Shoreline Management Plan - Louisville District - U.S. Army

APPENDIX G
Shoreline Management Plan, Cecil M. Harden Lake
Vegetation Alteration Permits
1. General. Vegetation Alteration permits will be issued only to
individuals owning or renting property abutting Corps of Engineers' fee
land that is designated as a Limited Development Area, subject to the
conditions contained in this Appendix. Vegetation alteration permits
will be issued for the purpose of improving the access to the lakeshore
for the adjacent property owners. The alteration of vegetation to
solely provide a view of the lake or a dock, to develop a lawn type
appearance, or to portray the appearance of an extension of private
ownership onto Corps of Engineers land will not be permitted. Areas
where extensive vegetation alteration has occurred in the past will be
restored by a gradual reduction in the amount of mowing/ alteration
allowed. Permits will not be issued in areas where, in the opinion of
the Park Manager, significant adverse environmental impact will result
due to the removal of vegetation. Permits that were issued prior to the
effective date of this plan will be grandfathered as to size and
configuration for the lifetime of the permit holder and his/her spouse.
2. Size and Configuration.
The size and configuration of the area allowed to be mowed will depend
on whether or not the adjacent shoreline has been protected from
erosion.
a. Protected from Erosion. If the shoreline is protected from
erosion, vegetation alteration permits may be issued. The width of the
mowing area shall be determined by the Park Manager on a case-by-case
basis. Under no circumstances will the width of the mowing area exceed
150 feet. This permitted configuration will be allowed to all the
subsequent property owners as long as the shoreline protection is viable
and all other permit requirements are met.
b. Unprotected from Erosion. The area in which vegetation
alteration may be performed shall consist of an area that is a maximum
of 50 feet wide and a maximum of 20 feet in depth from shoreline. A 10
foot wide (maximum) mowed strip can connect this area to the government
boundary line. The 10 foot wide strip should be meandering to prevent
rapid runoff and accelerated erosion. No increase in the current size
of the mowed area is allowed if the present permit exceeds new
guidelines. Upon sale of the adjacent property, the area in which
vegetation alteration is permitted will be reduced to the new
guidelines.
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