Table Rock Lake Encroachment Resolution Process

Using new federal authorities to resolve long-standing encroachments in a fair, consistent, and transparent way.

Program Overview

Important Information

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is using new federal authorities to resolve long-standing encroachments around Table Rock Lake. The process identifies structures or improvements that extend onto federal land and gives landowners a clear path toward resolution, including the potential to purchase the affected parcel when allowed by law.

This program addresses unauthorized structures on federal property through a systematic, equitable approach. Encroachments may have existed for many years, but with new authorities, the Corps can now work with property owners to establish proper authorization or facilitate land transfers where appropriate.

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View Interactive Encroachment Map

Click to view properties and encroachment boundaries on an interactive map

Eligible Encroachments

Qualifying Criteria

Eligible encroachments include habitable structures or supporting features that were in place before January 4, 2025, and are located above the flowage easement but below the fee land line.

Location Requirements

To qualify for the encroachment resolution process, structures must:

Be located above the flowage easement (elevation 936 feet)
Be located below the fee land boundary line
Have been in place before January 4, 2025
Be situated on land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Examples of Eligible Structures

The following types of improvements may qualify for resolution:

Habitable Structures: Homes, cabins, or other dwellings
Garages and Outbuildings: Detached garages, workshops, storage buildings
Decks and Patios: Attached or detached outdoor living spaces
Utilities: Electrical lines, water lines, sewer connections
Septic Systems: Septic tanks, drain fields, and associated infrastructure
Pools: In-ground or above-ground swimming pools
Sheds: Storage sheds and similar structures
Driveways: Paved or unpaved access roads
Retaining Walls: Structural walls supporting improvements

Important: Not all encroachments may qualify for resolution. USACE staff will work with each landowner individually to determine eligibility based on specific circumstances and applicable regulations.

Resolution Process

The encroachment resolution process follows a systematic approach designed to ensure fair treatment and transparency for all property owners.

Process Steps

Identification: USACE identifies properties with potential encroachments through surveys and boundary analysis
Notification: Property owners receive official notification if an encroachment is identified
Consultation: Landowners meet with USACE staff to review property boundaries and discuss options
Documentation: Property surveys and encroachment details are documented and verified
Resolution Options: USACE presents available resolution options, including potential purchase when allowed by law
Agreement: Landowners and USACE work toward a mutually acceptable resolution
Implementation: Final agreements are executed and recorded

Purchase Option

When allowed by law, eligible landowners may have the opportunity to purchase the encroached parcel at fair market value, providing a permanent resolution to the encroachment issue.

What to Expect

Throughout the process, USACE staff will:

Clearly explain property boundaries and encroachment details
Answer questions about the process and available options
Provide written documentation of all findings
Work collaboratively to find equitable solutions
Respect property rights while fulfilling federal stewardship responsibilities

Public Workshops

Drop-In Format

Landowners may attend any workshop and drop in at their convenience between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to meet one-on-one with USACE representatives. No appointment necessary.

Workshop Schedule

Date	Location	Address
February 17, 2026	Branson, MO	(Location TBD)
February 18, 2026	Reeds Spring, MO	New Testament Christian Church Gym 21016 Main Street Reeds Spring, MO 65737
February 19, 2026	Shell Knob, MO	United Methodist Church 25682 MO-YY Shell Knob, MO 65747

What Workshops Offer

During the workshops, landowners will be able to:

Sit down with USACE staff for one-on-one consultations
Review property boundaries and survey information
Research potential encroachments on their property
Understand whether structures lie on fee-owned federal land or within the flowage easement (elevation 936)
Learn about resolution options and next steps
Ask questions and receive detailed information

What to Bring: Property deed, survey documents (if available), and any questions you may have about your property boundaries.

Understanding Flowage Easements

A flowage easement is a legal right held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to temporarily flood private land during periods of high water. At Table Rock Lake, the flowage easement is set at elevation 936 feet.

Key Distinctions

Fee Land (Government Owned): Land fully owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Flowage Easement (Private with Restrictions): Land privately owned but subject to flooding rights held by USACE
Private Property (No Restrictions): Land fully owned by private parties with no government easements

Important: Encroachments located within the flowage easement area (below elevation 936) are not eligible for this resolution process, as they are on private property subject to flooding easements only.

Eligible Encroachment Zone

The encroachment resolution process applies only to structures located:

Above the flowage easement elevation (936 feet)
Below the fee land boundary line
On land that is owned by the federal government

Need Clarification? USACE staff at the public workshops can help you determine exactly where your property boundaries fall in relation to the flowage easement and fee land lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is USACE acting on encroachments now?

The district is using new authorities from WRDA 2024 and updated USACE guidance to finally resolve long‑standing encroachments around Table Rock Lake. These tools allow a clear process for eligible structures that existed before 4 January 2025. This is an opportunity to close out issues that have lingered for decades while protecting federal property and supporting adjacent landowners.

How do I know if I have an encroachment?

USACE has conducted surveys to identify potential encroachments. If you have been notified, or if you have questions about your property, you can attend one of the public workshops or contact the Table Rock Project Office directly. You can also view the interactive map to see property boundaries.

What if my structure was there when I bought the property?

The program addresses encroachments regardless of when the current owner acquired the property. If the structure was in place before January 4, 2025, it may be eligible for resolution. Previous ownership does not affect eligibility.

Can I purchase the encroached land?

When allowed by federal law and regulations, eligible landowners may have the opportunity to purchase the encroached parcel at fair market value. USACE staff will discuss specific options during individual consultations.

What happens if I don't resolve the encroachment?

USACE is committed to working with landowners to find equitable solutions. However, structures on federal land without authorization may be subject to removal or other enforcement actions under federal regulations. Early engagement in the resolution process provides the best outcomes.

How long does the resolution process take?

The timeline varies depending on individual circumstances, complexity of the encroachment, and the resolution option selected. USACE staff will provide estimated timelines during individual consultations.

Will I need to hire a surveyor?

USACE has conducted surveys to identify encroachments. However, landowners may choose to obtain their own independent survey. USACE staff can discuss survey requirements during consultations.

What if my structure is below the flowage easement contour elevation?

Structures below the flowage easement contour elevation are not eligible for consideration under this policy. These will be addressed through standard enforcement procedures to protect flood risk management and dam safety missions.

Will this affect an owner's ability to get other shoreline permits?

No. This policy does not change the permitting or enforcement processes for docks, mowing, footpaths, firebreaks, stairways, utilities, or other standard shoreline management permits.