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A. Private shoreline uses are not allowed on water resource projects where construction of the project was initiated after December 13, 1974, or where no private uses existed as of that date. The Louisville District projects where shoreline uses are allowed through permits and licenses, in accordance with their lake’s Shoreline Management Plan are listed above.
A. A Shoreline Management Plan governs the shoreline use program at projects where such uses are allowed. The plan is a public document that is developed and periodically revised with the assistance of public review.
A. The Shoreline Management Plan allocates the shoreline into four (4) separate zones:
– Prohibited Access - Shoreline use is not allowed
– Public Recreation - Shoreline use is not allowed
– Protected Shoreline - Shoreline use is limited to protect the integrity of the natural resources
– Limited Development - Shoreline use can be approved in accordance with the policies and conditions set forth in the Shoreline Management Plan
A. For a copy of their Shoreline Management Plan, please contact the project office at the lake.
A. Owning property adjoining a Corps lake’s land does not convey any exclusive rights to the use of public land, particularly in building or extending any structures onto federal property without written authorization. Such action would constitute an encroachment.
A. An encroachment is the placement, construction, or continued existence of a permanent or semi-permanent structure or other privately owned property on, under, in, or over publicly owned lands, or lands held in flowage easement, without prior written permission of the Corps' District Engineer or his representative. Examples of encroachments are, but not limited to, buildings of any type, roads, septic tanks, fences, or placement of fill.
A. Here are a few reasons for not using public land for private exclusive use:
(1) Incurring the expense to remove an item of encroachment from Government property and restore the disturbed site to original condition.
(2) Most lending institutions will require a survey by a registered land surveyor, which will readily identify an encroachment. The lending institution may not proceed with a loan if such a condition exists. Many adjacent landowners wishing to sell their home and property with a "cloud" on their deeds are usually disappointed with delays and
additional cost, and are disappointed to learn that the Corps cannot assist in the resolution of title defects that may interfere with the sale of their property.
A. Trespasses involve the destruction, injury, defacement, removal or any alteration of public property including natural formations, historical and archaeological features, and vegetative resources that exist on the affected lands.
A. Trespasses make the violator subject to a citation. In cases when a landowner will not voluntarily take action to resolve a trespass, a citation may be issued. The citation could involve a monetary fine and/or appearance before a federal magistrate.
A. In the Louisville District, Corps boundary is marked with posts and monuments and blazes on trees as reference points. Property owners should be extra careful when building any structure near project property lines to avoid encroachments. Fee and easement boundaries are recorded in the County Courthouse, and it is the landowner’s responsibility to verify property lines through an accurate survey. Past experience has shown that lot pins do not always agree with established boundary lines. We also advise prospective buyers to insure that a recent survey has been preformed to verify that there are no encroachments prior to purchasing any property adjoining a Corps lake project. If you have any questions about boundary lines, contact the lake office. The government cannot assist in the resolution of title defects. It is the landowner’s responsibility to insure that there are no title defects with private property. A Corps Ranger can assist you regarding encroachments, permit/license program, or any Corps matter affecting your property.
A. Requests should be made at the lake office.
A. These fees vary. Contact the lake’s Park Manager for details.
A. The license fee is the appraised market value for the right granted, plus the Government’s administrative cost for issuing the license. A current fee schedule is available at the lake office.