KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Visitors to Otter Brook and Surry Mountain Lake recreation areas will notice some changes this summer, as federal staffing constraints have forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to scale back services.

A federal hiring freeze has left the agency unable to bring on its usual team of seasonal park rangers, who typically help manage recreational activities at the sites. As a result, the Corps says it will focus its limited staffing on maintaining critical flood control infrastructure while paring back amenities for parkgoers.

At Otter Brook Recreation Area on Route 9, the main entrance gate will remain closed for the season, restricting access to walk-ins only. While the area will still be open for hiking, biking, disc golf, and picnicking, there will be no restroom facilities and no shelter reservations available. Leashed dogs are welcome, but visitors should plan ahead, as no staff will be on hand to provide services.

Meanwhile, Surry Mountain Lake Beach will open on schedule from May 24 through August 31, operating Wednesdays through Sundays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. However, permanent restrooms will remain closed, with portable toilets provided instead. While existing shelter reservations made before mid-April will be honored, no new bookings will be accepted this year.

Visitors to Surry can still enjoy the beach, boat ramp, and picnic areas, though dogs will not be allowed on the beach itself.

Officials say the scaled-back operations are necessary to ensure their permanent staff can continue to focus on public safety and dam maintenance through the busy summer months.