The Flood Control Act of 1954 authorized construction of Beaver Lake for flood control, power, and other purposes. A Real Estate Design Memorandum developed prior to construction identified land and interests necessary for the operation, maintenance, and control of the reservoir. The methods and technology used to identify and purchase these lands at the time left some low-lying areas unacquired by USACE. As a result, the current Federal Government boundary around Beaver Lake does not meet the full mission requirements.
USACE initiated a process in March 2021 to assess all low-lying private land parcels along Beaver Lake that were unacquired by USACE in the original acquisition to include, the White River, and War Eagle Creek. Analysis showed the insufficient land base has negative impacts on the Congressionally mandated missions and identified approximately 500 landowners that may be impacted.