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).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2026-11283 — Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline, Lake Oahe Crossing, North Dakota
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially decided to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, but with extra safety rules. This affects local communities, the environment, and the pipeline company, ensuring the project moves forward carefully. The decision is now public, so everyone knows the plan and what comes next.
2026-08591 — Proposals by Non-Federal Interests for Inclusion in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking communities and groups outside the federal government to send in ideas for new water projects or changes to existing ones by September 1, 2026. These proposals could lead to new studies or updates to water resources projects that help with things like flood control and environmental protection. This is a chance to get Congress’s attention and possibly secure funding for future water improvements.
2026-08463 — Notice of Study Termination and Withdrawal of Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Collier County Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, Collier County, Florida
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is stopping the Collier County Coastal Storm Risk Management study in Florida because they don’t have enough federal money to finish it. This means they won’t be making an Environmental Impact Statement as planned, so local communities and officials won’t see new storm protection plans anytime soon. The decision was made official on May 1, 2026.
2026-05328 — Notice of Mississippi River Commission Public Meetings for Spring 2026
The Mississippi River Commission is hosting public meetings in spring 2026 on a cool boat called the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI, stopping in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. These meetings let locals share their thoughts and hear updates on river projects that affect communities and the environment. If you live near the river or care about its future, mark your calendar for these free, open-to-all events!
2026-05051 — Notice of Solicitation of Input on Potential Future Changes to Nationwide Permits; Establishment of a Public Docket; Request for Input
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants your ideas to make nationwide permits easier and faster to use. These permits affect anyone doing work that impacts U.S. waters, like construction or land changes near rivers and wetlands. Share your thoughts by May 15, 2026, to help shape future rules that could save time and money for businesses and communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11773 — Eliminating Redundant Regulatory Part Related to Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
The Department of Commerce is cleaning up its rulebook by removing a duplicate regulation about relocation help and property buying that just pointed to another agency’s rules. This change won’t affect anyone’s rights or money but will make the rules easier to understand and follow. The update takes effect on June 11, 2026, and helps cut down on confusing, extra paperwork.
Next: 2026-11789 — Special Local Regulation; Ohio River, Henderson, KY
On July 3, 2026, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Coast Guard will temporarily block off part of the Ohio River near Henderson, KY, to keep everyone safe during a big fireworks show. Boats can’t enter the area unless they get special permission. This quick rule helps protect people and vessels from fireworks hazards without any extra fees or delays.