Gate Attendant using the fee booth computer.

a. Register campers, issue user receipts, request refunds, and make reservations. You will also use the computer generated Deposit Summary Reports to balance your receipts with fees collected.

b. Maintain system security. You will be given an email address and a password to use to enter the computer program. All activities performed on the computer while your email address and password are logged onto it are your responsibility. It is very important that you do not give anyone your email address or password, and that you make sure no one else uses the computer while you are logged in on it. If you think your email address, or your password have been compromised, please contact a ranger to arrange to have those identifiers changed. Email addresses, and passwords will be explained further during R1S computer training.

c. Protect the computer equipment. The computer equipment is sensitive and can be easily damaged. However, with a little care you will have no problems. The guidelines given below will help guard against breakdowns.

3. Care of the computer equipment.

a. Gate Attendants will not perform any maintenance or repairs on the computer, its keyboard, the monitor, or the printer, other than routine cleaning and reloading printers with paper and toner. If any of this equipment malfunctions notify a Visitor Assistance Park Ranger immediately.

b. You will need to take some steps to protect your computer to keep it operating well. The computer must not be moved or bumped, particularly while it is in use. If you need to move the computer to a new location in the building, call your NRRS Coordinator first.

c. Computers, even small ones, generate a lot of heat and require cool surroundings. The entrance station is air conditioned and the air conditioner should run at all times, even when the computer is not on, if that is what it takes to keep the building at or below eighty degrees. Also, try to avoid opening and closing the door to the building. The sudden surge of heat can damage the equipment. The computer must not be in direct sunlight and it has to be protected from any heat sources.

d. Avoid dust also. Dust computer monitor screens and keyboards with a soft, clean cloth or feather duster at least once a week. Do not clean the monitor screen while the computer is on, and do not use regular window cleaner. Special fluids are available for cleaning monitor screens. Spray these fluids on the cleaning cloth, and not directly on the screen. Do not allow smoking around the computer equipment. Nicotine residue and smoke and ash particles can cause the computer to fail.

e. Turn off and unplug the computer during electrical storms. Even if your computer is attached to a surge protector, it may not be able to handle a large power surge if lightning strikes the power line.

5. Additional information. You will be given detailed information and guidelines specifically for your campground during your R1S computer training which will be scheduled by the Contracting Officer's Representative. This training and an R1S User's Manual which will be furnished to you during the computer training will help you perform your Gate Attendant work and assist you in handling most problems that you encounter. You do not need to have any special computer skills to operate the R1S program.

SECTION C

REGISTRATION

The following is an example of a typical registration.

1. When visitors arrive and indicate they wish to camp in your area, immediately fill out a Camper Registration Card (LMS Form 820A). Fill in everything on the card except the pad number, the date out, and the recreational use days. Keep this card at the fee booth. An example of this card is provided in this packet.

2. If a camper has previously camped in the park and was registered using the NRRS system, there is no need to fill out another registration card. You can pull up a camper by last name or telephone number.

3. Give the camper the following:

a. A copy of Title 36 and the Park Information Guide.

b. A map of the lake or campground (if requested by the camper).

c. Any materials related to the NRRS Reservation system.

4. Give the camper the following instructions:

a. All campers must register at the fee booth to verify their primary camping unit and provide trailer/RV license plate number prior to placing any equipment on a campsite. If outside of fee booth hours, visitors should follow directions posted at the fee booth.

b. The Attendant will provide the camper with the sites that are available. The attendant will also request the camper to return to the fee booth to finish registration and pay fee as soon as possible (30 minutes to an hour). Be sure to note the number of the chosen campsite.

c. Campers must place their primary camping unit on the site at the time of occupancy. If a tent is the primary camping unit, then tent camping only is permitted on the site for the duration of the stay.

d. All campers wishing to stay past the initial registration time period must have the attendant verify the availability of their site for the additional days requested. Registration must be completed by noon (12:00p.m.) on the day they are scheduled to check out. If a camper fails to register by the 12:00 p.m. deadline they will be checked out of the system and must be vacated the site by 4 p.m.

e. Any equipment placed on a site prior to registration at the fee booth is subject to removal.

f. Campers wishing to change, transfer/swap sites must register at the fee booth before placing equipment on or occupying a different site.

g. 14 Day Occupancy Rule for Dam West and McNair Campgrounds: To assure the greatest access to campsites; occupancy of any campsite by the same person, equipment, vehicles or primary camping unit is permitted for a total of 14 days out of any consecutive 30 day period.

Campers are permitted to move to McNair, Boulder, Coles Creek or Dam East Spillway Campgrounds after their 14 days at Dam West.

5. When the camper returns to the fee booth after having chosen a site, complete the camper registration card, which you started when the camper first arrived. To finish registration, enter appropriate information into the computer system (as detailed in NRRS training) or, in the case of non-NRRS campgrounds or computer malfunction, fill out a User Permit (ENG Form No. 4457). Then, collect the appropriate fee.

6. If a computer or NRRS problem arises (contact a Ranger), you may be required to use the hand written

User Permit. It must be filled out in its entirety and handwritten permits must be legible. If a mistake is made, void all copies by writing "void" across the face of all three copies of the user permit and begin a new permit. For handwritten permits the "voided" white copy and the cardboard or hard copy is to be turned in with your remittance. Voided NRRS generated permits will be treated in the same manner as handwritten permits, except that all copies of the voided permit will be turned in to the NRRS coordinator.

7. As proof that the camper is camped in the campground fill out a vehicle pass and make sure that the camper hangs it from their rear view mirror so that you and the Rangers will know that the vehicle is registered to a camper. There is a recommended limit of 2 vehicles per site (use your best judgment), and the vehicle tag # must be provided. Write on the pass (1) the campground initials, (2) the check out date, and (3) the camper’s site number. An example of LMS Form 338 is provided later in this packet.

8. Yellow tags (LMS Form 617) shall be filled out and used to assist with campground control.

a. The small portion will be filled out with the site number, camper’s name (print please), and the checkout date.

b. Place this portion on the fee booth control board. The large portion will be filled out with the checkout date, the site number and your initials, according to the sample in the following pages. Give this portion to the camper with instructions to place it in the proper slot on the post marking the site.

c. A black magic marker will be used to fill out the yellow tag and the back of the cardboard copy of the user permit for the first unit registered on a site. The yellow post tags should be printed in clear, visible letters.

9. A Second Vehicle Pass (LMS Form 338) will be placed on the rear view mirror of any additional vehicles.

Write with magic marker (1) the initials of the campground (2) the checkout date and (3) pad number.

Remember to advise campers these vehicles must be parked on their pad or in a designated parking area.

10. When a camper checks out of the campground (4 p.m. checkout), fill in the "date out", if not done previously, and the "recreation use days" on the Camper Registration Card (LMS Form 820A) and file it in the permanent file.

11. As you might guess, all doesn't always go well. The following are some suggestions and things to remember:

a. Make sure you recommend the camper leave a camping unit on the chosen site whenever the site is unoccupied.

b. If your records say a site is taken, it is taken. Don't give a site to someone else unless you have verified the site has been vacated. If you have any questions on this, contact a Ranger.

c. Tell the campers they must checkout when they leave the campground so their site can be rented to someone else. If departing when the booth is closed, a box is provided for campers to leave their checkout information.

d. According to Corps regulations no one may rent an additional pad with the purpose of reserving that pad for a friend or relative. All campers registering for a particular pad must camp on that pad. Do not accept payment for a pad if that person is already registered on another site. One site per person. If you experience trouble with this, contact a park ranger.

e. A responsible person in the camping party must register for the campsite. The children of a family should not register for the site, nor renew the registration for more days after the initial registration has expired. This will help prohibit a family from renting another site to hold it for friends or relatives who are to arrive later. To assure accuracy of information, verify campers through ID checks.

f. It is important to hand out campground regulations to all first time campers and visitors. Ask all campers who you do not recognize if they have been given a copy of CFR Title 36. If we should have to write a citation to an individual for violation of one of these regulations, our job will be easier if they’ve been handed the regulations before their camping stay. See to it that each registered camper gets copies of the campground regulations.

g. Refunds - See Section “K” of this Appendix.

1. It takes 48 hours to process a credit card

2. It takes 4-8 weeks to process personal check

h. Camper Moving Campgrounds - Sometimes a person camped in one campground has paid for a stay and decides to move to a different campground on the lake. This is possible. First, as a courtesy, contact the other campground by phone if possible to make sure there are sites available there. This does not mean that a site will be reserved for them. Inform the Gate Attendant in the other campground what the situation is so they will be prepared when the camper arrives there. The camper will be checked out from the campground they are departing and entered as walk-in into the new campground. A refund or voucher will be issued to the camper for the fees due minus a service fee if applicable. (Note: NRRS may charge the camper a service fee for early departure).

i. If a camper wants to transfer from one site to another within the same campground, tell them to make sure the site is vacant, move all of their equipment, and then come and tell you the new site number. When this occurs be sure you make all the changes necessary so that your records remain accurate (NRRS may charge them a service fee to edit their reservation).

j. At Carlyle Lake the majority of campsites are classified as single capacity sites. The only exceptions are designated buddy sites, which are double capacity sites.

k. The total number of camping units for single capacity sites is limited to one recreation vehicle or trailer and three additional tents. If no recreational vehicle or trailers are on the site a maximum of four tents will be permitted.

l. The total number of camping units for double capacity sites is limited to two recreational vehicles or trailers and six tents. If no recreational vehicles or trailers are on the site a maximum of eight tents will be permitted. NOTE: The eight person per site maximum applies to each site, and the maximum for a double capacity site is sixteen persons.

m. Golden Age, Golden Access Passports, and America the Beautiful Passports are intended for use exclusively by those to whom the pass is issued. Do not accept these cards from anyone unless they are the registering party and will be camped on the site. This is, in many cases, difficult to determine. If you believe someone is using someone else's Passport or is coming to the campground to register and receive half price for someone else, refer this to a Park Ranger. When a camper wishes to use a Golden Age, Golden Access card, and America the Beautiful Passport, their identification must be checked.

SECTION D

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS

1. Reservations for individual campsites are available in all Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Carlyle Lake.

2. Reservations for individual campsites may be made three ways:

a. Gate Attendants may make reservations for campers at the fee booth for that campground using “The

HUB”.

b. Persons wishing to reserve individual campsites may do so over the Internet at www.recreation.gov.

c. They may also reserve sites by phoning Reserve America at 877-444-6777.

3. The NRRS computer system allows the Gate Attendant to check in incoming reservations which were made at the campground fee booth, made over the Internet, or generated by the toll free number.

4. It is the Gate Attendant's responsibility to check for incoming reservations and insure that they are posted at each reserved site not less than 3 days in advance of the arrival. Reservations will be posted at least 14 days in advance of the arrival date if possible.

5. Individual campsites can be reserved as few as 3 days or as long as 6 months in advance of the arrival date, therefore you must check for new reservations and post the applicable sites on a daily basis.

6. An individual may make reservations for four (4) sites through the NRRS for the same date, one (1) for themselves and three (3) for other people, by providing the following information for each of the parties:

a. Name, address, and telephone number

b. Arrival and departure dates

c. Estimated time of arrival

d. Number of people in the party

7. Reservations for only one (1) night are accepted for Sunday through Thursday nights. Reservations must be for a minimum of two (2) nights - Friday and Saturday - if made for weekends. In either case, reservations may be made for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days. Reservations for Memorial Day, the 4th of July (if the 4th falls on Monday), and Labor Day holiday weekends must be for a minimum of three nights - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

8. Further instructions on the NRRS system will be explained in detail during R1S computer training and in the R1S User's Manual.

9. The reservation program must be a service to the public rather than a hindrance. It should improve public relations rather than deteriorate them.

10. As in the past, we must be able to accommodate campers who arrive without reservations, such as http://www.reserveusa.com/ individuals who didn’t know about the reservation system or those who decide to go camping on the spur of the moment. On particularly busy weekends your campground may be full and you need to be able to direct visitors without reservations to an alternative campground.

11. Common Questions on Campsite Reservation System.

a. How are the first-come, first-served sites to be identified? The Gate Attendant will point out the loops with first come-first served sites on a map of the campground if requested by a person arriving to camp without a reservation or someone who arrives with a reservation, but would like to look for a better site.

b. What if a camper who has a reserved site prefers one of the first-come, first-served sites? The camper may "move" from a reserved site to a first come-first served site. If a camper with a reservation arrives and immediately informs you that they want to move to another site, check them in on the site they reserved first, then move them to the other site where they will actually be camping.

c. What if a person without a reservation sets up and pays for a reserved site and it is later discovered that a reservation exists on that site for arrival during the time that the walk-in has paid for? The reservation takes precedence and the walk-in will have to move to another available site. This should not happen because the computer system should prevent you from registering a walk in on a site which is reserved.

d. Can campers change sites? Yes. The camper will be permitted to change sites if other reservations and commitments can be met. (NRRS may want to charge them a service fee for editing their reservation). Don't forget to change the yellow card on the status board.

e. Can someone with a reservation stay beyond the reserved period? Yes, as long as another reservation has not already been made for the time that the person wants to extend for. The fourteen (14) day limit still applies.

f. Can you make reservations at the campground for a weekend next month? Yes. You can make a reservation at the campground for any date from 3 days to 6 months in advance.

g. What if a camper decides to leave before their reservation period has expired? If a camper leaves with unused nights which they have paid for you will process a refund for them through R1S.

h. What if a camper wants to pay for only part of their reserved period? For example, pay for a day at a time? The entire fee for the entire period of the reservation must be paid when the reservation is made.

i. How will we deal with "no-shows" or a camper with a reservation who comes in late? What if you have already rented his or her site? When the camper first makes the reservation, he or she should have been instructed about the 5 p.m. cutoff time on the second day of the reservation. If they have not arrived by the cutoff time, and they have not telephoned ahead to let us know they will be arriving late due to an emergency, they should be treated as a no show and their reservation canceled. Their site can then be rented on a first-come, first-served basis for the next three days, or, until the next reservation is due to arrive. If a camper is made a no show and the site is rented to someone else and the person with the original reservation subsequently arrives, they are simply out of luck and will have to take another site, register as a walk in, and pay the applicable fees.

j. What if a camper has two or more days reserved but, due to an emergency, can't arrive until the second day? is their entire reservation canceled? Do they have to pay for the first day? Reserved sites are held until 5 p.m. of the second day of the reservation. The camper may be considered a "no show" and the entire reservation may be canceled if the camper has not checked in by then. However, if the camper with the reservation calls ahead and lets us know they are coming, but will be late, their reservation will be honored and we will hold their site for them until they arrive. We don’t actually process no-shows until just before closing the fee booth for the night, UNLESS we are out of sites and have walk ins arriving, in which case we will process no-shows at 6 p.m. In any case the camper will lose the fee paid for any nights which are unused before the camper arrives. Gate attendants should contact a ranger before performing a “No Show”.

k. What if several families with reservations want to camp together? Families can now reserve specific sites. This will allow them in most cases to reserve adjacent sites.

l. Can you split up a weekend by reserving only one day? No. On weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) reservations must be for both nights.

m. What do we do about handicapped sites? Rent them on a first-come, first-served basis to handicapped campers with or without reservations. Rent to non-handicapped campers only as a last resort.

Handicapped sites are not reserved.

n. How can one be sure the Gate Attendant doesn't rent sites on a first-come, first-serve basis, which may be needed later in the week for a reservation? By keeping good records and paying attention to business. R1S and your timely posting of reserved sites will prevent most of this from happening.

o. A camper has a reservation but does not meet the 5:00 p.m. cutoff time. At 5:30 p.m. the Gate

Attendant processes the reservation as a “No Show” and rents the site to a walk in. At 6 p.m. the camper with the reservation arrives with the excuse he or she had a flat tire. It's a holiday weekend and the campground is full. Now what? The camper with the reservation knew, or should have known, about the 5 p.m. cutoff time. They did not call ahead to let us know they would be late and were processed as a “No Show” and that cannot be reversed. They are simply out of luck and will have to suffer the consequences. We will do all we can to find another spot for them, but there are no guarantees. If we are able to find another site for them they will have to register for that site as a walk in and will have to pay the applicable fees. Any fees remaining from their reservation after it was processed as a “No Show” will be refunded to them by NRRS. The fees they lost as a “No Show” cannot be recouped.

p. Won't it take longer to register campers if the Gate Attendant has to check what sites have been rented, what are reserved, and if a "no show" permits renting a reserved site? By using their status board, and updating it each morning and after 5 p.m. (i.e., remove reserved site cards for no shows), the system will operate fairly simply. The status board is designed for quick, visual intelligence on status of sites in the campground. Also, a quick check through the first-come, first-served sites and how long each is paid through will help give information on number of sites available on first-come, first-served basis. The R1S print outs also will help with this.

SECTION E

CAMPGROUND STATUS CHECKS

1. Campground status checks will be performed by gate attendants in all campgrounds in order to maintain a better record of who is registered to camp in our campgrounds, to insure a more complete collection of camping fees, and to ensure the posting of incoming reservations in a timely manner.

2. One of the two gate attendants performing the work under the gate attendant contract will perform a campground status check during the first hour of every shift worked.

3. The campground status check will consist of making a trip through the campground to verify that all campsites actually occupied are accurately reflected as being occupied on a current occupied sites list.

4. Campground status checks may be made on foot, or on a bicycle, moped, scooter, or in a passenger vehicle.

Motorized vehicles used to perform campground status checks shall not be operated off of the roadway.

5. While performing the campground status check, the gate attendant will post reservation tags for future incoming reservations at the appropriate campsites (No more than 14 days in advance).

6. Gate attendants will ensure reservation tags are properly placed on campsite posts at least 14 days in advance of the arrival date if known that far in advance, but in no case will an incoming reservation be posted less than 4 days in advance of the arrival date.

7. The gate attendant will remove any outdated reservation tags and outdated yellow post tags while performing the campground status check.

8. Gate attendants will not initiate any contact with any visitor concerning the visitor’s registration status, nor about violations of Title 36 while performing campground status checks.

9. Some gate attendants will be required to post interpretive program schedules at various locations within the campground once per week while performing the campground status checks.

10. No additional payment will be made for the performance of campground status checks or any work associated with the campground status checks beyond the time specified in the work hours portion of Appendix A to the Specifications for Gate Attendant Services.

SECTION F

USER PERMITS, COLLECTED FEES, AND TRANSMITTAL OF FEES

Transmittal of fees and remittance procedures will be covered during gate attendant orientation. The contractor is responsible for collecting the proper fees in accordance with the approved fee schedule, the User Permits (ENG Form 4457 or NRRS Permit) issued and for the fee monies collected. Fees collected by contractor include point of sale items such as Golden Age and Annual Passes, as well as camping fees. In some areas designated by Contracting Officer, contractor will be required to collect day use fees for the use of boat ramps and beaches. Your contract may be terminated in the event of unbalanced receipts, unaccountable receipts, and/or unbalanced funds.

1. When you go off duty, you are responsible for the funds that you have collected.

2. The most acceptable method for a camper to pay camping fees is by cash. You may be required to accept major credit cards for payment of camping fees. You may accept a personal check. Personal checks must have the phone number, including area code, and driver’s license number written on the front, if not preprinted on the check. Traveler's Checks and personal checks must be made payable to National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Checks made out to the Corps of Engineers or the Project Office cannot be accepted. All traveler’s checks or personal checks will be remitted to the NRRS. All checks must be prepared and endorsed in ink, not pencil. The Gate Attendant is responsible for making sure all checks received are properly written for the exact amount and endorsed before forwarding to NRRS.

3. Gate Attendants must provide their own change. Be sure to have enough to get you through the day when your shift starts.

4. Fees will be transmitted to the Carlyle Lake Project Office. The contractor will transmit the fees. Fees will be transmitted once a week or when accumulated monies exceed $2000, whichever comes first.

Included with the transmittal will be the following:

a. Remittance Register (ENG Form 3313 or Bill for Collections remittance) appropriately filled in (original plus three copies). Two copies are to be given to the Fee Cashier at the Project Office.

b. Money Order, Bank Draft, or Cashier’s Check made out to National Recreation Reservation

Service plus any travelers or personal checks from campers for the amount of fees being transmitted.

5. In the event an error that results in an unbalanced register (total permits do not equal total funds) the contractor will be instructed to do one of the following:

a. Funds less than permits - the Contractor must submit a check for the difference as soon as possible.

Funds greater than permits. The next remittance register following notification by the NRRS Finance Office that overpayment has been made is to be submitted as soon as possible and the overpayment deducted from the amount submitted by the contractor on the new register.

SECTION G

CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS

You should have a quality understanding of Corps of Engineers regulations. Although you will not be enforcing any of them, you do have a responsibility to become sufficiently familiar with them to be able to answer questions or forward violations to the patrol staff. The following is a partial list of the regulations you are most likely to encounter. If you have questions concerning any other Corps regulations, ask a ranger.

1. The following regulations are selected from Title 36.

a. "Camping is permitted only at sites and/or areas designated by the District Engineer." Camping anywhere else on the project is not allowed."Camping at any one or more campsites at any one project for a period longer than 14 out of any 30 consecutive day period is prohibited without written permission from the District Engineer.

Carlyle Lake has made exceptions to this regulation:

i. Dam West Campground – No Extensions will be granted.

ii. McNair Campground– No Extensions will be granted.

iii. East Spillway Campgrounds – Extensions will be permitted (50% Rule)

iv. Coles Creek Campground– Extensions will be permitted (50% Rule)

v. Boulder Campground– Extensions will be permitted (50% Rule)

b. No Extension Policy (14 day within 30 day rule): To assure the greatest access to campsites; occupancy of any campsite by the same person, equipment, vehicles or primary camping unit is permitted for a total of 14 days out of any consecutive 30 day period.

Campers are permitted to move to McNair, Boulder, Coles Creek or Dam East Spillway Campgrounds after their 14 days at Dam West. The no extension policy will be covered in detail during the gate attendant orientation.

c. Extension Policy (50% Rule): This means that the camper can stay for 14 days, but then must move to a different site if the campground is less than fifty percent full (including reservations) for the other fourteen days. Additionally, campers are only allowed to stay on one particular site for 14 days in any 28-day period. This extension policy will be covered in detail during the gate attendant orientation.

c. "The unauthorized placement of camping equipment or other items on a campsite or registering a campsite without daily occupancy for the purpose of reserving a designated campsite for future occupancy is prohibited." You can play a big part in assisting the ranger staff with this regulation. When campers come to the fee booth to register, particularly prior to holiday weekends, ask them if they intend to stay. If they leave the campground with the intention of not returning once every 24 hours, contact a ranger.

d. "The digging or leveling of any ground or the construction of any structure without written permission of the District Engineer is prohibited." This rule explains itself.

e. "Campers, picnickers, and all other persons using a water resources development project (lake) shall keep their sites free of trash and litter during the period of occupancy and shall remove all personal equipment and clean their sites upon departure." This rule is also very clear, and means that a camper cannot maintain a filthy site during occupancy. If someone is keeping a noticeably trash-infested site, notify a ranger.

2. The following regulations are contained in the Park Information Guide and are authorized by Title 36, Section 327.12a.

a. "Camping fees will be assessed on a camp site basis. Sites are defined as single and double capacity sites. A camping unit is defined as a self-propelled mobile camper or a pickup camper or a travel trailer and its towing vehicle (which may be a pickup camper or a self propelled mobile camper or one tent). Any of the above described camping units may place on a single capacity site along with a maximum of three additional tents at no extra charge."

"Other camping equipment which does not meet any of the above definitions but is the sole transportation and/or sleeping equipment brought by the camper will be considered one camping unit (examples:

automobile, bicycle, motorcycle, hiking equipment, sleeping bag, etc.)"

b. "A responsible person must register and pay fees (except in free campgrounds) within a reasonable time after a camp is established or when the fee booth opens. Check out time is 4:00 p.m."

c. "Campground roads and facilities are to be used by registered campers and their visitors only. Roads are open only to licensed vehicles and licensed drivers. Interfering with, or restricting the use of the shoreline by boaters or other lake users is prohibited."

d. "All wheeled vehicles, including but not limited to mopeds, minibikes, boat trailers, motorcycles, and other vehicles (LSV’s), must be kept on camping pads registered to vehicle users or in designated parking areas. All motor vehicles must be parked lengthwise on the camp pad except at sites with irregularly shaped pads. Parking on the grass, roadside or obstructing traffic is prohibited. Empty boat trailers may be stored on the grass provided that they are moved on and off the grass by hand."

e. "Picnic tables must remain on gravel surfaces at campsites with gravel impact areas."

f. "All waste water must be collected in a container and disposed of in authorized disposal facilities. In primitive areas where sanitary facilities are not provided, human waste must be buried 100 feet from any body of water and/or campsites."

g. "To avoid tree damage, hanging lanterns are to be suspended a minimum of 8" from the side of the tree and 24" from overhead limbs. Do not drive axes, nails, or other objects into trees."

SECTION H

HOW TO BEAT THE SYSTEM

This section refers to 327.7c Title 36 CFR. This regulation is intended to prohibit the saving of campsites. Here are some of the more imaginative (and common) methods of circumventing the rule. You may run into these and others as the summer progresses, and coordinating with the ranger staff and keeping these examples in mind will help us make site availability fair for everyone.

METHOD 1: The Pup Tent Technique

Three people will bring their three kids to the campground on a Thursday and erect pup tents on three adjacent sites.

The kids will camp nights until the families arrive on Saturday morning with trailers and place them on the pads.

METHOD 2: The Divide and Conquer Routine

The Jones family arrives at the campground on Wednesday: Mr. Jones driving a pickup camper pulling a camper trailer and his wife, alias Mrs. Smith, arrives driving a pickup camper. Mr. Jones parks the trailer on one pad, the pickup camper on another and Mrs. Jones, alias Mrs. Smith, parks the other pickup camper on a third pad.

Mr. Jones, his wife and one child go to the fee booth separately and register for one site each. After plugging into the electricity, they leave lights on in the two pickup campers each night while the family uses the trailer only. The Smith family and a third family shows up Friday night to occupy the two pickup campers for the weekend.

METHOD 3: The Camping on a Shoestring Method

With this method, a family saves a campsite for a friend by placing a trailer on one pad and their car on the adjacent pad. One member of the family sleeps in the car and swears up and down that they are just camping economy class and that there is nothing in the regulation that requires a camper to sleep in a tent or a recreation vehicle.

SECTION I

MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES/PROCEDURES

1. Gate attendants are not permitted to bring an unauthorized relative or friend to work, or have anyone else help them or keep them company.

2. Smoking is not permitted in the fee booths. Alcohol or any drug (except prescribed medications) shall not be consumed any time during duty. If you have a serious medical condition or if you are taking prescribed medications that might affect your job performance, be sure to inform the Contracting Officer. Also, make the Contracting Officer aware of any possible side effects from the medication being taken.

3. The use of personal radios and televisions in the fee booth is permitted as long as their usage does not interfere with the duties of the gate attendant. Any wiring or installation of antennas for these items will be performed only after consultation with and the approval of the Contraction Officer.

4. Keep the fee booth neat and orderly. Only necessary information should be posted on fee booth walls, windows, and bulletin boards. Additionally, the Contracting Officer must approve any alterations to the fee booth. Remember, you will be accountable for any unapproved fee booth alterations and can be held financially responsible for any alterations you make to the fee booth.

5. Rangers will assist you as much as they can but they have other duties, too. As you gain experience, you should become able to handle most of the campers' questions. If you don't know the answer, ask a Ranger.

6. Many campers may not like what you tell them to do. Keep calm and courteous, but be firm. If you're right, don't back down. If you make a mistake, try to correct it but, most important, learn from it and try not to make it again. Don't let it get you down! If you have a problem, the Rangers are there for you. Be sure to contact them.

7. You will likely be working closely with another set of gate attendants at any given campground.

Personal problems may arise. Remember that despite any personal differences, you must maintain a professional relationship with your fellow gate attendants, and you must maintain your professional face no matter what the circumstances are. Often times gate attendants become friends, but the opposite is also possible. You must be prepared to deal with differences professionally and maturely. Please forward any problems you may encounter to a ranger, but rangers should not be spending time mediating quarrels. It is your responsibility to assure professionalism in the booth.

8. If you learn of any injuries, be sure to write down the number of the site, the name of the injured party, the nature of the injury and the cause. In the case of vehicle accidents, notify the ranger on duty immediately and if you cannot reach them call the Sheriff. If the injury is serious, inform the Ranger immediately. Get as much information regarding what happened as possible.

SECTION J

DAY USE FEE ANNUAL PASSES

As authorized by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-66). The Corps of Engineers will be collecting Day Use Fees at developed swimming beaches and for the use of developed boat ramps. The fees are as follows:

Beaches: $2.00 per person, up to $5.00 per vehicle

Boat Ramps: $5.00 per launch cycle

Maximum charge per day per vehicle is $5.00

1. Annual passes are available for a fee of $40.00. This pass permits the holder and accompanying passengers to use the swimming and boat ramps at all Corps Projects across the country. These passes are available at the Carlyle Lake Project Office, the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, and at all Campground Fee Booths.

2. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% reduction of the fee whether paid daily of purchase of the Annual Pass. Any annual pass sold at a passport discount should be signed at the time of the purchase by this customer to reduce the likelihood of the customer buying multiple discounted passes at different locations for others.

3. Campers at Corps of Engineers campgrounds are not charged the Day Use Fee, as this fee is included in the camping fees. The vehicle pass and their camping permit will serve as their Day Use permit.

Procedures for issuing the Annual Pass:

1. Annual Passes will be provided each Fee Attendant to sell.

2. In each book of Annual Passes there are 3 receipts for each pass. A receipt must be filled out for each pass sold. These receipts are carbon so they will write through to all three copies. When the receipt is filled out one white copy is given to the individual purchasing the pass, one white copy is removed and remitted to the Carlyle Lake Project Office with the Remittance Register, and the final copy remains in the book.

4. SALE OF ANNUAL USER-FEE PASSES:

a. The cost of the pass is $40.00. There are no duplicate passes. Each pass must be purchased for $40.00.

b. The cost of the pass can be discounted by 50% if the purchaser has a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport or America the beautiful Senior Discount. (You must see the card. Discount may be applied one time per calendar year and the card must be presented at the time of purchase.

c. Each annual day use pass has a five digit identification number. This number corresponds with three receipts in the book.

d. Receipt:

• Original (White Copy) will be given as the receipt to the purchaser.

• The white carbon must be submitted with the money collected each month.

• The yellow carbon will remain in the book and turned in when the book is empty to the

Recreational Fee Cashier or alternate each month.

e. Filling out receipt:

• Person making sale of annual pass must sign on the receipt above the “PLEASE KEEP THIS

RECEIPT”.

• Owners name must be printed on the appropriate line.

• Purchaser must sign on the signature line.

• If Purchaser has a Authorized Discount Card the number on the card must be entered on the

Golden Age/Golden Access Card # line and the box next to the G on the pass must be hole punched (See Attachment B).

• Amount of sale must be entered on the total line.

5. DOCUMENTING SALE OF PASSES:

a. The attendant will document each pass sold next to the pass number on the remittance sheet provided.

b. The attendant will submit the completed remittance sheet to the Recreational Fee Cashier or Alternate in accordance to collection policies.

c. The Attendant will sign the remittance sheet certifying that all money and passes are accounted for.

The Recreational Fee Cashier or Alternate will sign remittance certifying receipt of money and receipts from the attendant.

6. GENERAL INFORMATION IN REGARD TO ANNUAL DAY USER FEE PASSES:

a. Annual Day User Fee Pass may be purchased for $40.00, which permits the holder and all accompanying passengers in the vehicle to use any or all boat launch ramps and/or designated, developed swimming beaches at any Corps operated recreation area at any Corps project for one year from date of purchase, except at facilities located within a fee campground and reserved exclusively for the use of campers.

b. Affixing Pass: The Annual Day User Fee Pass must be hung from the rear view mirror. If a vehicle is not equipped with a rearview mirror the pass must be visible from the front of the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that the pass is properly displayed.

c. Fee Ramps: User fees are charged at Dam West Recreation Area Beach and Boat Ramp, Keyesport Beach and Boat Ramp, Coles Creek Beach and Boat Ramp, McNair Beach, Dam East Boat Ramp, and Boulder Boat Ramp.

d. No-Fee Ramps: There are 5 boat ramps where no fees are charged. Many of these areas are small, usually one-lane ramps with limited parking. These areas are: Patoka, Tamalco, Horseshoe Island, Wood Duck, and North Fork Access areas.

e. State Park: The user fees do not affect Hazlet and South Shore State Park boat ramps. However the state may implement a fee collection program in the near future.

f. The $30.00 fee at various day use shelters is for the reservation of the facility only. It is NOT a day use fee.

g. Campers paying a fees at a USACE operated campground are not required are excluded form day use fees while camping.

h. Annual Passes are good at any Corps of Engineers boat ramp or beach in the U.S.

i. Fees will be collected all year and the pass expires one year from the date of purchase.

j. Lost or Stolen Passes: Lost or stolen annual passes can only be replaced at the Carlyle Lake Project

SECTION K

REFUNDS

1. Procedures for using the NRRS system will be described in gate attendant orientation.

2. Refunds cannot be given at the fee booth or at the project administration office. Refunds are only available through NRRS. Procedures for using the NRRS system to process refunds will be described in detail during the R1S computer training and in the R1S User's Manual.

3. Anytime a camper has paid fees, either to Reserve America or at an individual campground, and for any reason money is due back to the camper, they will receive a refund…