LAKE RED ROCK MASTER PLAN SUPPLEMENT Draft: June 22, 2010

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2 LAKE RED ROCK MASTER PLAN SUPPLEMENT Draft: June 22, 2010 PROPOSED ACTION. Lake Red Rock Master Plan Supplement 1 - Donation, Acceptance, Acquisition, Classification and Development of a 47 acre tract of land called Hickory Ridge (DACW ) and reclassification of adjacent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land from Project Operations: Reserve Forest Land to Project Operations: Multiple Resource Management - Recreation Low-Density. PLANNING TEAM. Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Red Rock Lake Association, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IA DNR). VISION. The vision for the Hickory Ridge Primitive Recreation Area mirrors that of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation's vision of protecting Iowa's natural lands, restoring natural areas to create corridors or "complexes of protected lands", and connecting people "to a diverse landscape, valuing the importance of healthy land, water and wildlife for their environment, economy and quality of life." The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has proposed the donation of this unique oak hickory forest to the US Army Corps of Engineers in trust, to be protected and restored while allowing members of the public seeking solitude and a break from the pressures and noise of the modern world to enjoy now and in the future. 1

3 PURPOSE. This supplement is for the proposed donation, acceptance, acquisition, classification, and development of 47 acres of land to be donated by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) to the US Army Corps of Engineers. This tract of land, referred to as Hickory Ridge, is adjacent to two Government-owned fee title tracts (512 and 515) and will provide access to 250 acres of managed resources. The property was operated as a time-share campground from the 1970s through the 1990s. In 2009 the INHF purchased the land recognizing its unique habitat and position on the lake. INHF purchases land, raises funds, then donates the land to be managed, restored, and preserved. This land was not originally purchased during the original Red Rock property acquisition even though portions extend below elevation 760 msl, which was the purchasing guideline at the time. Acceptance of property would meet all OD-R missions: a) Flood Risk Management: Property extends below elevation 760 and currently has 9 acres of flowage easement. Federal ownership would add continuity to fee owned flood pool and ensure improved flood risk management. b) Environmental Stewardship/Wildlife Management: Property is primarily an undisturbed oak/hickory forest community; federal ownership will ensure protection of quality habitat and shoreline. c) Recreation: The intention is to develop a portion of this property into a lowdensity recreation (primitive camping) area which would be accessible to paddlers. This type of use and experience is currently unavailable on Lake Red Rock. Upon donation, the parcel of land would be Allocated as Operations and Classified as Multiple Resource Management: Recreation Low Density. (*See Appendix C for land allocation and land classification definitions and breakdown.) 2

4 AUTHORITY. Supplement 1 to the Lake Red Rock Master Plan was prepared in accordance with ER Chapter 3-2, paragraph h of this ER, provides for District Commander approval of master plans, supplements, and updates. LOCATION. Hickory Ridge is located about 4 miles northeast of Knoxville, Iowa off of 160th Avenue. The parcel is located on the Competine Creek arm of the lake. The project site is located in the Southeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 27, and that portion lying in the Southwest ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of Section 27, Township 76 North, Range 19 West of the 5 th Principal Meridian which includes approximately 47 acres. NATURAL RESOURCE OBJECTIVES. The objectives of the Natural Resources Management Program are: a) To manage natural resources on Corps of Engineers administered land and water in accordance with ecosystem management principles, to insure their continued availability. b) To provide outdoor recreation opportunities on Corps of Engineers administered land and water on a sustained basis. c) To provide a safe and healthful environment for project visitors. The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resources Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with eco-system management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations. SITE DESCRIPTION. The project area is an Iowa woodland that has been spared from intensive agricultural practices, as shown in 1930 s and 1950 s aerial photos. The topography is gently rolling hills that give way to steep slopes at the lake's edge. There are two large ravines with a few smaller ravines branching off of the main ravines. Vegetation consists of large hickory and oak trees with an understory that is predominantly autumn olive and honey suckle. A Aerial Photo from 1930 species of note is the Oval ladies-tresses (Spiranthes ovalis), a state threatened species, has been found on the property. Approximately three quarters of the property is upland sitting above the elevation of 783 (flood of record). Soils typical of this region are dissected till and loess. Lake Red Rock is a major stopping-off area for waterfowl and other migratory species in both spring and fall, including white pelicans and bald eagles. The reservoir area also serves as 3

5 a habitat for other plant and animal species, including more than 200 species of birds, 54 species of trees, 62 species of wildflowers, 43 species of fish & 35 species of mammals. EXISTING DEVELOPMENT. A time-share campground was operated here from the 1970s through the 1990s. When the company operating the cabin time-share went bankrupt and abandoned the property, John Eveland purchased it at tax sale. Many items were left behind, including old trailers, household items, waste tires, junked vehicles and a swimming pool. The cleanup will help protect public safety, minimize water quality impacts and prevent other potential environmental impacts to Aerial Photo from 1990 Lake Red Rock. With the exception of scattered and demolished remains of what once was a private timeshare campground in the 1980 s, there is little development at the site. Currently, there are primitive roads, parking areas, and a structurally sound picnic shelter. INHF purchased the property from Mr. Eveland in March of PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES DISCUSSION. It has been expressed by the general public (Appendix B) and the Natural Heritage Foundation that this unique parcel of donated land be taken into federal ownership with the intention that it will be preserved and managed as an oak-hickory forest for current and future generations to experience through low impact/primitive recreation. During the public scoping process and various team meetings a variety of alternatives were considered and discussed during the planning stages. Some of the alternatives discussed were: A) Not accepting the land donation, which was dropped from further consideration by the planning team because it would limit access to currently Corps owned land and an opportunity to meet the Corps missions of flood risk reduction, environmental stewardship, and recreation would be lost. B) Accepting the land and classifying it as wildlife or vegetative management was considered unacceptable because of expressed desires from the public and INHF to create a primitive recreational experience on Lake Red Rock. C) Accepting the land and allowing (primitive) or disallowing (intensive) recreational activities. As long as the recreational activities were primitive in nature the public and planning team were agreeable. 4

6 The planning team created a preferred alternative after listening to the public s desires during the public scoping meeting. The public expressed interest in looking outside the Hickory Ridge property line box and thinking about the whole area after Hickory Ridge is absorbed into the surrounding federally owned land which would maximize the benefits for all parties. The Corps owned land surrounding hickory ridge is currently allocated as Project Operations: Reserve Forest Land to be managed for wildlife and development of forest and vegetative cover. Incorporating low density recreation will not drastically change how this area is currently managed. As a matter of fact the area would be easier to manage via accessibility by project staff and the public s strong desire to restore this land to a more native habitat. GENERAL SITE PLAN. Hickory Ridge in Combination with Adjacent Corps Land. (See Concept Map) This preferred alternative is to accept the donation of Hickory Ridge and combine it with surrounding Corps land, which requires re-allocation of the adjacent Corps land to allow for low-density recreational use. At any scale increased recreational use in an area may reduce the aesthetic qualities. Although a small amount of development is needed for health and safety reasons it is critical to make determinations on the types of amenities that will result in the lowest impact to the resource and as such any structural design, maintenance, location, type (restrooms, campsites, shelter, seating, access, etc.) whether new, expanded upon, or replaced should take into consideration the idea of primitiveness and stay to the primitive side of the spectrum. Classifying the surrounding Corps land as Multiple Resource Management: Recreation Low-Density would allow for continued habitat management while allowing small pockets of low-density recreation. With the exception of the group camp area, the Corps land surrounding the Hickory Ridge parcel would be managed for wildlife and vegetative restoration. The vision is to remove invasive species and begin to restore a more native habitat expanding upon the quality habitat found on the Hickory Ridge parcel. 5

7 Hickory Ridge Master Plan Concept Legend Recreation Low-Density Possible Corridors Group Camp Area Hickory Ridge Boundary Top of Flowage Easement (783') Competine Creek Arm of Lake Red Rock 6

8 Access, Roads and Parking. As a matter of safety and management the main access road currently located on the property would be maintained. The road could be gated in various spots in order to control vehicle access to the Hickory Ridge property. In the northwest corner of the property there is a suitable area that could be used as a parking area and if needed a volunteer host site for use during the peak camping season. From the parking lot to the picnic shelter the existing roadway is primitive and could double as a trail and emergency/maintenance road. Recreationalists would park then walk/backpack to camping and day use areas. Access will also be available via the lake. Paddler access points would have a trail leading to camping and day use areas. Roads, parking, paddler access and trails should remain non-obtrusive and as natural as possible. Primitive Camping and Day Use Amenities. Primitive camping/tent pads with fire rings would be dispersed throughout area (upland and lake view). Both single and small group clusters (3/4 single sites with central fire ring) could be available. A centrally located water source would be available. Currently there is a shelter on the property, it is envisioned that in the short term this shelter could be retrofitted to look more primitive and in the long term its use and location could be re-evaluated as needed. Electricity would not be made available. Group Camp. It is envisioned that a group camp could be allowed in the area that is currently a food plot. Groups could be allowed to build primitive structures that blend with the surrounding environment and restore habitat in the surrounding area as projects. As stated above determinations on the types of amenities and structures will result in the lowest impact to the resource and as such any structural design, maintenance, location, type (restrooms, campsites, shelter, seating, access, etc.) whether new, expanded upon, or replaced should take into consideration the idea of primitiveness and stay to the primitive side of the spectrum. It should be noted that although this area could be used for large group activities there are regulations governing the types of activities and may require a special event permit issued by Lake Red Rock Management. Allocation: Project Operations Classification: Multiple Resource Management: Recreation Low Density 7

9 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT A Hickory Ridge Public Scoping Meeting was held on March 10 th, See Appendix B for meeting details. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS. The EA and the requisite Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed on see Appendix A. CONCLUSION. It is recommended that the US Army Corps of Engineers accepts this donation of land from the Natural Heritage Foundation and its land Allocation of Operations and Classification of Multiple Resource Management: Recreation Low Density. 8

10 APPENDIX A ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (currently being written but will be put out for public review and will be attached to this supplement) 9

11 APPENDIX B Hickory Ridge Scoping Meeting Location: Red Rock Visitor Center, 1105 Hwy T15, Knoxville, IA Date/Time: 10 March 2010 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm. An announcement was mailed to 184 addressees including congressional interests, federal, state and local governmental agencies; businesses, environmental organizations, media and the general public inviting them to attend an open house. The Public Affairs Office also sent a news release to area television and radio stations and newspapers. The scoping meeting was held under the public meeting/focus group concept. People arrived at a specified period of time and were presented with a short slide presentation about the Hickory Ridge Project and subsequent Master Plan Supplement and planning process. They were then broken down into 3 focus groups of about 5/6 participants and asked a series of questions by a facilitator (see below). A response form was provided to elicit comments in written form from participants about different elements of the plan. Participants were encouraged to provide comments at the meeting and asked to comments that may come up at a later time. Staff: The Hickory Ridge project is a joint effort with the following agencies: Rock Island District, Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and the Red Rock Lake Association. Dorene Bollman Corps of Engineers Wendy Frohlich Corps of Engineers Sue Clevenstine Corps of Engineers Marsha Dolan Corps of Engineers Sheri Richardson-Duey Corps of Engineer, Red Rock Jamie Gyolai Corps of Engineers, Red Rock John Craun Lake Red Rock Association Anita Ogara Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Heather Jobst - Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Attendance. There were approximately 25 attendees. The attendees were offered a handout of the presentation. Results of the questions are shown in paragraph below. How would you characterize yourself? (All live within one hour of Hickory Ridge.) 1. Paddler/Primitive Camper looking for a place removed from developments to paddle and camp overnight 2. Kayaker/Camper/Hiker/Outdoor enthusiast 10

12 3. Kayaker very new to area but interested in all available outdoor recreation opportunities 4. Outdoor enthusiast Marion County Board of Supervisors 5. DNR water trails coordinator/paddler 6. User group 7. resident 8. Young/family primitive camper dabbling in canoeing 9. Paddler/local property owner 10. Botanist 11. High school teacher/group camper with high school group likes sailing and camping would like a primitive experience for small high school groups What would you say are the distinguishing characteristics between wilderness and primitive? There are no wilderness areas in Iowa This area could be characterized as primitive but not wilderness. Wilderness areas are rare and are the exception where there is no development like Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Primitive areas have some amenities. Primitive areas may have toilets, water, roads (though limited). Wilderness water trail designation in Iowa is for the few places that have limited development. There s a distinction between true Wilderness and calling an area wilderness. Wilderness = natural Primitive = minimal. There are no wilderness areas in Iowa like out west. Wilderness areas are usually larger. Primitive areas have no amenities. Primitive areas have pit toilets. Primitive areas have some in roads that are small (not paved) and wilderness areas have no roads. The two words seem like marketing words. What is your vision for Hickory Ridge? What are your top 3 Desires/Concerns? Desires: Keep more primitive with minimal facilities. Have enough RV areas. Less maintenance is better. Limit vehicle access and parking within Hickory Ridge. One person did want access to the water s edge. Develop base camp opportunity along the Des Moines River water trail. Discussion: How will campsite availability be managed reservation or first come, first served? Manage camping so that people/groups know that a site will be available to them before arriving. Designate separate areas for individual campsites and the group areas. Ability to walk the shoreline All amenities should be kept less visible and non-intrusive 11

13 Hopeful that Hickory Ridge s primitive philosophy could be applied to adjacent lands in the Competine Creek arm of the lake to broaden the recreational opportunities for a primitive experience. Primitive away from RV s, less people, opportunity to rough it. One member of the group said PROTECT it, SECURE it, RESTORE it and all members agreed. (Agreed that the land should be protected from development and overuse, should be secured by the government and protected as a primitive area, and restore the land.) The area will need to have some sort of process to reserve campsites. (Paddlers wouldn t want to pack everything just to paddle over there and find out there is nowhere to camp. Groups would need to have the ability to plan ahead especially if there are kids involved.) Paddlers should park across lake and paddle over, there shouldn t be a boat ramp. Wilderness, primitive, roadless Risk management Safety plan Human waste make facilities low visibility Fire rings should be used Camp sites 15 or so (1-5 Persons) Separate group sites Handicap access No motorized watercraft Drinking water Backpacking, wilderness (non-motorized), water and land access, parking area, take down shelter, master plan include adjoining area. Reservations? Probably necessary Access road requirements? Concerns: Biggest concerns were road access, parking, toilets, water, development, and user generated issues. Garbage management. If dumpsters are provided, want sight of and emptying of to not interfere with primitive experience. One person commented that paddlers as a group are very good about picking up trash, to the point of leaving an area cleaner than when they arrived. Make access challenging to offset undesired uses or activities. If there s a challenge to accessing the site, use will be more limited to those who want the primitive experience rather than people who want motorized access or would be disruptive. Powerboats. Some felt a paddler access area along the shoreline was appropriate. Others feared power boats would use the area if such a facility was provided. There was consensus that the cove should be limited to nonmotorized forms of watercraft. 12

14 Parties and undesired uses. Perhaps provide an on-site volunteer and/or assure adequate ranger patrol to ensure a primitive experience. Overuse. Possible development next to the area. (Somewhere near the entrance it was mentioned that a developer had purchased land.) Powerboats. All were adamant at trying to keep power boaters away. (Discussion: Wanted to know if there is a way to restrict access. Make shoreline less attractive for a power boat to pull up rocks? Although that might be bad for kayakers or canoeists too. Also asked if project {Red Rock} could have rules against use by power boats. They didn t want it to become a party spot. No dock.) Parties. (Discussion: Both from the water and from land. They want the parking area to be at the beginning of the Hickory Ridge property, way out by the main road with a gate. To be sure I was interpreting what they wanted I pointed out three areas on the map and labeled them point A, B, and C. Point A was chosen unanimously it was at entrance off main county road. They felt that the further folks had to walk the better because most bad elements are lazy by nature and wouldn t walk that far to create issues.) Clean up. (This addressed litter {from partiers}, trash, fire rings. How much access the rangers would need?) Fire and firewood. (Discussion: the use of deadwood is ok but what if folks run low? Will they start causing damage? Is there a limit? Who could provide? We would know if it was being over used by presence of a human browse line.) Roads. (Coming in by car makes it too easy, creates disturbance rule of thumb would be if it has a motor it shouldn t come in.) Group Campers. (Large Discussion became about group camping and shelter use. Group camps shouldn t be close to primitive campers. Shelter in wrong place for group camp use, too close to primitive campers. Shelter should not be used for weddings or reunions. Scouts, educational groups would be ok, but not as large groups, for example if they have a huge scout group 50+ then there are other areas on the lake that would be more appropriate.) What type of uses and corresponding facility development would you consider to be desired/appropriate? Roads. Limit road access. Easy access invites the opportunity for non-compatible activities. See parties and undesirable uses above. Most felt access and parking should be confined to the park entrance area. No one was certain how to deal with road surface/access needs vehicles for ranger patrol, toilet maintenance, emergency access, etc. There was consensus that development should be kept to the absolute minimum and driving within the site should be restricted. Camping. 13

15 o Camp Pad Discussion: Most felt that there should be set pads. Keep campsites away from the road as much as possible. There was uncertainty about whether picnic tables should be provided at the campsites. o Camp Pad Discussion: Most felt that there should be set pads because it again would protect the resource and then people would know where to set up. Thought processes were that designated areas are needed. Didn t feel that every flat area should be a campsite, they want the primitive feel don t want to see neighbor. Try to minimize footprint. o No conclusion on the number of sites, but they should be back out of the way Group Campers. People acknowledged paddlers, scouts, families, and other groups who may want to group camp. There was consensus that the group camping areas should be removed from the individual campsites so that each group could have their desired experience without intruding upon the other. Water. o On this discussion the Project Manager interjected that Hickory Ridge has no potable water. Any water would be connected to the nearby rural water supply. The group agreed that locations of spigots should be minimized. o One hydrant at a logical location o Possible to have one location to get water. Water should be available somewhere but not everywhere Shelter. o The group acknowledged the presence of the shelter. No views were clearly expressed about keeping, removing, or building additional shelters. o This produced much discussion. It started out as the shelter is not that bad but then wondered around to possibly taking it down or moving it or rebuilding in another area. When it ended most wondered if shelter had to be there. Some hadn t seen shelter and wondered about up keep. All were concerned on how it would be used, concerned about it being used as a group camp gathering but it was too close to the primitive individual campers, concerned that there would be a road to it and that vehicles were allowed to drop stuff off on this point they didn t want vehicles to be able to drop stuff off and started to discuss that near the entrance may be a better location for a shelter and if a shelter is needed at all. They felt that the lake has plenty of other shelters. 14

16 Toilets. o All agreed that toilets are needed since this is not a true wilderness environment and the level of use that would be anticipated. Facilities should be appropriated located near the individual and group areas, and should blend in with the surrounding. Concern was expressed about road access requirements for periodic maintenance. The group wanted toilets, and wanted maintenance, but resisted the expected road requirements. o All agreed they are needed. Would want it to be well designed to blend with the environment artistically blended one gentleman said. Didn t want it to smell which brought us discussion of compost toilets which are used by other agencies in wilderness type areas. (A county conservation person who was not considered an active focus group member commented that the compost toilets may be spendy at first but worth the money in non-maintenance would need to check the solar powered fan on a regular basis. Paddler Access/Paddler Amenities. o A landing of some sort was assumed. However, the group wanted to assure either through design or management that the facilities would be used by paddlers and not powerboats. The group felt that there were ample boat ramps and areas on the lake available to power boaters. Hickory Ridge provided the opportunity for a secluded paddling experience and camping destination for the increasingly popular paddle sport user. o Don t want motorized watercraft. Too big a ramp or access area will be attractive to motorized watercraft o A natural landing area with trail to primitive camp. No rack needed or wanted by anyone in this group, they felt it would look bad and draw attention. Hunting: There was quite a bit of discussion on this subject. One person felt that hunting is needed to keep some populations (deer, turkey) in check and that in the less used (camping and paddling) seasons hunting would be acceptable. The group generally agreed that hunting/camping could be balanced with open and closed seasons for designated time periods. It was acknowledged that hunting occurs on the lands surrounding Hickory Ridge. There s the possibility that like the bike trail on the east side of the lake, camping could be restricted during certain periods of the hunting season. Others felt that no hunting should be allowed in Hickory Ridge to preserve the intended use of the site. Depredation hunts could be held in special situations when they are required. 15

17 Concessions. One person mentioned the possibility of paddler concession rentals at Whitebreast. They could foresee biking or driving to Whitebreast and renting a boat to paddle the Hickory Ridge area of the lake. Fire Pits. There should be a communal fire pit maybe by shelter. Others felt that small fire rings should be provided at primitive sites. They felt that providing rings would protect the resource, people wouldn t be starting fires in different spots each time and rings would probably be safer. Roads. No roads, group discussed briefly the need for access roads for maintenance and possibly for an emergency situation but not paved. Some discussion on whether an ambulance could even use a non-paved road, but when you are primitive camping some risk is assumed. Ambulance could get part way, compared area to true wilderness areas like in Utah. Cross Country Skiing. Yes, if small parking area could be plowed in the winter. This might be a maintenance issue for the project. Group Campers Hiking Path. Maybe but would need to be careful with user conflict no trails near campsites. Would need to be careful because of steep slopes, try to compliment already established trails but not too many new trails. Do you think that Hickory Ridge is special or different and should be managed differently compared to other areas on the lake? Everyone said yes. Discussion: It s different from all the other areas on the lake or in the region. With paddling in general and kayaking in particular being at the top of the fastest growing outdoor interests in America, the group felts this use should be acknowledged and provided for. The area also provides the chance for a primitive camping experience for anyone who wants one. These opportunities are not readily available without traveling considerable distances. All heads nodding yes. Discussion: Yes Hickory Ridge is different, it is hard to get too, not developed, and it is preserved. It fits a niche that isn t on the lake right now. Everything is really developed. Want kids to see that you don t need all those amenities/primitive experience Miscellaneous: Rare opportunity for something different. One participant described the possibility of a primitive area at Hickory Ridge as the gem spot on the whole lake. Want remote camping opportunity year round. No winter camping available elsewhere in the region. 16

18 Lake Red Rock, and Hickory Ridge in particular, could be a good training ground for explorations to places like the BWCAW. To preserve the primitive ethic of the site, a set of policies and guidelines should be developed and made available to all users and interested parties. On the subject of security, one person commented that cell phone coverage should be decent in Hickory Ridge due to a newly installed cell phone tower in proximity to the area. Want to see a rewilding of the area All six said they do not want vehicle assess. It is really important, with vehicles comes coolers, trash etc they would like it to stay remote. Should have a locked gate at entrance. Picnic tables not really needed, maybe. Use overturned canoes. Don t want electricity. Incompatible Uses: Power Boats, 4x4 s, if it has a motor it should not be allowed in. Hunting was discussed as incompatible but then the group started to change their mind a bit. They thought that when hunting is in season and there are too many campers, management could close the area to hunting and post as such. Shouldn t be just touted as a paddler camp or group camp, it should be for anyone who wants a primitive experience hikers, day use, birders, snow shoers, cross country skiers etc. Response Form - This is what participants were given at the focus group meetings; back of sheet was for additional comments: Given the following descriptions of alternatives, which best fits your recommendations: a. Day use only picnicking, hiking, paddling access, shelter use but no overnight use b. Walk-in overnight use minimal roads (maintenance or temporary access only), central parking area, no electricity, few tent sites, most sites isolated from one another, primitive toilets c. Walk-in overnight use adapted for groups road to shelter for unloading, a few clustered tent pads near the shelter, electricity and potable water at the shelter, vault toilets plus scattered tent sites d. More developed overnight use - roads similar to former development, parking at sites, electrical more readily available but not at all sites, most (but not all) sites closer together, restrooms with running water. If you have additional comments or alternative suggestions please use the back of this sheet to write them down. 17

19 RESULTS: Option a was: Day use only picnicking, hiking, paddling access, shelter use but no overnight use. No participants choose option a. Option b was: Walk-in overnight use minimal roads (maintenance or temporary access only), central parking area, no electricity, few tent sites, most sites isolated from one another, vault toilets. 17 out of 19 choose option b. One form had both b and c circled. Comments (specifically wrote on front as part of option b ): Composting Toilet (4 participants wrote this) or so (campsites) Could be open to hunting at certain times Central parking area out by road Also 1 or 2 group sites No structure over toilet Option c was: Walk-in overnight use adapted for groups road to shelter for unloading, a few clustered tent pads near the shelter, electricity and potable water at the shelter, vault toilets plus scattered tent sites 2 out of 19 choose option c. One of which also circled option b, the second one had crossed out the word electricity in option c. Option d was: More developed overnight use - roads similar to former development, parking at sites, electrical more readily available but not at all sites, most (but not all) sites closer together, restrooms with running water. No participants choose option d. Additional Comments: (verbatim, 10 out of 19 wrote in the additional comments section, each bullet represents what was written on one sheet. ) Solar Composting Toilet, No Electricity, Walk-in Access long walk, Paddle Access, If Potable water is available, only one location, Fire rings and tent pads are good, Bring own firewood No development of shoreline, no dock, no boat rack. Central parking as far out as possible Choice B B Generally but with compost toilets. Water Access Vault toilet in the open th??e only, One Central potable water, Move first gate in so some cars can park No concrete pads, No roads, Clearings for tent i.e.: grass for tents, Rocks for fire pits, Stay as close to wilderness as possible Water access. One main group camp for larger groups. Others dispersed or in small clusters of sites with common areas (i.e. common fire ring perhaps with 18

20 rustic benches etc.); Natural surface trails require sustainable development guidelines, in order not to become erosive over time. A network of sustainable trails expanding beyond the boundaries of this area would be good; Restoration of land, vegetation re-establishment, to managing to become a wilder setting over decades. Special permission to camp outside of Hickory Ridge boundaries (onto Government land) into wilderness area. Above ground campfires allowed f fire ring is not available. Keep area as wild & primitive as possible. Important to keep area road less. Vault Toilets in open that blend in, no structure around them. I m in favor of removing, existing picnic structure. Fire pits and vault toilets blend in with surroundings as best as possible. No electricity at site. Also access for groups. Possible reservation spots for some areas and groups. Hydrant for potable water in central location. 19

21 APPENDIX C Definitions: Land Allocation. The identification and documentation of lands at Civil Works projects in accordance with the authorized purposes for which they were or are to be acquired. There are four primary land allocation categories applicable to Corps projects; (1) operations (i.e., flood control, hydropower, etc.), (2) recreation, (3) fish and wildlife, and (4) mitigation. Land Classification. All lands are acquired for authorized project purposes and allocated for these uses. The classification process is a further distribution of project lands by management categories which, based upon resources available and public needs, will provide for full utilization while protecting project resources. Breakdown: Land Allocation. All lands will be allocated in accordance with the authorized purposes for which they were or are to be acquired. A project map delineating land according to land allocation will be provided. Land will be allocated into one of the following categories: (1) Operations. Lands acquired in accordance with the authorizing documents for operation of the project, i.e., flood control, hydropower, navigation, water supply, etc. (2) Recreation. Separable lands acquired in accordance with authorizing documents for public recreation. (3) Fish and Wildlife. Separable land acquired in accordance with authorizing documents for fish and wildlife management. (4) Mitigation. Land acquired or designated in accordance with authorizing documents to offset losses associated with development of the project. Land Classification. Allocated project lands will be further classified to provide for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of NEPA and other Federal laws. The classification process refines the land allocations to fully utilize project lands and must consider public desires, legislative authority, regional and project specific resource requirements and suitability. This allocated use takes precedent over any of the following classification categories. Classification categories shall be provided and supported by narrative. Land shall be classified into one of the following categories: (1) Project Operations. In many cases the majority of lands (rim lands etc.) on Corps projects will be allocated to project operations. This classification category should include those lands required for the structure, operations center, office, maintenance compound and other areas that are used solely for project operations. (2) Recreation. Land developed for intensive recreational activities by the visiting public, including developed recreation areas and areas for concession, resort, and quasi-public development. At new projects, recreation areas planned for initial development will be included in this classification. Future areas will be classified as multiple resource management until initiation of the development. 20

22 (3) Mitigation. This will only include land acquired or designated specifically for mitigation. Land classified in this category should be evaluated for consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior or the state. (4) Environmental Sensitive Areas. Areas where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. The identification of these areas on the map must be supported by narrative explaining the rationale for the classification. These areas, normally within one of the other classification categories, must be considered by management to ensure the sensitive areas are not adversely impacted. Normally limited or no development of public use is contemplated on land in this classification. No agricultural or grazing uses are permitted on this land. (5) Multiple Resource Management. Lands managed for one or more of, but not limited to, these activities to the extent that they are compatible with the primary allocation(s). The activities should be fully explained in the narrative portion of the MP. (a) Recreation - Low Density. Low density recreation activities such as hiking, primitive camping, wildlife observation, hunting, or similar low density recreational activities. (b) Wildlife Management General. Fish and wildlife management activities. Lands in this sub-category shall be evaluated for consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior or the state or shall be designated for direct management by the Corps. (c) Vegetative Management. Management activities for the protection and development of forest and vegetative cover. (d) Inactive and/or Future Recreation Areas. Recreation areas planned for the future or that have been temporarily closed. These lands will be classified as multiple resource management in the interim. 21