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 What is a Shoreline Management Plan?

The Shoreline Management Plan is a part of the Operational Management Plan (OMP) prepared for each project to develop management strategies for existing and anticipated natural resource management activities. The Shoreline Management Plan implements the Shoreline Management Program at the project level, establishing policy and guidelines for the protection and management of the shoreline under Corps jurisdiction to promote the safe and healthful use of the shoreline by the public while maintaining environmental safeguards to ensure a quality resource. The Shoreline Management Plan consists of a map showing the shoreline allocations around the lake, related rules and regulations, a discussion of what areas are open or closed to specific activities and facilities, how to apply for permits and other information pertinent to the Corps management of the shoreline.

 What is a Master Plan?

A Master Plan describes how the Corps, and the Corps’ outgrants (lease holders) will manage the lands that are part of the Civil Works Project. Major topics covered and identified in the plan include:

  • The unique and important factors for this Project that influence management.
  • The natural resources on these lands – including soil classifications, vegetation, threatened & endangered species, and fish and wildlife habitat.
  • The cultural and historical resources on these lands – including any historic properties, cultural sites or areas of cultural significance.
  • The recreational resources on these lands – what recreational activities are compatible with the resource and the project’s purposes, and what recreational opportunities are desired by the public.

Once the resources are identified and described, the Master Plan describes the goals and objectives for the Corps and our land management partners to properly manage these identified resources for the next 20-25 years, and supplementing or revising as necessary. Based on these goals and objectives, the current use of the land, existing regulations, and public input, each parcel of land is assigned a land use classification.

Land Use Classifications are the critical guide to determine the main authorized use for each parcel of land (ex. Wildlife management area, high-density recreation, environmentally-sensitive or dam operations). These land classifications assist our land managers in ensuring the management of these areas, and any future development is in compliance with the land classifications to ensure proper resource protection and allow for public recreational use.

 What is a Water Control Manual?

A water control manual is the guiding document that specifies how the Corps of Engineers operates their reservoirs. Each reservoir has congressionally-mandated purposes, and these manuals are what the Corps uses to balance those purposes. They also provide details on the reservoir's history, authorizations, watershed characteristics, data collection networks, forecasting methods, and stakeholder coordination. The most critical section is the water control plan, which outlines the operational plan to meet all of the reservoir's congressionally mandated purposes.