TULSA – A new on- and off-road vehicle policy is now in effect at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the Tulsa District. The policy was developed following a public comment period and review of related issues and law. It covers vehicle operations at the 38 Corps lakes in Tulsa District’s area of operation across all of Oklahoma and parts of southern Kansas and northern Texas.
A new on- and off-road vehicle policy is now in effect at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the Tulsa District. The policy was developed following a public comment period and review of related issues and law. It covers vehicle operations at the 38 Corps lakes in Tulsa District’s area of operation across all of Oklahoma and parts of southern Kansas and northern Texas.
"The Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps lakes. This policy enables the Corps to continue to manage and conserve these natural resources for present and future generations. At the same time, it provides a method to address access for persons with mobility disabilities," said Kent Dunlap, chief of Tulsa District’s Natural Resources Management Branch.
The policy and accompanying application and permitting documents are available here:
Tulsa District Policy for Golf Carts and Other Self-Propelled Vehicles
This policy establishes guidelines for the operation of golf carts, off-road vehicles (ORV) and other powered, self-propelled vehicles on lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The operation of motorized vehicles on roadways within Corps of Engineers managed property is to be governed by the prevailing state and local laws and ordinances as per 36, CFR §§ 327.2 and 327.26. Off-road operation of any motorized vehicle is prohibited except: 1) in areas designated for that purpose; 2) while performing authorized volunteer or contract work on behalf of the government; or 3) under special permit.
A person with a certified mobility disability who wants to access public land by a motor vehicle, where either the desired location is closed to motor vehicles or is open to motor vehicles different from the type used by that person, may request a permit. Such permit shall authorize the holder to operate a suitable type of motor vehicle on roads or areas designated by the Lake Manager and consistent with current laws, rules and regulations. Permits must be obtained in person at the local Corps of Engineers’ Lake Office and may require medical documentation of the disability by a physician or recognized state or federal authority (A state-issue physical disability parking placard may be suitable documentation). Issuance of a permit does not bestow any property rights and may be revoked or modified at any time when it is determined by the Lake Manager that revocation or modification of a permit is in the best interest of the management of Corps property or when there have been violations of the terms and conditions of the permit.
The use of self-propelled vehicles, either on or off- road, by Corps personnel, designated volunteers, contractors, or law enforcement personnel may be authorized by the Operations Project Manager. Use of these vehicles is limited to the performance of official duties, and the operator is required to obey all applicable vehicular laws and regulations. Drivers’ clothing will clearly identify them as government employees, contractors, or volunteers. When not in use, these vehicles will be parked or stored at a designated location.