Army Creates New Danger Zones Near Annapolis Academy
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is setting up three new danger zones in Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay near the Naval Support Activity Annapolis to keep everyone safe during Naval Academy firing range training. These zones will protect Sailors, Midshipmen, law enforcement, and boaters by restricting access when the range is active. The new rules kick in 30 days after being published, with no extra costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No-Entry Zones During Range Use
When the Naval Academy firing range is active, all persons, boats, vessels, and other craft are prohibited from entering, transiting, or remaining within the three designated danger zones in Carr Creek and Whitehall Bay. The prohibition applies during range operations and is enforceable by the Naval Academy or Naval Support Activity Annapolis.
Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
The Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy or the Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity Annapolis (or designees) will enforce the danger zones, and willful violations of prohibitions are punishable under 33 U.S.C. 3. Range spotters, warning lights, and coordination with local patrol craft will be used during operations.
Limited Frequency of Closures
Closures of Danger Zones 2 and 3 in Whitehall Bay are limited to no more than 10 times per calendar year, and when the range is not operational the zones are open for transit, mooring, and fishing. The Corps states this means those waters will be available for unfettered access approximately 97% of the year.
Advance Notice and Charting Requirement
The Navy must furnish firing schedules in advance for publication in the Fifth Coast Guard District's Local Notice to Mariners, post closure schedules on the Navy website and Facebook page, and all danger zones have been charted on NOAA nautical charts. The enforcing agency also must submit a Local Notice to Mariners article at least one week prior to firing exercises.
Agency Finds Little Economic Harm
The Corps determined this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and is not an enforceable private-sector mandate under the Unfunded Mandates Act. The Corps points to its regulatory analysis and environmental assessment for details.
Environmental Assessment: No Significant Impact
The Corps prepared an environmental assessment and concluded the establishment of the three danger zones will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment, resulting in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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