Buckhorn Lake Shoreline Management Plan

Shoreline Management Plan has been developed for Buckhorn Lake, which provides guidance and policy on management of the shoreline. The goal of the Shoreline Management Plan is to provide a balance of permitted private uses, while preserving and protecting Buckhorn Lake’s natural resources. This plan designates what activities and facilities may be permitted on U.S. Government property at Buckhorn Lake, as well as describing application procedures for those landowners who qualify for an authorized activity.

According to the Buckhorn Lake Shoreline Management Plan, landowners adjacent to Buckhorn Lake may be eligible to apply for a license or permit to conduct certain activities on government property, including placement of a boat dock, construction of stairs or steps, construction of a pathway (improved or unimproved), vegetation alteration (mowing), and installation of fish attractors. Restrictions apply as to where on the lake these activities may take place.

Shoreline at Buckhorn Lake is zoned as either, prohibited access, public recreation area, protected shoreline area or a limited development area. View our Shoreline Management Map (copies available for viewing at the Project Office) for information on zoning in a particular area.

In areas where the shoreline is classified as protected, no new permits for docks will be authorized, and no new licenses for fixed recreational facilities (including stairs, steps, roadways, electric service, and water withdrawal) will be authorized. Landowners in subdivisions adjacent to government property zoned as protected may apply for a permit for a five-foot path to access the lakeshore if they are adjacent landowners or if they can supply a notarized letter of consent to cross property adjacent to government property.

In areas which are zoned for limited development, licenses and permits may be authorized for electric service; improved pathways for access to the shoreline; cart paths for those with mobility impairments; erosion control devices; roadways, turnarounds, parking areas, and boat ramps; footpaths and footbridges; community boat docks; and vegetation alteration (mowing). Restrictions apply as to how and where these improvements may be installed, and once placed on government land they are considered public facilities. License and permit fees are assessed on these facilities. Contact the Buckhorn Lake Project Office, 606-398-7251, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., for a list of current fees.

Some permits are required for work even if it is on your own property. The Corps evaluates permit applications for essentially all construction activities that occur in, or have the potential to impact, navigable and non-navigable waterways or wetlands. For more information, see the Operations Division Regulatory web page.

Shoreline Management Plan - 2006 Approved Plan
Shoreline Management Plan Map for Buckhorn Lake