The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa District is accepting comments for the revision of the Lake Texoma Master Plan. The extended initial comment period will run through December 15, 2015.

After comments are received, the Corps will develop a draft of the new master plan as well as an accompanying environmental assessment and will hold additional public workshops and comment periods before developing a final master plan and environmental assessment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Texoma Project Office, is extending the initial public comment period for the revision of the Lake Texoma Master Plan. The master plan is a land management document that provides for overall development and use of cultural, natural and recreational resources throughout the life of Lake Texoma. Public workshops were held in Pottsboro, Texas and Kingston, Oklahoma, June 22 - 23 to explain what the master plan revision entails and how the public can participate. The turnout at the workshops was low and the Corps anticipates that the extended comment period will give everyone additional opportunity to get involved in the process.

What is a Master Plan?

The master plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and devolopment of all project recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resource development project. 

The primary focus of the master plan will be the stewardship of natural and cultural resources and provision of high quality outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities. Typically, recreational use of the water surface is addressed in the master plan. The proposed life of the master plan is 25 years.

The last major revision of the Lake Texoma Master Plan was in 1977 and a lot has changed since then. Lake Texoma as a whole is considered to be an exceptionally important public recreation venue both regionally and nationally. In revising the master plan the Corps will prepare new management objectives, develop a new land classification map and prepare a resource management plan describing in broad terms how the federal lands surrounding the lake will be managed. The Corps is particularly interested in public input to help develop the new management objectives and reclassify the federal lands around the lake. Management objectives can be as broad as “protecting important wildlife habitat from development” or as specific as “increasing the number of pedestrian trails”.

Classifying the surrounding federal lands is critical because classification is similar to zoning and dictates how the lands are to be managed in the future. National Corps regulations specify several possible classifications including, but not limited to, highly developed recreation areas, low intensity or passive recreation areas, wildlife management areas, and environmentally sensitive areas, which may include rare types of vegetation or scenic vistas that deserve special protection. Availability of the federal lands at Lake Texoma for public recreational purposes and protection of open space values for public enjoyment is given top priority throughout the process.

The Corps has posted maps and other information that show how federal lands at Lake Texoma are currently classified, and that define possible future classifications. Public comment forms are also available. The forms can be printed, filled out and sent to the Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by regular mail or e-mail.

Master Plans Do Not Address:

• Detailed technical aspects of lake level and water management for flood risk management, hydropower or water supply.
• Permits for private boat docks or shoreline vegetation modification. (These issues are addressed in the Shoreline Management Plan)
• Very specific proposed future actions (e.g., land conveyances, water storage reallocations). These activities are typically addressed in action-specific documents and assessments which provide a process for specific, focused public input and comment.

Resources for the Public

If you would like to learn more about the Lake Texoma Master Plan revision process, or if you would like to provide input, please use the links below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lake Texoma Master Plan Revision Scoping Document

Lake Texoma Master Plan Comment Form (Selecting this link will download a PDF document)