Shoreline Use Guidelines

The primary objective of the Corps of Engineers in the management of Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes is to insure the general public full recreational enjoyment and fish and wildlife benefits on public lands and waters, both now and for generations to come. A management plan has been developed that is designed to insure maximum benefit to the general public while preserving project resources.

This has been complied in an effort to provide general information about activities permitted on government-owned land around both lakes. It outlines the procedures required to apply for permits o licenses for various activities or uses of government-owned lands. Space does not permit a complete listing of all possible activities, but this discussion covers most of them. Complete rules and regulations governing public use of Corps of Engineers projects are contained in Part 327 of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
(back to top)

 Shoreline Use Permits

Ownership of private land near the lake or adjoining government property does not convey any exclusive rights to use of the lake or adjoining public lands. An application must be made to the park manager for a permit before construction of boat mooring facilities, alteration of government land, or modification of vegetation on the lake shorelines. These shoreline use permits are issued for 1) boat docks and mooring bouys and 2) vegetation modification. Permits are issued and enforced in accordance with provisions of Section 327.19, Chapter III, Title 36, CFR. Non-compliance with the terms of the permit and the regulations will be grounds for revocation of the permit, and removal of the dock may be required.

A charge will be made for shoreline use permits to help defray expenses associated with issuance and administration of the permits. All permits are non-transferable, and fees are non-refundable.
(back to top)

 Private Floating Recreational Facilities
(boat docks and mooring buoys)

Private floating recreational facilities (PFFs) are permitted only in areas designated for limited development. A map showing the location of these areas is available from the project office in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The density of development in limited development areas will depend on ecological and aesthetic values and the availability of satisfactory mooring areas.

Docks and other PFF will not be allowed in close proximity to developed or future parks, shallow areas, and reaches of the shoreline subject to exposure to winds and currents. The number of docks permitted in an area will be limited by spacing a minimum of 100 feet apart at conservation pool elevations.

Applicants for floating facilities in the limited development areas must have ready access to the shoreline either by public road, ownership of adjoining property, or right-of-access across adjoining property. Ownership of land adjacent to government property is not required. An individual will not be permitted more than one PFF.

PFFs must meet or exceed the minimum design standards developed by the Little Rock District Office of the Corps of Engineers. A copy of these standards is available from the Mountain Home Project Office. Dock plans must be approved prior to construction, and the dock must be inspected at the time of installation. Rangers will inspect each permitted facility for compliance with existing rules and regulations for the type of facility.

Mooring buoys are permitted only in areas designated for limited development. All buoys will be placed so that neither the buoy nor the moored craft will interfere with navigation. Details on buoy construction requirements and placement are available from the project office.

Electric lines, including those to private boat docks, must be licensed by the Corps of Engineers and must meet all local and state codes and the National Electric Code in effect at the time the docks are installed.
(back to top)

 Vegetation Modification

Adjacent landowners must obtain a permit from the park manager prior to modification of vegetation characteristics of the area. Permits will not be granted to persons for use of lands allocated as public recreation areas, including their buffers, or on lands allocated as prohibited access areas. An on-site inspection by a ranger is required prior to issuance of a permit. Forms and assistance in completing them are available at the project office. Shoreline modifications are subject to the following restrictions:

Trimming of trees or brush to obtain a view is prohibited.

Only hand-operated tools may be used. The use of heavy equipment such as tractors is prohibited.

No flowering trees or shrubs such as dogwood, redbud and serviceberry may be removed regardless of size.

Healthy trees larger than two inches in diameter (measured at chest height) may not be removed. 

(back to top)

Access Paths

Pedestrian access paths six feet or less in width may be constructed to the shoreline. The paths must follow a meandering route to prevent erosion and to avoid the need for removal of trees and vegetation. The use permit does not convey the right to construct any structures (steps, bridges, etc.) in connection with the path.
(back to top)

 Cutting Dead Trees

Only dead trees that present a potential safety hazard to pedestrians or to a boat dock or other structure will be approved for removal. Dead trees must have been previously inspected by a ranger before they may be cut. Any felled trees must be removed from government land for disposal. Burning on government property is prohibited.
(back to top)

Fire Protection

Mowing of the shoreline will be permitted for fire protection purposes only. The limits of mowing will depend on the proximity of habitable buildings to the government boundary. A ranger must inspect the area that is proposed to be mowed and a permit issued before mowing is begun.
(back to top)

Landscaping

Requests for landscaping the shoreline must be accompanied by a detailed and well-described landscape plan. The plan will provide for better management of the area, enhancement of wildlife propagation, preservation of the aesthetic value of the shoreline and prevention of erosion.
(back to top)

 Real Estate Instruments

Real estate instruments refer to leases, licenses or other legal grants issued for commercial or individual activities which are not covered under Shoreline Use Permits and involve construction of structures including masonry walkways, boat launch ramps and parking areas, road, water lines and power lines. A written request must be submitted to the project manager, who will make a recommendation to the district office. Each request for a license will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Assistance in preparing applications for real estate instruments is available at the project office.
(back to top)

 Project Boundary Lines

Most of the boundary line on both lakes has been surveyed and monumented. The boundary line is defined by survey monuments placed at ground level. The survey markers are 3 ½ inches in diameter brass caps stamped to show the monument number, the year surveyed, and the agency, Little Rock District, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army. A 5-foot white steel fence post is set about one foot from the survey marker or monument as an aid to location. Normally the project boundary is a straight line between survey markers. The elevation and distance between these survey markers vary. Some trees along the boundary line are marked with a 4-inch wide white band as an additional aid to location of the line. These trees, however, are usually off line and only indicate that the line is nearby. Rangers from the project office are available to assist in locating boundary lines.
(back to top)

Hunting

Hunting and trapping are permitted on the waters and on the surrounding government-owned lands of the projects and are subject to all applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Enforcement will be carried out by officers of these same agencies. Hunting is prohibited in developed parks and other areas designed by the district engineer and marked by the posting of appropriate signs. Trapping is discouraged adjacent to developed subdivisions because of the numerous pets in these areas which might be caught.

Permanent tree stands are prohibited on Corps of Engineers property. Permanent stands or steps are any type that penetrate the bark of a tree. Portable stands with owner’s name and address permanently affixed are permitted. Stands are to be hung no earlier than one week before the opening and remain no longer than one week after the close of archery season.

The vast majority of bow hunting accidents occur from falling out of trees, Please always wear a safety belt when using tree stands.
(back to top)

Applications

The first step in submitting an application for any accepted activity is to contact a ranger at the Mountain Home Project Office. The office is located at 324 West 7^th Street in Mountain Home, Ark. The phone number is (870)425-2700. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except on legal holidays. Your interest and assistance in preserving the natural beauty of the lake shoreline will be appreciated both now and in the future.
(back to top)

For more information:

Home  / Who we are / What we do / Recreation / Water Management
 Navigation / Regulatory / News & Info / Offices / Index