TULSA – In its continued commitment to transparency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments and suggestions regarding on-road and off-road vehicle operations at lakes in the Tulsa District. Following public meetings in southern Oklahoma, a comment period, and a review of related issues and law, the Corps of Engineers is seeking further input from members of the public in its area of operation that covers all of Oklahoma and parts of southern Kansas and northern Texas.

Deadline for comments is April 21, 2011. Feedback will be used in finalizing a policy for self-propelled vehicle operation that will apply to all 38 Tulsa District lakes. This Request for Comments is also available on Tulsa District website at www.swt.usace.army.mil.  Members of the public may provide input to Mr. John Tennery, recreation planner in Operations Division, by emailing John.Tennery@usace.army.mil. Please direct questions to Ms. Mary Beth Hudson in the Public Affairs Office at 918-669-7361.   

Proposed Policy, Off-Road Vehicle Use, Tulsa District Lakes

The operation of motorized vehicles on Corps of Engineers roadways is to be governed by the prevailing state and local laws and ordinances. 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. Persons With Disabilities -- Limited permits for persons with disabilities will be issued for specific areas and periods of time. Such permits will require medical documentation of the disability or the standard blue placard. Applicants must present the documentation in person to the local lake manager who will make the determination.

b. Volunteers -– The manager at each Tulsa District lake project can enter into volunteer agreements for any number of activities.  Depending upon the authorized activity, i.e., picking up trash in a specific area, volunteers may be granted the authority to operate off of certain established roadways. Persons wishing to use vehicles for volunteer work should see the Lake Manager.

Senior Citizens and All Users: Golden Age Cards and America the Beautiful Senior Passes provide a discount on fees charged for use of project facilities such as campsites and boat ramps but do not bestow any special privileges on the holder. Lake Managers will work with local county commissioners and homeowners associations to identify areas where there is a lack of lake access and places where additional access points can be established without creating environmental damage or impacting protected shoreline areas. We will increase the access including designating additional roads and parking areas.

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