In June 2005 the public review process for updating the Hartwell Project Shoreline Management Plan (HLSMP) was initiated with the announcement of a planned update and acceptance of public comments. Based on public input and management responsibilities, the final HLSMP was fully implemented January 30, 2007.
In June 2005 the public review process for updating the Hartwell Project Shoreline Management Plan (HLSMP) was initiated with the announcement of a planned update and acceptance of public comments. The public review process consisted of an initial four months of accepting public comments, four public workshops, another 30 day comment period, the presentation of a draft/ interim plan on June 27, 2006 and a final 30 day comment period. Based on public input and management responsibilities, the final HLSMP was fully implemented January 30, 2007. A copy of the new plan and a cover letter highlighting specific changes has been mailed to each permit holder. Below is an abbreviated list of the changes noted in the cover letter along with a short reason for the change:
Change
- Docks must now be installed within one year of approval date. Docks issued prior to June 27, 2006, must be installed by January 1, 2008, or within one year of dock plan approval, as applicable.
Reason– Prior to 1998, a one year time limit for dock installation was in place on Hartwell Lake. That requirement was removed with the ‘98 plan. Experience has proven that a time limit is essential from a management standpoint. Time limits are currently in place for other Corps and private lakes across the country. The purpose of issuing a dock is to provide needed mooring privileges, not to reserve space for potential future use.
* Change- Access requirements. In order to qualify for consideration of an initial dock permit in limited development (green) areas or underbrushing in protected (yellow) areas, the subject private property must share a common boundary with public land for a minimum of 75 feet.
Reason– Overcrowding issues was one of the major concerns expressed during public review process. This new requirement will help reduce crowding conflicts.
Change- Down-light shielding on all lights and coloring of concrete walkways will apply to all permit holders. Requirements will be implemented at change of ownership, renewal of existing permits and for initial permits.
Reason
*– Another major concern expressed during public review process was that Hartwell Lake was losing it’s natural appeal. Specific comments were received in relation to lighting and concrete walkways. New requirement will help reduce light pollution on public land over a five year period and will reduce visual impacts of bright concrete.Change - Water depth requirement. Consideration for new dock permits will require a minimum four feet of water at the location where the proposed gangwalk and dock would connect.
Reason
*– Like time limits, this is the re-establishment of a previous practice. Re-establishing a minimum water depth for docks reduces crowding conflicts and increases usability of docks.Change - Improved walkways and utilities will no longer be approved in protected shoreline areas (yellow zoned areas).
Reason
*– Such structures encourage unauthorized mooring of vessels to the shoreline and impact areas originally allocated as protected.Change - Minimum size dock that will be considered has increased from a 6’ X 6’ structure to a 200 square foot structure with no one side being less than 10’. The minimum gangwalk length has increased from 6’ to 16’.
Reason
*– Based on comments from individuals, dock builders, and field experience, 6’ X 6’ docks and 6’ gangwalks are not practical and often times are not functional.Change - Second stories on docks can no longer be covered. If a dock is relocated, it will have to be modified to meet current specifications.
Reason
The changes marked with an (*) above will not affect existing permits. Permits legally issued under previous criteria will be honored to current and future owners provided permit conditions are maintained.– As noted above, docks are issued for the mooring of vessels. Over the years, dock designs have evolved to include features that are not necessary for the intended purpose of moorage. Our new policy will limit excessive features on docks but still provide for practical and recreational use of docks.
NOTE: The above list is an abbreviated list of changes and is not all inclusive. Please read entire plan so that you will be aware of changes that may affect you. If you have questions concerning the new plan, please contact Park Ranger Mark Dotson, toll free, at (888) 893-0678, extension 357.