GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY

VINITA, OKLAHOMA

pensacola project

FERC No. 1494

shoreline management plan

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................... 1

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS LIST................................................................................. i

STANDARD TERMS LIST............................................................................................................. iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 1-1

2.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN.................... 2-1

2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Structure of the SMP............................................................................................. 2-2

3.0 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN GOAL AND OBJECTIVES............................... 3-1

4.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION.................................................... 4-1

4.1 SMP Kick-off....................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Stakeholder Working Group Meetings................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Agency Participation.............................................................................................. 4-2

4.4 Public Comment on the Draft SMP........................................................................ 4-3

5.0 SUMMARY OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT PLAN............................................. 5-1

5.1 Recreation Management at Grand Lake.................................................................. 5-1

5.2 Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation..................................................... 5-2

5.3 Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department...................................................... 5-3

5.4 Recreation Sites..................................................................................................... 5-3

5.4.1 Public Recreation Sites............................................................................... 5-4

5.4.2 GRDA Boat Ramps................................................................................... 5-4

5.4.3 State Parks................................................................................................ 5-4

5.4.4 Other Public Access.................................................................................. 5-5

5.4.5 Private Recreation Access.......................................................................... 5-6

5.4.6 Commercial Development.......................................................................... 5-6

5.5 Estimates of Recreational Use................................................................................ 5-7

5.5.1 Current Recreational Use........................................................................... 5-7

5.6 Boating Density...................................................................................................... 5-8

5.7 Future Recreational Use......................................................................................... 5-8

5.8 Planning for the Future........................................................................................... 5-9

6.0 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR PROJECT LANDS....................... 6-1

6.1 Definition and Identification of Shoreline Management Classification........................ 6-1

6.1.1 Shoreline Management Classifications for Grand Lake................................ 6-1

6.1.2 Shoreline Management Classification Mapping............................................ 6-4

6.2 Determination of Allowable Uses............................................................................ 6-6

6.2.1 Shoreline Management Classifications as a Filter for Allowable Use............ 6-6

6.2.2 Definition of Allowable Use Categories....................................................... 6-7

6.2.3 Allowable Uses within Specific Management Classifications...................... 6-11

7.0 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT FOR AREAS OF SPECIAL CONCERN........................ 7-1

7.1 Adaptive Management Strategies........................................................................... 7-1

7.2 Identification of Resource Characteristics................................................................ 7-2

7.3 Indicators and Standards for Areas of Special Concern.......................................... 7-5

7.4 Monitoring............................................................................................................. 7-9

7.5 Amendments and Additions to Monitoring Program.............................................. 7-10

8.0 NEW SHORELINE USES EVALUATION PROCESS................................................... 8-1

8.1 Evaluation Process................................................................................................. 8-2

8.1.1 Project Proponent...................................................................................... 8-2

8.1.2 GRDA....................................................................................................... 8-3

9.0 PERMITTING AND INSPECTION................................................................................ 9-1

9.1 Article 410, “Standard Land Use Article”............................................................... 9-1

9.2 GRDA Permitting and Approval............................................................................. 9-4

9.3 Commercial Permit Application Standards.............................................................. 9-7

9.4 Residential Dock Application Standards............................................................... 9-10

9.5 Other Uses Requiring Review and Permitting by GRDA........................................ 9-12

9.5.1 Habitable Structures................................................................................. 9-12

9.5.2 Vegetation Management........................................................................... 9-14

9.5.3 Dredging & Excavation Policy.................................................................. 9-18

9.5.4 Placement of Buoys................................................................................. 9-20

9.5.5 Shoreline stabilization............................................................................... 9-21

9.5.6 Railways, tram systems, fences, ramps and retaining walls......................... 9-22

9.6 General Property Inspections............................................................................... 9-22

9.7 Permit Waivers.................................................................................................... 9-23

9.7.1 General Procedures................................................................................. 9-23

9.8 Grand-fathered Improvements.............................................................................. 9-24

9.9 Best Management Practices and Educational Outreach......................................... 9-25

9.10 Agency Regulatory Review and Permitting............................................................ 9-26

9.10.1 Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)......................................................... 9-26

9.10.2 State of Oklahoma, Regional, and Local Agencies.................................... 9-26

10.0 ENFORCEMENT OF THE SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN............................. 10-1

10.1 Existing Tools for Enforcement............................................................................. 10-1

10.1.1 Enforcement Staff.................................................................................... 10-1

10.1.2 Actions available for enforcement............................................................. 10-1

11.0 SMP AMENDMENT PROCESS................................................................................... 11-1

11.1 Tracking Non-Project Use................................................................................... 11-1

11.2 Shoreline Management Classification Monitoring................................................... 11-1

11.3 SMP Amendment Process................................................................................... 11-2

12.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................... 12-1

LIST OF TABLES

Table 6.1. Allowable Commercial Uses within Shoreline Management Classifications. 6-14

Table 6.2. Allowable Residential Uses within Shoreline Management Classifications. 6-15

Table 7.1. Physical, Resource and Social Characteristics of Grand Lake. 7-4

Table 7.2. Proposed Indicators and Standards for Scotty’s Cove. 7-6

Table 7.3. Proposed Indicators and Standards for Ketchum Cove. 7-7

Table 7.4. Proposed Indicators and Standards for Duck Creek. 7-8

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.0-1. Location of the Pensacola Project (FERC No. 1494) 1-4

Figure 8.0-1. GRDA Permitting Process. 8-5

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A – GRDA Enabling Legislation and Promulgated Rules

Appendix B – Documentation of Public Participation and Consultation

Appendix C – Environmental Report

Appendix D - Shoreline Management Classification Maps

Appendix E – Suggested Best Management Practices for Non-Project Lands

Appendix F – License Articles pertaining to GRDA/Grand Lake Shoreline Management

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS LIST

401 WQC Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, Water Quality Certification

APE Area of potential effect

ASC Areas of Special Concern

BA Biological Assessment

BMP Best Management Practice

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

cfs Cubic feet per second

Commission

or FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

CWA Clean Water Act

DO Dissolved oxygen

DOI U.S. Department of Interior

EA Environmental Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESA Endangered Species Act

°F Degrees Fahrenheit

FPA Federal Power Act

GIS Geographic information system

GPS Global positioning system

GRDA Grand River Dam Authority

HABS/HAER Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record

Hp Horsepower

HPMP Historic Properties Management Plan

IFIM Instream Flow Incremental Methodology[Is this used anywhere?]

kW Kilowatts

kWh Kilowatt-hours

Licensee Grand River Dam Authority

msl Mean sea level

MW Megawatt

MWh Megawatt-hours

National Register

or NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

NGOs Non-governmental organizations

NGVD National geodetic vertical datum

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NOI Notice of Intent

NPS DOI National Park Service

NRCS USDA National Resource Conservation Service

NWI National Wetland Inventory

O&M Operation and maintenance

OKAS Oklahoma Archeological Survey

OKDOC Oklahoma Department of Commerce

OKCC Oklahoma Conservation Commission

OKDEQ Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

OKTRD Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

OKWRB Oklahoma Water Resources Board

OKDWC Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

PD Project Datum

PM&E protection, mitigation and/or environmental enhancements

PMF Probable maximum flood

ppm Parts per million

RM River mile, numbered from mouth to source

RTE Rare, threatened, and endangered species

SCORP Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SMC Shoreline Management Classifications

SMP Shoreline Management Plan

Stakeholders Federal and state resource agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties

SWG Stakeholder Working Groups

USACE DOD U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USFWS DOI U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS DOI U.S. Geological Survey

STANDARD TERMS LIST

confluence The flowing together of two or more streams; the place where a tributary joins the main stream.

cumulative impact The impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

direct effect Direct effects are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place.

drawdown The difference between the water level in a reservoir before pumping and the water level in the reservoir during pumping. Also, the act of discharging of water to lower reservoir storage levels.

indirect effects Indirect effects are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Indirect effects may include growth-inducing effects and other effects related to induced changes in the pattern of land use, population density or growth rate, and related effects on air and water and other natural systems, including ecosystems.

flood plain The relatively level area of land bordering a stream channel and inundated during moderate to severe floods.

instream use Water use taking place within the stream channel for such purposes as hydroelectric power generation, navigation, water-quality improvement, fish propagation, and recreation. Sometimes called nonwithdrawal use or in-channel use

license application Application for a new license; submitted to FERC no less than two years in advance of expiration of an existing license.

nonpoint source A pollution source that cannot be defined as originating from discrete points such as pipe discharge. Areas of fertilizer and pesticide applications, atmospheric deposition, manure, and natural inputs from plants and trees are types of nonpoint source pollution.

Pensacola Datum Pensacola Datum (PD) is 1.07 feet higher than NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum), which is a national standard for measuring elevations above sea level.

point source A source at a discrete location such as a discharge pipe, drainage ditch, tunnel, well, concentrated livestock operation, or floating craft.

Project Area Project Area is defined as the zone of potential, reasonably direct Project impacts, typically extending 0 to 100 feet from the Project boundary

Project Boundary The area defined in the license issued by FERC for the Project as needed for Project operations. For the Pensacola Project, the real boundary is described by a metes and bounds description. For the purposes of this ER, elevation 750 feet PD is identified as the approximate Project boundary

Project Drainage Basin The Project’s Grand (Neosho) River drainage basin.

Project Region The area around the Project at the County level to include Craig, Delaware, Mayes and Ottawa counties.

Project Roads Roads within Project boundary primarily used for Project purposes excluding Federal, state, county, and non-Licensee private roads.

Project Vicinity The area extending to about five miles from the Project boundary.

Project Viewshed The area from which the Project is visible. The land base from which the Project may be seen.

Project Works All of the infrastructure associated with the operations of the Project.

recreation day or RD Each visit by a person to a development for recreational purposes during any portion of a 24 hour period.

relicensing The process of acquiring a new FERC license for an existing hydroelectric project upon expiration of the existing FERC license.

Reservoir Useable Capacity A volume measurement of the amount of water that can be stored for generation, down to a minimum level

RM River mile as measured along the river course, measured from the headwaters of the river to its mouth.

RT&E Species Rare, threatened, endangered and special status species, which for purposes of this PAD is defined to include (1) all species (plant and animal) listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing under the Federal and state Endangered Species Acts and the California Native Plant Protection Act, and (2) all species (plant and animal) listed by the USFS as sensitive, special status or watch list.

run-of-river A hydroelectric project that uses the flow of a stream with little or no reservoir capacity for storing water.

spillway A passage for releasing surplus water from a reservoir or canal.

tailrace Channel through which water is discharged from the powerhouse turbines.

threatened and endangered see RT&E species

trash rack A mechanism, found on a dam or intake structure, which clears the water of debris before the water passes through the structure.

tributary A river or stream flowing into a larger river, stream or lake.

turbine A machine that converts the energy of a stream of water into the mechanical energy of rotation. This energy is then used to turn an electrical generator or other device. Also called a “water wheel”.

2.0 Purpose and Scope of the Shoreline Management Plan

2.1 Introduction

FERC guidelines recommend that an SMP use existing resource information to designate Shoreline Management Classifications (SMC) and to develop guidelines that provide a framework for determining appropriate proposed shoreline use in relation to existing uses and environmental resources. An SMP may identify areas afforded additional protection or that may require additional scrutiny before permitting new uses. Similarly, an SMP may also identify shoreline segments that are suitable for future use and that may not require as much scrutiny before development. Most importantly, the SMP provides a management linkage between the Project’s license and FERC’s obligations under the Federal Power Act (FPA).

GRDA designed this SMP to guide GRDA’s management actions in conformance with the Project license. The SMP includes strategies to manage and enhance the environmental and socio-economic values of the Project. These strategies include protecting environmental resources and providing access to the public while maintaining consistency with other jurisdictional policies and plans relevant to the area.

GRDA developed this SMP while considering all of the existing and reasonably foreseeable future uses of the Project, resources currently protected by regulation (e.g., threatened and endangered species, and wetland sites), public interests, and FERC regulations and guidelines. Interested stakeholders including adjacent property owners, commercial representatives, local realtors, and resource agency staff provided valued assistance in developing the SMP through their involvement in the Stakeholder Working Groups (SWG). The SWG provided valuable insight to daily life on the lake, local knowledge of specific environmental resources, adjacent property, business owner and recreational user expectations, and individual perspectives on potential management strategies and actions.

2.2 Structure of the SMP

The SMP has discrete sections to provide convenience and “usability”. Section 1.0 provides introductory materials and a brief overview of the Project. (Please contact GRDA’s headquarters in Vinita, Oklahoma for more detailed information about the Project, or visit http://www.grda.com ). Section 2.0 provides the purpose and scope of the SMP and provides context for the remainder of the document. Section 3.0 summarizes GRDA’s management goals and objectives, while Section 4.0 outlines participation by the public, agencies and other interested stakeholders in the development of the SMP.

Section 5.0 provides a summary of GRDA’s recreation plan for Grand Lake. GRDA has developed a stand alone Recreation Management Plan (RMP) specifically related to recreation goals, objectives, and policies at the Project. However, this section incorporates general RMP components into the SMP to help guide recreation facility management within the Project boundary and ensure consistency between the documents.

GRDA, with input from the SWG (including state and federal wildlife agencies) qualitatively evaluated existing shoreline uses (e.g. shoreline structures) and environmental resources immediately adjacent to and/or within the Project to define and subsequently to identify locations of Shoreline Management Classifications (SMC). GRDA and the SWG reviewed other SMPs for reference. The assessment of existing shoreline resources and development, as well as identification of areas that may be suitable for future development served as the basis for establishing the classifications and guidelines for future shoreline management within the Project as discussed in Section 6.0. Section 6.1 defines the SMC areas and identifies their locations. GRDA, with input from the SWG, developed definitions (see Section 6.2) encompassing a spectrum of existing and potential shoreline uses as they relate to existing environmental resources. Section 6.2 also defines allowable uses and their compatibility with the SMC and identifies allowable (or prohibited) uses within each SMC.

Overall, these classifications, definitions, and guidelines seek to protect sensitive shoreline resources while permitting appropriate use and reasonable access to shoreline areas within the Project. Section 7.0 describes GRDA’s Adaptive Management strategies to monitor ongoing shoreline development in locations identified as Areas of Special Concern (ASC). Section 8.0 identifies the process used by GRDA and a proponent of shoreline uses, to determine if and how to permit a specific activity. Section 9.0 discusses GRDA’s permitting standards and requirements for said activities. Section 10.0 outlines GRDA’s shoreline enforcement policies as they relate to the overall SMP. Section 11.0 addresses the triggers and milestones that GRDA will use to assess and, when necessary, update the SMP. The SMP bibliography identifies sources for more detailed Project related information in Section 12.0.

Appendix A of this SMP provides a copy of GRDA’s enabling legislation and promulgated rules detailing the statutory authority assigned to GRDA for management and enforcement of the Pensacola Project, and Project lands.

Appendix B of this SMP contains documentation of agency consultation and public participation in the development of the SMP as well as comments received by GRDA on the draft SMP, and responses to these comments.

Appendix C contains the Environmental Report (ER) developed in support of the SMP. The ER describes environmental and cultural resources within the Project boundary and analyzes the potential effects of the SMP on these resources.

Appendix D provides SMC mapping. These maps are part of a Project resource database (Geographic Information System or GIS) that provides a visual summary of this information and serves as a tool for analysis and management of environmental resources. The maps and cross references to other Project related studies allow users to reference more detailed Project-related information. They also help to integrate other Project related management plans and studies, and therefore help to limit the potential of conflicting management objectives for the Project’s shoreline resources.

Appendix E provides suggested best management practices (BMPs) for non-Project lands. As GRDA has no jurisdiction over private lands, these BMPs are for informational purposed only.

Appendix F contains FERC license documents, which pertain directly to the SMP and management of Grand Lake, including FERC’s standard land use article.

4.0 Public Participation and Consultation

4.1 SMP Kick-off

GRDA initiated consultation for development of the SMP by holding a series of public listening session in various locations around Grand Lake. These meetings were located in Grove in the northern region of Grand Lake, Vinita, and “The Coves” in the southern region of the lake. These sessions were an opportunity for GRDA to solicit comments, concerns, and questions regarding management of Project lands within the Project boundary in an open forum. In some instances, GRDA had the opportunity to directly answer questions, but in general, the objective of these meetings was to get as many issues and concerns as possible out in the open and formally documented. As part of the listening sessions, GRDA polled participants to determine who wished to continue their involvement in development of the SMP. GRDA requested that these individuals sign up for potential inclusion in the SWGs. After the listening sessions Kleinschmidt Associates, on behalf of and in consultation with GRDA, contacted individuals (who indicated interest in participation at the listening sessions or direct contact with Kleinschmidt or GRDA) by letters and/or email to solicit further contact information and formulate the potential working member lists.

4.2 Stakeholder Working Group Meetings

GRDA held the initial meeting of the Grand Lake Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) stakeholder working group at the GRDA offices in Vinita on December 7, 2005. GRDA extended invitations to previously identified interested parties in response to feedback received by Kleinschmidt Associates. GRDA made an effort to assure representation of a wide range of private and commercial interests as well as a regionally diverse group. If, however, individuals who previously expressed interest in becoming part of the stakeholder groups did not attend these meetings or otherwise contact GRDA, they were not included in future correspondence. Because of the number of individuals interested in participating with the working group, and to assure spaces for local, state and federal agency staff, working group participation was informally capped at approximately 30 individuals. Individuals who contacted GRDA after the initial meeting were advised of this cap, but encouraged to review the stakeholder list and forward their concerns to members of the SWG. They were also directed to GRDA’s website where meeting minutes and draft documents are posted, and encouraged to contact GRDA directly with questions or comments.

GRDA identified three working groups with distinct tasks and objectives. These groups included Land Use Classification, Allowable Use Determination, and Permitting Policy Development. Working in an advisory role, stakeholders met four to five times through October, 2006. Final SWG meetings were held on January x, 2007 to solicit final comments on the draft SMP. Appendix B includes a matrix of these comments and GRDA’s responses.

4.3 Agency Participation

Initial state and federal regulatory, wildlife, and environmental agency consultation formally occurred on December 6, 2005 through a meeting requested by GRDA. Attendees at this meeting, held at the USFWS headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), USFWS, ODWC, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), GRDA, and Kleinschmidt Associates. GRDA expressed their intention to develop an SMP and requested ongoing participation in the process from these entities.

Of the approximately 10 federal, state, county, tribal, and local municipal agencies invited to participate in the SWGs, a representative from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and the Ottawa County Commission attended the initial meeting. As the meetings progressed, Ottawa County staff did not continue to participate, however a member of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), ODWC, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) participated when their schedule allowed.

Upon development of the Draft SMP, GRDA again contacted state and federal agencies, meeting with them on August 9, 2006 to review the document. GRDA submitted a final draft of the SMP to the agencies on December x, 2006 for review and commentary prior to submittal to FERC. Additional comments were received by X, X, and X. GRDA incorporated these comments where appropriate. Appendix B includes a matrix of comments received and GRDA’s responses to those comments.

4.4 Public Comment on the Draft SMP

GRDA held a set of final “listening sessions” were held on XX, 2006 after GRDA publicly noticed the availability of the Draft SMP (prior to submittal to FERC). GRDA made this notification in local newspapers and on its website under the SMP webpage. Those interested in reviewing the document were directed to GRDA’s website to download the document, or sent electronic copies via email or hard copies via regular mail upon request. Appendix B includes a matrix of comments received and GRDA’s responses to those comments.

5.0 Summary of Recreation Management Plan

GRDA revised and updated the RMP in conjunction with development of the SMP. The RMP is a stand-alone document available for review from GRDA on GRDA’s website (www.grda.com), at the Ecosystem Management Office in Langley, by mail at P.O. Box 70, Langley, Oklahoma 74350, or by calling 918-782-9594. The following sections summarize the RMP.

5.1 Recreation Management at Grand Lake

GRDA shares responsibility and authority for recreation management on Grand Lake with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD), and several local communities. Each entity has differing responsibilities and management authorities.

GRDA manages recreation at the lake in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements and the goals and objectives established by its Board of Directors. GRDA’s enabling legislation authorizes management of public recreation on the lake, and oversight and permitting of boating activity and dock structures. Article 407 of the FERC license for the Project provides authority to GRDA for ensuring adequate and appropriate public access to project resources and requires that GRDA manage and monitor that access and use as appropriate, providing periodic reports to FERC documenting the level of recreation use at the project every six years.[4]

GRDA’s management goals include:

1. Provision of adequate, barrier-free public recreational access to project lands and waters;

2. Support of recreation patterns that reflect the established recreation environment; and

3. Management of public, private and commercial access to and use of project lands and waters in a safe and responsible manner.

GRDA has established policies and implementing regulations to facilitate achieving these goals. The following is a summary of GRDA’s activities that support recreational management at Grand Lake:

· Lake Patrol - The Lake Patrol is responsible for enforcement of rules and regulations on the water and on GRDA owned lands, promoting safety, permitting docks, and boat inspections;

· Recreation Sites - GRDA provided lands and access for the establishment of State Parks at Grand Lake. GRDA continues to cooperate with the state and with local communities to develop and maintain public recreation sites;

· Public Outreach and Education - GRDA maintains a public education program to inform citizens and tourists of the locations of public access sites, boating regulations, etc. As part of this, GRDA provides guided tours of the Pensacola Dam Powerhouse during the summer;

· Navigation Aides - GRDA maintains navigation aids on Grand Lake;

· Boating Management - GRDA establishes and enforces boating regulations for Grand Lake; and

· Recreation Monitoring - GRDA selected social and environmental indicators to monitor as a tool for managing recreational boating and monitoring the recreational carrying capacity of project waters. (See Section 5.6 for additional detail.)

In carrying out the above activities, GRDA addressed, and continues to address, all of the implementation actions identified in the 1997 Recreation Plan that are specific to recreational use of Grand Lake.

5.2 Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

The ODWC manages fisheries, establishes hunting and fishing regulations for state waters, including Grand Lake, and may assist other state agencies or other entities in the establishment, maintenance and operation of educational facilities, recreational facilities and hunting and fishing facilities.

Specific fish and wildlife management goals and activities related to recreation at the Pensacola Project include management of the recreational fishery (hybrid striped bass, crappie, bass, and paddlefish) through stocking, fishing regulations, improvement of fish nursery habitat through the Aquatic Vegetation Program, and placement of submerged brush piles to provide fish habitat. A millet-planting program supports waterfowl hunting by supplementing natural habitat in the northern parts of the lake.

5.3 Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

The State of Oklahoma has prepared a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that provides updated information on the state of Oklahoma’s parks, the quantity and quality of recreation opportunities, and an assessment of management topics to address in the future. Oklahoma’s SCORP, written in 2001 and revised in 2002, identifies its goals for state parks, including those on Grand Lake.

Specific to Grand Lake, the SCORP identifies the following:

· At Grand Lake, visitors have developed expectations and have adjusted their behavior to cope with recreational conflict. The number of incidents handled by the lake patrol is minimal;

· Education of park visitors would increase the recreation and social carrying capacity of the lake.; and

· Education is an alternative to enforcement.

5.4 Recreation Sites

There are public, commercial and private entities that provide access to Grand Lake. GRDA, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OKTRD) and local municipalities provide public access. Commercial businesses, such as marinas provide both fee and non-fee services to the public. Private access is available from individual shorefront properties, neighborhood associations and private clubs.

5.4.1 Public Recreation Sites

The maps in Appendix C include public recreation sites. There are four access areas provided by GRDA, 5 state parks, and approximately 14 municipal parks providing access to Grand Lake. There are approximately 22 public boat ramps providing access to Grand Lake in the area south of Sailboat Bridge.

GRDA maintains the boat launches it provides. OKTRD operates the state parks; municipalities manage the local parks. Numerous other “volunteer” public access points correspond with rights-of-way and old roadbeds scattered throughout the area. Such locations are undocumented, usually not maintained at any specified level of care, and used primarily by local residents and those knowledgeable of the region.

5.4.2 GRDA Boat Ramps

There are four boat ramps provided by GRDA that provide access to Grand Lake. Use of these launches is free to the public. These include:

· Duck Creek Bridge Public Access

· Seaplane Base Public Access

· Monkey Island Public Boat Ramp

· Big Hollow

5.4.3 State Parks

GRDA transferred ownership of land for several state parks to the OTRD. These include:

· Bernice State Park

· Cherokee State Park (Areas 1, 2 and 3)

· Disney/Little Blue State Park

· Honey Creek State Park

· Twin Bridges State Park

5.4.4 Other Public Access

Various municipalities and organizations maintain or manage the following community parks, access areas, and launches:

· Willow Park, Town of Ketchum

· Port Ketchum Public Access

· Low Water Dam, City of Miami

· City Boat Ramp, City of Miami

· Wyandotte Public Access, Town of Wyandotte

· Council Cove Public Access

· Cowskin Public Access

· City Boat Ramp, City of Grove

· Carey Bay Public Access

· Sweetwater Hollow Public Access

· Public Boat Dock, Town of Langley

· Drowning Creek Moonlight Cove

· Gray’s Hollow (back of cove)

· Cayuga

· Lakemont Shores (Drowning Creek)

· Rapier Hollow (back of cove)

· Hanger Point

· West Bay

· Shangri-La

5.4.5 Private Recreation Access

GRDA completed a shoreline development inventory in 2006. This inventory included documentation of private facilities such as boat docks and ramps. GRDA documented approximately 4,611 private docks and 437 private ramps private boat ramps on Grand Lake. These docks and ramps are the primary access to the Lake for most of the residents.

Residential boat ramps generally provide lake access for individual households or small groups of households. They typically consist of an access roadway and boat ramp, with no parking area or other supporting facilities. Although privately constructed and maintained, these ramps are open to the public at no fee. GRDA no longer permits construction of private boat ramps within the Project boundary.

Private residential docks vary greatly in architecture and appearance. A majority of the private docks are in the southern two thirds of the lake due to the nature of the lake and early development patterns. The availability of deeper and wider reaches of Grand Lake at the southern end and the proximity to population centers has resulted in a high concentration of private docks.

5.4.6 Commercial Development

Currently, there are approximately 355 commercial docks on Grand Lake. Many of these are associated with commercial marinas. The commercial docks provide roughly 3,892 slips for boats of various sizes. In addition, records show approximately 53 commercial boat ramps. Commercial interests constructed six of the commercial launches with GRDA matching funds; the public may use these ramps free of charge, but may be required to pay a parking fee for the vehicles and trailers left on the property.

5.5 Estimates of Recreational Use

5.5.1 Current Recreational Use

Grand Lake is an extremely popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. In 2002, GRDA estimated that the Project supported 4 million recreation days annually, and another 1.5 million recreation nights (GRDA, 2003). Grand Lake is known for its boating and the many other recreational opportunities that are available. Boating at Grand Lake occurs year round, though the primary recreation season extends from mid to late May through early September.

Grand Lake is home to several sailing clubs. Sailboats range in size from 16 to 45 feet. Rafting involves the tying together of two or more anchored boats so that the boaters may visit with one another. On Grand Lake, rafting is popular in selected areas which are out of the way of boat traffic and in locations where swimming or cliff diving are popular. Pleasure boating includes many different individual activities, such as tubing, power boating, water skiing, house-boating, etc. Oklahoma was among the top 20 states in boating registrations in 2003, when boat registrations reached nearly 230,000 (NMMA, 2004).

Fishing is a year round activity on Grand Lake. Secluded coves, boat docks, fish shelters, and heated docks provide fishing opportunity to all segments of the lake. Grand Lake supports a high quality fishery for largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie, catfish and paddlefish.

GRDA manages 1,630 acres of Project lands as a wildlife management area and allow public hunting (FERC, 1991). The 1,630 acres are comprised of many individual parcels ranging in size from 30 acres to 800 acres. These lands are located either adjacent to streams entering the reservoir or as islands within the reservoir. Waterfowl hunting occurs primarily in the riverine sections of the Lake between Twin Bridges and Sailboat Bridge and to a lesser extent, in the mudflat areas of Horse Creek, south and west of the Town of Bernice.
Boating Density

Aerial boat counts conducted by GRDA in 2005 identified the locations on the lake where people boat, and the activities in which they participate. Flights occurred during times of the day when boating activity was highest.

Fishing predominates on the upper lake, north of Sailboat Bridge, on both weekends and holidays. Researchers estimated at least three quarters of all boats observed were fishing. The survey identified all of the boats in the northernmost part of the lake, as engaged in fishing. The northernmost part of the lake averages roughly 6 to 7 boats over 6,747 acres of surface water at any given period, while the area closer to Sailboat Bridge averages 16 to 17 boats over 6,363 acres at any given period on both weekends and holidays.

Boating activity south of Sailboat Bridge is markedly different from the upper lake. On normal use weekends, fishing still accounts for a substantial amount of boating activity – roughly half of all boating activity recorded; however, researchers identified large percentages of boaters engaging in pleasure boating, rafting, and using personal watercraft. Sailing, water tubing and waterskiing accounted for only small percentages of identified boats. On holidays, boating use changes substantially to pursuits that are more active. The increased use of pleasure boats and personal watercraft essentially suspends fishing activity. At the southernmost part of the lake, rafting activity (boats tying up to each other) was observed to triple.

5.6 Future Recreational Use

Participation in recreational activities at Grand Lake has generally grown over time to reach today’s high levels reported on GRDA’s most recent FERC Form 80. Many factors contribute to people’s participation in recreational activities. Population growth may be a primary factor in recreation growth. The population of the four counties around Grand Lake has grown approximately 10 percent, from 112,000 in 1986 to 123,590 in 2000. Population projections through the year 2020 show an anticipated population increase in the four counties of approximately 23 percent. If participation in recreation increases at the same rate and follows a similar pattern, one can expect to see increased demand for access in the future.

5.7 Planning for the Future

GRDA believes that the current public access provides adequate access to the lake. GRDA will continue to provide public recreational access at the sites it maintains. GRDA will also continue to provide and maintain 1,630 acres of designated wildlife habitat open to public hunting and fishing.

GRDA does not monitor the need for additional commercial services; market forces define the supply and demand of commercial services. Market forces also guide private residential development, while the SMP guides development within the Project.

The monitoring plans in the Carrying Capacity Analysis (Kleinschmidt, 2006), outline how GRDA will, in concert with OKTRD and ODWC, monitor recreational use and review access and management needs as they pertain to the Pensacola Project. Monitoring plans identified in the Carrying Capacity Analysis address:

· Water quality in coves where recreational boating use is heavy;

· Boat density by activity over time to identify changing use patterns;

· Available facilities and public access;

· The location and cause of boat accidents;

· The number of annual fishing tournaments and the number of boats participating ;

· The number of annual regattas and the number of boats participating; and

· Opinions and preferences of Grand Lake boaters.

Should monitoring demonstrate a need for additional recreational access, GRDA will hold public meetings to describe the issue and solicit input from the public. GRDA will then review the potential solutions and develop a plan to implement access. Any additional development on the part of GRDA will follow the guidelines found in GRDA’s SMP for the Project.

In the event that GRDA determines the need for additional public access, the ODWC and GRDA Lake Patrol have identified four prospective launch sites. Those sites are on Drowning Creek, Bee Creek, Honey Creek and Horse Creek. Individuals with small fishing boats using the gravel and rock surface as a launch ramp at the Drowning, Bee, and Honey Creek sites. The Horse Creek site is adjacent to the Bernice Bridge and, if developed, requires access from the highway right-of-way and extensive timber clearing to accommodate parking and launch facilities. GRDA is continuing to explore the development of that site with Delaware County, the ODWC and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

6.0 Shoreline Management Guidelines for Project Lands

Shoreline Management Classifications (SMC) and their associated Allowable Use Categories define current and potential development patterns and allowable uses as they relate to GRDA’s permitting processes for uses within the Project Area. The SMC represent tiered categories and provide GRDA a means to assess the appropriateness of proposed uses. The SMC and Allowable Use Categories form the basis for comprehensive, consistent and equitable application of shoreline use standards and for a review and permitting process that applies to all adjacent property owners wishing to use Project lands.

6.1 Definition and Identification of Shoreline Management Classification

GRDA, with input from the SWG, made qualitative evaluations of existing shoreline uses and environmental resources immediately adjacent to and/or within the Project to define and subsequently identify locations of SMC. Definitions of SMC (see Section 6.1.1) and Allowable Use Categories (Section 6.2) encompass a spectrum of existing and potential shoreline development as it relates to existing environmental resources. The basis of the evaluation is a series of maps produced using existing GIS databases that included steep slopes, palustrine wetlands, contour and bathymetric data, aquatic and terrestrial habitats considered significant by state and federal wildlife agencies. GRDA compared these resources with existing shoreline development data obtained by GRDA staff through a lake-wide GPS effort, review of aerial photography and the personal and corporate knowledge of GRDA and stakeholders.

This analysis and definition resulted in the following distinct Shoreline Management Classifications.

6.1.1 Shoreline Management Classifications for Grand Lake

Multi Purpose areas currently support both residential and/or commercial uses, but without a clearly definable use pattern. These areas remain available for all uses, including, but not limited to: existing or potential future private residential waterfront development; commercial recreation facilities such as marinas; industrial facilities, business parks and industrial water access (intakes, discharges, etc.) and commercial agriculture. Subject to meeting site-specific criteria, GRDA will manage these lands to accommodate reasonable demands for public and private uses within the guidelines of GRDA’s Permitting Program.

GRDA encourages certain types of development, which minimize effects to the overall area, such as community rather than individual docks. Proponents of new commercial developments are required to provide justification for new uses.

Limited Residential Development areas currently consist of primarily residential development and/or open land. Typically, residential or public uses dominate these areas. There are few or widely separated commercial facilities. While there may be undeveloped lots within Limited Residential Development areas, unless a proponent of a commercial enterprise demonstrates a particular public interest, GRDA considers any future commercial/industrial development in these areas incompatible with the primarily residential and open space uses. As such, commercial development in a Development area receives a higher level of scrutiny in GRDA’s permitting process and, in the event GRDA approves these uses, they may be subject to requirements beyond those required for commercial development in a Multi Purpose area. Multi-family residential developments such as condominiums or apartment complexes are included in the overall Development classification. As with Multi Purpose areas, GRDA encourages the development of multi-family or community, rather than individual, docks to minimize overall effects to the shoreline within these areas.

Sensitive Resource areas are undeveloped or have extremely limited development and/or that encompass an area of significant environmental value. Sensitive Resource areas include resources protected by state and/or federal law, executive order; natural or cultural features considered important to the area or natural environment and areas maintained for habitat, water quality protection and general aesthetics. These areas may include palustrine wetlands[5], steep slopes[6], sensitive aquatic or terrestrial habitat, and islands. Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) identified in the Project’s FERC license are included in the Sensitive Resource classification. All currently undeveloped islands owned by GRDA fall under the Sensitive Resource classification. It is highly unlikely that GRDA will permit new uses in these areas. GRDA intends to manage these areas to protect their environmental and/or aesthetic values. The SMP ‘grandfathers’ existing uses, if those uses are properly maintained and if they were properly permitted at the time of enactment of this SMP. GRDA may permit temporary activities that do not require any form of construction, long-term use, or that may result in any adverse effect on the protected resource. Examples of temporary activities include bird-dog trials, one-time outdoor athletic events, educational projects or programs that might be associated with schools, universities, service clubs or youth organizations. These temporary permits will be highly restrictive to avoid negative effects to sensitive resources.

Any new “permanent” uses proposed for a designated Sensitive Resource area will be considered only if the proponent of this activity can 1) provide compelling evidence of hardship, 2) justify the project location as the only feasible alternative, and 3) be willing to provide specific protection, mitigation and/or environmental enhancements (PM&E measures) as may be prescribed by GRDA or through any consultation with jurisdictional agencies. All proposed uses in Sensitive Resource areas are subject to a consultation process involving state and federal resource agencies and may involve development of an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement by project proponents.

NOTE: While not specifically identified within the Sensitive Resource classification, GRDA provides protection to historic and culturally sensitive areas within the Project (Section 9.10). Because of the sensitive nature of cultural or historic resources, their locations are not public information. GRDA maintains data supplied by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Oklahoma Archeological Survey (OKAS) that identifies potential and significant cultural resource sites. GRDA will review all ground-disturbing activities to determine if there is a possible adverse effect on these resources. Potential effects to cultural or historic resources may result in the denial of a permit or require compliance with protection and mitigation measures suggested by the SHPO or the Oklahoma Archeological Survey.

Public / Municipal Use areas are for public use such as State parks, public beaches, municipal water intake/outflow, transmission/utility line crossing, roads, bridges, and gas/oil pipelines. Typically, public agencies or governmental bodies manage the areas. GRDA will not permit new uses, outside the scope of the existing management objective of the managing entity at these locations. GRDA does not permit private residential or commercial activities at these locations unless they are consistent with the management policies of the area and the operating body requests the new use.

Project Operations areas are reserved for current and potential future Project operation and related functions. This category includes all Project lands used for hydroelectric generation, dams, spillways, switchyards, transmission facilities, right-of-way areas, security lands, and other operational areas. While sometimes occurring within or adjacent to other use areas, these specific shoreline uses require a degree of separation from other activities to ensure public safety or to assure the security of the Project infrastructure.

6.1.2 Shoreline Management Classification Mapping

GRDA’s GIS, along with local knowledge of both GRDA staff and stakeholders, coupled with site-specific verification served as the basis for determining the most appropriate and pertinent locations to apply SMC within the Project. Not all shoreline areas that generally meet the SMC definitions necessarily fall into that particular classification. As an example, an area may have one or more environmental characteristics that fall into the Sensitive Resource definition; however, existing commercial or heavy residential use within that particular area precludes application of the Sensitive Resource classification to that area. In another area, the primary shoreline use currently may be residential with few or no sensitive resources. Typically, that area might fall into the Limited Residential Development classification; however, mitigating factors such as commercial activities adjacent to the residential area, the lack of other areas open to commercial activities in the vicinity, or landward infrastructure conducive to future commercial activities (multiple roads or a locale adjacent to a major thoroughfare) could lead to the area being classified as Multi Purpose.

Appendix D contains the SMC maps as well as a brief summary of existing shoreline resources.

While GRDA developed the mapping of SMC as comprehensively as possible, in some cases, the level of information available may not allow completely accurate identification of property boundaries or pinpoint sensitive resource areas. Therefore, property owners who believe GRDA applied a particular SMC erroneously to the shoreline adjacent to their properties may contact GRDA for a site-specific review and verification of that SMC, should they wish to propose a project or use that does not qualify as an allowable use within the existing SMC.

GRDA will maintain a current, updated database showing the SMC at Grand Lake. These maps will be available from GRDA’s Ecosystem Management Office at the Lake Patrol Office in Langley, as well as GRDA’s offices in Vinita. As discussed in Section 11.0, minor updates to the mapping that supports the SMC will occur periodically, with a lake-wide review of all SMC every six years.

6.2 Determination of Allowable Uses

Enjoyment and use of Grand Lake by residents and visitors alike relies, in part, on facilities, structures, and other developments that permit access to the shoreline and the lake and which provide necessary or requested services for visitors and residents. Private and commercial docks, marinas, shoreline stabilization and clearing are all examples of uses that GRDA permits. As development pressure and general use of the Project increases, the potential for conflict regarding the types, sizes, and general acceptability of particular uses also increases. Over crowding, restricted shorefront/waterway access, and loss of aesthetic values are all potential outcomes of unrestricted development of shorefront uses. Additionally, the potential for environmental degradation increases if unrestricted or unregulated development occurs without clear guidelines and standards.

The following Allowable Use Categories and definitions capture the majority of allowed uses within the Project. As described below, GRDA assessed the appropriateness of these uses in relation to the SMC described above.

While comprehensive in nature, GRDA recognizes other potential uses that may fall outside these definitions. In some instances, GRDA may permit a use determined to have such a limited impact as to have little or no effect on resources and existing uses in any management classification. Other more intensive uses may have more significance/effect on a management area and may require more scrutiny and justification through GRDA’s permitting process or be disallowed altogether.

6.2.1 Shoreline Management Classifications as a Filter for Allowable Use

GRDA, with input from the SWG, evaluated existing uses and structures in conjunction with environmental, aesthetic, and social values and shoreline access expectations. This analysis first identified general uses occurring within and adjacent to the Project boundary. As GRDA and the SWG identified these uses, they categorized them into specific Allowable Use Categories as indicated below.

GRDA then evaluated how these uses relate to particular land use classifications and environmental values within the Project boundary and the acceptability of specific uses lake wide and within the SMC. For example, multi-slip commercial marinas occur on Grand Lake. GRDA developed the Multi Purpose SMC specifically to acknowledge this type of current and future use on the lake. Therefore, GRDA considers these structures as “typical” and “acceptable” uses in Multi Purpose SMC. However, in other, less developed areas with limited or minimal shoreline uses (identified as Limited Residential Development or Sensitive Resource), development of these facilities could create a significant effect on environmental and aesthetic resources. Therefore, multi-slip commercial marinas are an allowed use within a Multi Purpose SMC, but receive additional scrutiny if they are proposed in a Limited Residential Development SMC. Without a clear demonstration of hardship, public interest, and appropriate mitigation, GRDA does not permit them in Sensitive Resource SMC.

6.2.2 Definition of Allowable Use Categories

Defining parameters for allowable uses within the SMC involves recognition of both how and why the SMC were developed and the fact that residential, municipal, and Project uses within the Project differ. A facilities’ effect on environmental and social resources is a strong factor in determining appropriateness within particular SMC.

GRDA, in consultation with the SWG, first determined what activities occur around the lake and what activities could potentially occur in the future. Those existing and potential activities were subsequently broken up into several distinct uses that include Commercial, Residential/Single-Multi-Family, and Municipal/Public Use. Using the parameters established by the SMC definitions, GRDA then evaluated the appropriateness of these types of uses in relation to the intent of the classifications.

While most activities listed below currently occur on the lake, in an effort to capture potential future uses, GRDA included some activities identified as new or potential commercial uses that have become issues for other licensees and that GRDA may need to address in the future. As previously stated, this list may not encompass all existing or potential uses. GRDA will address any facility or use not included herein on a case-by-case basis.

6.2.2.1 Commercial Uses

Commercial uses of the Project generally do not occur distinct from other uses on Grand Lake. They are frequently scattered along the shoreline and often are adjacent to other uses. GRDA anticipates that commercial uses have more frequent and more intensive use patterns than residential or municipal/public use. Additionally, commercial facilities, particularly those with multiple docks, slips, and moorings, are generally significantly larger than residential uses. Commercial uses may have a greater potential for affecting navigation on the lake, particularly if they are located in narrower coves and inlets. Therefore, these uses are best located in areas with adequate shoreline and water depth to allow construction and operation with minimal effect on environmental resources. Thus, development of new commercial uses should focus on areas that currently support similar uses, in areas that could support future high/intensive uses, and in locations separated from distinctly residential uses.

Existing and potential Commercial Uses include:

· New Commercial Docks construction

· Multi boat slips >10 slips

· Existing Docks Repair and replacement

· Full Service Marinas

· Restaurants/Hotels/Casinos

· Recreational Water Parks with shoreline development

· Commercial withdrawal (e.g. golf courses)

· Habitable Structures

· Floating Breakwaters

· Navigational access dredging

· Retaining walls

· Boat ramps

· Marine railway, trams, & lifts

· Fences

· Dredging

6.2.2.2 Existing/Potential Single-Family and Multi Family Residential Uses

As with commercial uses, residential use of the Project boundary occurs adjacent to and interspersed among other uses on Grand Lake. Unlike commercial uses, however, some areas of the lake present a distinctly and almost exclusively residential use development pattern. In comparison to commercial uses, residential uses tend to be smaller and utilize less of the shoreline. While some, multi-family/multi slip facilities and uses may potentially present effects similar to commercial uses, in general, single-family residential uses present less potential for significant effect on congestion, navigation and environmental resources.

Existing and potential Residential/Multifamily uses include:

· Docks

· Decks/Patios

· Fishing Docks

· Breakwaters

· Retaining Walls

· Vegetation Management

· Dredging/Channeling

· Water Withdrawal/Discharge

· Floating Habitable Structures

· House Boats

· Farming Activities

· Moorings

· Multi-boat slips (<10)

· Multi-boat slips (>10)

· Beaches/Common use areas

· Picnic/Event Facilities

· Boat ramps

· Marine railway, trams, & lifts

· Fences

6.2.2.3 Municipal/Public Uses

In general, municipal and/or public uses as identified in Section 6.2 are site-specific uses that occur distinct from other uses. GRDA developed definitions and identified specific areas within or adjacent to the Project boundary where known municipal/public uses occur. In doing so, GRDA acknowledges that a degree of separation from other uses is necessary for the safe operation and/or delivery of service associated with these types of uses. Any proposed municipal or public use area proposed outside an existing designated area, must be able to demonstrate that the use is in the public interest. Proponents of such uses in Sensitive Resource areas will be required to demonstrate necessity and public interest and provide any required PM&E measures necessary to minimize the effects of the use.

Municipal/Public Uses include:

· Public/municipal water withdrawal/discharge

· Water treatment systems

· Parks

· Boat Ramps

· Docks

· Wildlife Management areas

6.2.3 Allowable Uses within Specific Management Classifications

6.2.3.1 Commercial Uses

Commercial activities, specifically marinas and other water dependent activities are more appropriate in areas that provide deep-water access and room for docks, slips, and moorings. These activities also require adequate open water to operate watercraft safely. Associated boat traffic should not impede or restrict general navigation or adjacent residential use of the shoreline. Areas with shallow water may be inappropriate for new commercial uses or expansion of existing facilities. Future commercial uses are most appropriate in areas with adequate water depth, as well as in areas meeting FERC’s spacing guidelines for new commercial facilities[7].

GRDA considers new commercial uses most appropriate within the Multi Purpose SMC. However, some Multi Purpose areas, may be inappropriate for new uses (e.g. having shallow water, or already heavily developed). Commercial development MAY occur in Limited Residential Development SMC; however, GRDA specifically established the Limited Residential Development SMC to provide a level of protection to primarily residential areas. GRDA generally will not permit new commercial uses in Sensitive Resource areas. These more restrictive classifications do not entirely preclude development of new commercial facilities; however, impact to environmental resources will be a primary consideration in the permitting process. Table 6.1 at the end of this Section delineates allowable commercial uses within the SMC.

To assure that associated boat traffic and other commercial activities do not impede or restrict existing residential use, GRDA requires proponents of new commercial marinas and similar “high traffic” facilities to provide additional information and justification for their proposed development. General requirements and standards for commercial activities are included in Section 9.0.

6.2.3.2 Private Residential/Multi Family Uses

GRDA will continue to permit uses associated with private residential or residential associations’ uses. However, certain cove areas, shoreline locations with shallow water, areas considered congested or which support sensitive resources may be inappropriate for new uses related to residential development. Table 6.2 tabulates allowable residential uses within the SMC.

For new developments, GRDA will place particular emphasis on consolidating uses to minimize shoreline effects for both single and multi family shoreline uses within the Multi Purpose and Limited Residential Development SMC. Proponents of such uses in Sensitive Resource areas will be required to demonstrate hardship, necessity and public interest. GRDA or other regulatory agencies may require proponents provide PM&E measures necessary to minimize the effects of the use.

6.2.3.3 Municipal/Public Use

Table 6.1. Allowable Commercial Uses within Shoreline Management Classifications

	Multi Purpose	Limited²	Public/ Municipal Areas	Sensitive Resource	Project Operations
	Multi Purpose	Limited²	Public/ Municipal Areas	Sensitive Resource	Project Operations
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES ¹
Construction of Commercial Dock	YES	NO	YES – only if meets GRDA permitting standards and is within the objectives of the managing entity	NO	NO
Repair/Replacement of Commercial Facility³	YES if structure has existing permit from GRDA			YES if structure has existing permit from GRDA
New Full Service Marina	YES	NO		NO	NO
Floating Restaurant/ Hotel/Casino	YES	NO		NO	NO
Water Withdrawal (e.g. golf courses, commercial irrigation)	YES	YES		YES	YES
Recreation/Water Parks w/ Shorefront Facilities	YES	NO		NO	NO
Dredging⁴	YES	YES		NO	AS NEEDED FOR PROJECT OPERATIONS
Commercial Marine Railways & Trams	YES	NO		NO	AS NEEDED FOR PROJECT OPERATIONS
Boat Ramps⁵	YES	NO		NO	NO
Floating Breakwaters	YES	YES		YES	AS NEEDED FOR PROJECT OPERATIONS
Agricultural Activities	NO			NO

¹All new Commercial uses will require some form of permitting and/or review by GRDA; Please refer to GRDA permitting handbooks for further details.

²Commercial uses are most appropriate it Multi Purpose areas, proponents of such uses within a Limited Development area are required to provide additional support and justification for their permit applications

³Structures properly permitted prior to development of the SMP are allowed to remain in perpetuity.

⁴Dredging is generally limited to 2000 cy and only allowed during drawdown events. GRDA does not allow any channel dredging. [reference GRDA’s Dredging Plan]

⁵ No ramp may be constructed unless at least twenty-five (25) homeowners or the public at large may access the ramp

⁶Agricultural activities such as grazing, crop cultivation, etc. are not allowed within the Project boundary. These conditions are addressed on a case by case basis through lease conditions with adjacent property owners.

Table 6.2. Allowable Residential Uses within Shoreline Management Classifications

	Multi Purpose	Limited	Public/Municipal Areas	Sensitive Resource	Project Operations
	Multi Purpose	Limited	Public/Municipal Areas	Sensitive Resource	Project Operations
Private Residential/Multi-Family Uses¹
Docks	Yes	Yes	YES - if meets GRDA permitting standards and is within the objectives of the managing entity	NO	No
Breakwaters,	YES	YES			NO
Boat Houses	YES	YES			NO
Decks &Patios	YES	YES			NO
Repair/Replacement of Residential Uses²	YES-if structure has existing permit from GRDA;
Multi-boat slips (<10)	Yes	Yes	YES - if meets GRDA permitting standards and is within the objectives of the managing entity	GENERALLY NOT ALLOWED	NO
Multi-boat slips³ (>10)	YES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 Introduction