US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake Master Plan Revision DRAFT for Public Comment
April 2018
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Center Hill Lake Master Plan Revision Commonly Used Acronyms and Abbreviations AAR – After Action Review Sensitive Area AREC – Agriculture Research and Education FOIA – Freedom of Information Act Center FONSI - Finding of No Significant Impact ARPA – Archeological Resources Protection Act FRM – Flood Risk Management ASA(CW) – Assistant Secretary of the Army for FY – Fiscal Year Civil Works GIS - Geographic Information Systems ATR - Agency Technical Review GPS – Global Positioning System BMP - Best Management Practice GOES – Geostationary Operational CE-DASLER – Corps of Engineers Data Environmental Satellite Management & Analysis System for Lakes, H&H – Hydrology and Hydraulics Estuaries, and Rivers HABS – Harmful Algal Blooms cfs – Cubic Feet per Second HQUSACE – Headquarters, U. S. Army Corps of COL – Colonel Engineers CONUS – Continental United States IRRM – Interim Risk Reduction Measures COP – Community of Practice IWR – Institute for Water Resources CRM – Cumberland River Mile LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental CW – Civil Works Design CWA – Clean Water Act, 1977 LRN – Nashville District CWMS – Corps Water Management System LTC – Lieutenant Colonel DA – Department of Army MFR – Memorandum for Record DCP – Data Collection Platform MGD – Millions of Gallons per Day DCW – Director of Civil Works MOU – Memorandum of Understanding DE – District Engineer/ Division Engineer MP – Master Plan DM – Design Manual MRLC – Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics DO – Dissolved Oxygen Consortium DOD – Department of Defense MSD – Marine Sanitation Device DQC – District Quality Control MSL/msl – Mean Sea Level (based on the EA – Environmental Assessment National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929) EAB – Emerald Ash Borer MW – Megawatt EC – Engineering Circular NAGPRA – Native American Graves and EDW – Enterprise Data Warehouse Repatriation Act EIS – Environmental Impact Statement NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act EM – Engineering Memorandum NGVD29 – National Geodetic Vertical Datum of EO – Executive Order 1929 EOPs – Environmental Operating Principles NHPA – National Historic Preservation Act EP – Engineering Pamphlet NLEB – Northern Long-eared Bat EPA – Environmental Protection Agency NRHP – National Register of Historic Places EQ – Environmental Quality NRRS – National Recreation Reservation System ER – Engineering Regulation NTE – Not to Exceed ERDC – Engineering Research & Design Center NVCS – National Vegetation Classification ESA – Endangered Species Act/ Environmentally Standard
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
NWI – National Wetlands Inventory TSU – Tennessee State University NWS – National Weather Service TVA – Tennessee Valley Authority TWRA – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency O&M – Operations and Maintenance UAS – Unmanned Aerial Systems OC – Office of Counsel USACE – U. S. Army Corps of Engineers OMBIL – Operations & Maintenance Business USC – United States Code Information Link USFWS – United States Fish and Wildlife Service OMP – Operational Management Plan WMA – Wildlife Management Area PDT – Project Delivery Team WQ – Water Quality PL – Public Law WRDA/WRRDA– Water Resources Development PM – Project Manager/Management Act PMP – Project Management Plan POC – Point of Contact Project – The lands and waters administered by the Corps of Engineers Q&A – Question and Answer QA/QC – Quality Assurance / Quality Control QMP –Quality Management Plan R&D – Research and Development RCC – Roller Compacted Concrete REAL – Recreation Excellence at Army Lakes REAS – Recreation Economics Assessment System REC – Recreation REMIS – Real Estate Management Information System RMC – Risk Management Center SCORP – State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan SHPO – State Historic Preservation Office SME – Subject Matter Expert SMP – Shoreline Management Plan SOP – Standard Operating Procedure SOW – Scope of Work STP – Sewer Treatment Plant T&ES – Threatened and Endangered Species TBA – To be Announced TBD – To be Determined TDEC – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TDNA – Tennessee Department of Natural Areas TDOA – Tennessee Division of Archaeology TMDL – Total Maximum Daily Load Draft for Public Comment 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ...... 11 1-01 Project Authorization ...... 11 1-02 Project Purpose ...... 11 1-03 Purpose and Scope of the Master Plan ...... 12 1-04 Brief Watershed and Project Description ...... 12 1-05 List of Prior Design Manuals ...... 14 1-06 List of Pertinent Project Information ...... 14 1-07 Acreage Calculations as they pertain to this Master Plan ...... 15 Chapter 2 Project Authorization and Factors Influencing Management and Development ...... 16 2-01 Hydrology ...... 16 2-02 Sedimentation and Shoreline Erosion ...... 24 2-03 Water Quality ...... 25 2-03.A Water Quality Seasonality ...... 25 2-03.B Water Quality for Public Health and Safety ...... 25 2-03.C Water Quality for Downstream Reservoir System Needs ...... 26 2-03.D Tailwater Fishery ...... 26 2-03.E Fish & Wildlife...... 27 2-03.F Tailwater Biota ...... 28 2-03.G Water Quality Stations ...... 28 2-04 Climate ...... 31 2-05 Topography ...... 31 2-06 Physical Geography ...... 33 2-07 Geology ...... 33 2-07.A Regional Geology ...... 33 2-07.B Local Geology ...... 35 2-08 Soils ...... 41 2-08.A Soil Associations of the Project Area ...... 42 2-08.B Description of the Major Soil Series ...... 44 2-08.C Soil Erosion and Suitability Classifications ...... 45 2-09 Resource Analysis – Level One Inventory Data ...... 46 2-09.A Fish and Wildlife Resources ...... 46
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
2-09.B Vegetative Resources ...... 47 2-09.C Threatened & Endangered Species ...... 51 2-09.D Invasive Species ...... 54 2-09.E Ecological Setting ...... 57 2-09.F Wetlands ...... 60 2-10 Cultural Resources ...... 61 2-11 Socio-Economics ...... 61 2-11.A Demographics ...... 62 2-11.B Economics ...... 64 2-12 Recreation Facilities, Activities and Needs ...... 66 2-12.A Zones of Influence ...... 66 2-12.B Visitation Profile ...... 68 2-12.C Recreation Analysis ...... 70 2-12.D Recreational Carrying Capacity ...... 71 2-13 Project Access ...... 72 2-14 Related Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Areas...... 73 2-15 Real Estate Acquisition Policy ...... 73 2-16 Applicable Public Laws ...... 74 Chapter 3 Resource Objectives and Goals ...... 79 3-01 Primary Goals ...... 79 3-02 Resource Objectives ...... 79 3-02.A Recreational Objectives ...... 80 3-02.B Natural Resource Management Objectives ...... 80 3-02.C Cultural Resource Objectives ...... 81 3-02.D Economic Impact Objectives ...... 81 3-03 Environmental Operating Principles ...... 81 Chapter 4 Land Allocation, Classification, Water Surface and Project Easement Lands ...... 84 4-01 Land Allocation ...... 84 4-02 Land and Water Classification ...... 84 4-02.A Project Operations ...... 84 4-02.B High Density Recreation...... 84 4-02.C Mitigation ...... 84 4-02.D Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 85 Draft for Public Comment 6
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
4-02.E Multiple Resource Management Lands ...... 85 4-02.F Water Surface ...... 86 4-03 Project Easement Lands ...... 87 4-03.A Operations Easement ...... 88 4-03.B Flowage Easement ...... 88 Chapter 5 Resource Plan ...... 89 5-01 Project Operations Areas ...... 89 5-02 High Density Recreation ...... 89 5-02.A Campgrounds and Recreation Areas ...... 89 5-02.B Access Areas ...... 101 5-02.C Commercial Concession Marinas and Resorts ...... 101 5-02.D State Parks ...... 104 5-03 Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 106 5-03.B Multiple Resource Management Lands - Low Density Recreation ...... 107 5-04 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Wildlife Management ...... 109 5-05 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Vegetative Management ...... 111 5-06 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Future/Inactive Recreation Areas ...... 111 5-07 Water Surface ...... 112 5-08 Project Easement Lands ...... 112 5-08.A Operations Easement ...... 112 5-08.B Flowage Easement ...... 112 Chapter 6 Special Topics/Issues/Considerations ...... 114 6-01 Floating Cabins ...... 114 6-02 Partnerships ...... 114 6-03 Federal Funding ...... 114 6-04 Shoreline Management Plan ...... 115 6-05 Water Safety ...... 115 6-06 Tree Vandalism ...... 116 6-07 Cultural Resource Vandalism ...... 117 6-08 Metal Detecting ...... 118 6-09 User Fees – Entrance, Launching, and Parking Fees ...... 118 6-10 Boundary Line Maintenance ...... 118 6-11 Boundary Line Disputes ...... 118 Draft for Public Comment 7
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
6-12 Marine Sanitation Environmental Compliance ...... 119 6-13 Clean Marina Program ...... 119 6-14 Nashville District Guidelines and Policy for Cut and Fill Proposals ...... 120 6-15 Guidelines for Issuance of Outgrants ...... 120 6-16 Paddlesports ...... 121 6-17 Caney Fork River Access ...... 123 6-18 Drones ...... 125 Chapter 7 Agency and Public Coordination ...... 126 7-01 Minutes from Stakeholder Meeting, 27 April 2017 ...... 126 7-02 Comments from Stakeholder Group, April 2018 ...... 129 7-03 Comments from the Public Comment Period ...... 130 Chapter 8 Summary of Recommendations ...... 131 8-01 Classification Changes ...... 131 8-02 Significant Changes in the Revision of the Master Plan ...... 138 Chapter 9 Bibliography ...... 141 9-01 Sources ...... 141 Chapter 10 Appendixes ...... 144 10-01 Summary of Stakeholder Comments ...... 144 10-02 Summary of Public Comments ...... 144 10-03 Geology Plates ...... 144 10-04 Water Sample Data ...... 144 10-05 Classification Maps and Plates ...... 144 10-06 NEPA Documents ...... 144
Table of Figures Figure 1.1 - Center Hill Dam Project ...... 11 Figure 1.2 - The Cumberland River Basin ...... 13 Figure 2.1 - Map of Center Hill Lake ...... 16 Figure 2.2 - Center Hill Guide Curve ...... 19 Figure 2.3 - Center Hill Surface Area and Storage Volume Curves ...... 19 Figure 2.4 - Yield of Wells in the Center Hill Lake Area ...... 22 Figure 2.5 - Average Monthly Rainfall and Inflow Comparison ...... 23 Figure 2.6 - Tributary Streams of Center Hill Lake ...... 24 Figure 2.7 - Water Quality Sampling Locations on Center Hill Lake...... 30 Figure 2.8 - Typical Project Topography within the Central Basin Physiographic Region (2012) ...... 32 Draft for Public Comment 8
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Figure 2.9 - Typical Topography within the Highland Rim Physiographic Region ...... 32 Figure 2.10 - Geography of Tennessee ...... 33 Figure 2.11 - Physiographic Provinces of Tennessee ...... 34 Figure 2.12 - Geologic Map of Project5 ...... 36 Figure 2.13 - Joint orientation of the project ...... 40 Figure 2.14 - Low Anticline under the dam ...... 41 Figure 2.15 General Soil Associations which surround Center Hill Lake ...... 43 Figure 2.16 - Typical Forest Types at Center Hill Lake ...... 49 Figure 2.17 - Vegetation Classification Acreage Records for Center Hill Lake, as designated by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) ...... 50 Figure 2.18 - Invasion Curve ...... 55 Figure 2.19 - 2016 Emerald Ash Borer Quarantined Areas, shaded ...... 56 Figure 2.20 Ecoregions in the Center Hill Lake Area, Center Hill falling into Ecoregions 71g and 71h ...... 60 Figure 2.21 - Counties of influence surrounding Center Hill Lake ...... 62 Figure 2.22 - Distances (miles) as the crow flies from Center Hill Lake ...... 67 Figure 2.23 – Density of visitor home zip codes based on nearly 2,400 customer comment surveys...... 68 Figure 2.24- Campground Total Percent Usage (Days Available/Days Occupied) by Fiscal Year ...... 70 Figure 5.1 – Long Branch Campground River Sites ...... 91 Figure 5.2 – Floating Mill Campground Site ...... 94 Figure 5.3 - Floating Mill Day Use Playground Area ...... 95 Figure 5.4 – Johnson’s Chapel Day Use Picnic Area ...... 97 Figure 5.5 - Ragland Bottom Campground Entrance ...... 99 Figure 5.6 - Cabins at Edgar Evins State Park ...... 105 Figure 6.1 - Paddlers and fishermen enjoy the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam ...... 122 Figure 6.2 - Map of the Caney Fork River and Access Points. The river feeds the Cumberland River near Carthage, TN ...... 124
Table of Tables Table 1.1 - Project Statistics...... 14 Table 2.1 - Elevations of Physical Components of the Dam ...... 20 Table 2.2 - Storage Volumes of Center Hill Pools ...... 21 Table 2.3 - Theoretical Minimum Flows at Old Hickory for Water Quality ...... 26 Table 2.4 - Geologic Column ...... 37 Table 2.5 Center Hill Lake Soil Capability Classifications and Acreage ...... 46 Table 2.6 - Current Vegetation Composition at Center Hill Lake ...... 47 Table 2.7 - Definitions of NVCS classifications ...... 50 Table 2.8 - Vegetation Condition Descriptions ...... 51 Table 2.9 - Federally Listed Species Recorded in the Center Hill Lake Project Area ...... 52 Table 2.10 State Listed Species Recorded in the Center Hill Lake Project Area ...... 53 Table 2.11 - List of Common Invasive Exotic Pest Plants in Tennessee ...... 57 Table 2.12 - Acres of Wetlands by Wetland Classification Type on Center Hill Lake ...... 61 Table 2.13 - Land Area and Population Density ...... 62
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Table 2.14 - Primary Market Area and Tennessee Population ...... 63 Table 2.15 - Population of the Largest City within each County of the Primary Market Area ...... 63 Table 2.16 - CBER Population Projections through 2060 ...... 63 Table 2.17 - Percentage of Population with High School or Bachelor's Education ...... 64 Table 2.18 - Labor Force Populations and Unemployment Rates ...... 64 Table 2.19 - Industry Employment per County ...... 65 Table 2.20 - Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance ...... 66 Table 2.21 - Visitation Data by FY (Oct-Sep) ...... 69 Table 4.1 - Land Classification Acreage ...... 86 Table 4.2- Water Classification Acreage (648 feet MSL) ...... 87 Table 5.1 - Access Areas ...... 101 Table 5.2 - Low Density Access Areas ...... 109 Table 8.1 - Summary of Classification Changes ...... 131
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Chapter 1 Introduction
Figure 1.1 - Center Hill Dam Project 1-01 Project Authorization The project was authorized by the Flood Control Act approved 28 June 1938 (Public Law No. 761, 75th Congress, 3rd Session). Although power production was not included as a function of the project at that time, the Act stipulated that penstocks were to be installed so that power production could be added if the demand for electricity warranted such action in the future. The Third Supplemental Defense Act of 17 December 1941 and the River and Harbor Act of 1946 authorized the inclusion and completion of the power generating stations at Center Hill Lake. 1-02 Project Purpose The primary authorized purposes for Center Hill Dam and Lake include flood control (flood damage reduction) and the production of hydroelectric power. Although recreation was not originally an authorized function of this project, lands were acquired and recreation facilities constructed to assure unencumbered access to the lake for the general public. Today the resources of Center Hill Lake are managed to not only provide recreation but also to improve fish and wildlife habitat and provide water supply for surrounding municipalities.
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
1-03 Purpose and Scope of the Master Plan This revised Master Plan replaces the 1984 Master Plan for Development and Management of Center Hill Lake. In accordance with Engineering Regulation (ER) 1130-2-550 and ER 1130-2-540 and their corresponding Engineering Pamphlets (EP’s), the Master Plan describes in detail how all project lands, waters, forests, and other resources will be conserved, enhanced, developed, managed, and used in the public interest throughout the life of the project. The plan includes recommendations as to the optimum location and design of recreation facilities, taking into consideration a variety of elements, such as the natural and cultural environment, economic feasibility, projected recreation demand and future operation and management capabilities.
The Master Plan (MP) guides and articulates Corps responsibilities pursuant to federal laws to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage and develop the project lands, waters, and associated resources. The MP deals in concepts, not in details, of design or administration. Detailed management and administration functions are addressed in the Operational Management Plan (OMP), which implements the concepts of the Master Plan into operational actions.
The MP is developed and kept current for Civil Works Projects operated and maintained by the Corps and will include all land (fee, easements or other interests) originally acquired for the projects and any subsequent land (fee, easements or other interests) acquired to support the operations and authorized missions of the project. The Master Plan is not intended to address the specifics of regional water quality, shoreline management or water level management; these areas are covered in a project’s shoreline management plan or water management plan. 1-04 Brief Watershed and Project Description The Cumberland River is one of the major tributaries of the Ohio River. The source of the Cumberland River is located at the junction of the Poor and Clover Forks near the City of Harlan, Kentucky. From Harlan, the Cumberland River meanders southwesterly to the City of Nashville, Tennessee. From Nashville, the river flows in a northwesterly direction to Smithland, Kentucky, where it joins the Ohio River.
The Cumberland River Basin, depicted in Figure 1.2, contains 17,598 square miles of land and water area. The Cumberland River drops more than 800 vertical feet in its course from Harlan, Kentucky, to the Ohio River. There are five existing multipurpose Projects on the main stem of the Cumberland River which include: Barkley, Cheatham, Old Hickory, Cordell Hull, and Wolf Creek (Lake Cumberland).
Center Hill Dam and Lake is located at Mile 26.6 on the Caney Fork River in DeKalb County, Tennessee. The Center Hill Lake impoundment lies in DeKalb, Warren, White, and Putnam Counties in Tennessee. The lake extends 64 river miles from Center Hill Dam to the Great Falls Dam in Rock Island, Tennessee. It has 415 miles of shoreline with a local, uncontrolled drainage area of 2,195 square miles.
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Figure 1.2 - The Cumberland River Basin
Because Center Hill has a “flood control” function, the lake generally experiences annual pool fluctuations of 18 feet with the potential fluctuation, during flood periods, of 67 feet. The entire Project encompasses a total of 37,721 acres of fee property, 102 acres of flowage easement and 830 acres of transfers of government land. With a minimum power pool elevation of 618 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), Center Hill Lake has a surface area of 14,590 acres, with a maximum power pool (summer pool) elevation of 648 feet AMSL Center Hill Lake has a surface area of 18,220 acres and at maximum pool 685 feet AMSL, the surface area of the lake increases to 23,060 acres. The total flood control storage for Center Hill Lake is 2,092,000 acre feet. The guideline for the acquisition of lands at Center Hill Lake was predicted to include all land upstream from the dam lying below elevation 690 feet AMSL.
An earthen embankment auxiliary dam (saddle dam) composed of compacted clay, is located 0.5 miles east of the main dam. This saddle dam is 125 feet high, 770 feet wide, and has a maximum base width of 660 feet. To meet current Corps hydrologic and hydraulic design criteria for inflow design floods, a self- eroding fuse plug was installed in the upper portion of the saddle dam in 1994. The fuse plug stands at an elevation of 692.4 and contains a pilot channel at elevation 691.5. In order to address dam safety issues,
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
a roller compacted concrete (RCC) reinforcing berm is being constructed immediately below the existing saddle dam (see Chapter 2-01). 1-05 List of Prior Design Manuals Following passage of the Flood Control Act of 1944, the Corps of Engineers undertook preparation of master plans for Recreation Development at Corps projects in compliance with Recreation Development at Corps projects in compliance with Section 4 of that Act. In June 1948, at the time of Dam closure, a master plan for recreation development at Center Hill Lake had been prepared and approved for implementation. Since that time, portions of the Master Plan have been reevaluated on a site-by-site basis in response to particular development needs or opportunities. A complete update was conducted in 1977 and again in 1984. 1-06 List of Pertinent Project Information This revision of the Master Plan is focused on management of land and water surface related to the Project purposes of outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship and natural and cultural resources. However, the following information about primary project facilities is provided to aid in understanding how all Project purposes are interrelated.
History of the Center Hill Lake Project
Center Hill Dam was authorized for construction by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1946. Construction of Center Hill Lake Dam was initiated in March 1942, and suspended on- year later because of the World War II. Work was resumed in January 1946, and the dam was completed for flood control operations in November 1948. Construction of the powerhouse commenced in March 1949, and was completed in November 1951. Three hydro-electric power generating units aggregating 135,000-kilowatt capacity were place in operation during December 1950, January 1951, and April 1951, respectively.
Table 1.1 - Project Statistics
Land Base Total Fee Property 37,721 acres Total Easement Property 102 acres Shoreline Miles 415 miles Pool Backwater Length (Center Hill Dam to Great Falls Dam) 64 miles Maximum Pool Elevation (685 feet AMSL) 23,060 acres Minimum Pool Elevation (618 feet AMSL) 14,590 acres Normal Pool Elevation (648 feet AMSL) 18,220 acres Total Storage Capacity (685 feet AMSL) 2,092,000 acre-feet Center Hill Dam Type Concrete-gravity and earth fill Height (above lowest foundation) 250 feet
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Total Length 2,160 feet Spillway Section Length 470 feet Gates 8 -Tainter Gate Size (width X height) 37 feet X 50 feet Discharge Capacity at Max Pool (685 feet AMSL) 458,000 cfs Power Intake Section Length 267 feet Left Nonoverflow Section Length 400 feet Right Nonoverflow Section Length 245 feet Earth Embankments Length 778 feet Center Hill Saddle Dam Type Rolled Fill Dike Height 125 feet Total Length 770 feet Top Elevation (Fuse Plug Section) 692.4’ AMSL Fuse Plug Pilot Channel Invert 691.5’ AMSL Top Elevation of the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) 658’ AMSL Reinforcing Berm; Base of the Fuse Plug Center Hill Powerhouse Number and Capacity of Units 3 @ 45,000 kw Total Installed Capacity 135,000 kw
1-07 Acreage Calculations as they pertain to this Master Plan Since the impoundment of Center Hill Lake, mapping software and aerial imagery have become increasingly more accurate and useful. In order to facilitate the best planning capabilities possible through this document, acreages for this Master Plan have been derived from GIS calculations (when possible) using NAD 1983 Tennessee State Plane coordinate system. These acreages differ from historic databases using older calculation methods, as well as other mapping software using different coordinate systems to create calculations. Real Estate Lease paperwork is still the official acreage of record for any further investigation about outgranted areas.
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Chapter 2 Project Authorization and Factors Influencing Management and Development
Figure 2.1 - Map of Center Hill Lake 2-01 Hydrology Reservoir Operation Center Hill Dam located at Caney Fork river mile 26.6 is one of four storage projects constructed in the Cumberland River Basin which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 (PL 75-761). Besides flood control, hydropower is the other primary project purpose at Center Hill authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1946 (PL 79-525). Additional operating purposes include recreation, fish and wildlife, water quality, and water supply. Due to the greater need of a low pool for flood mitigation in the winter and early spring and the higher demand for hydropower generation in the summer, Center Hill is generally operated with a lower January headwater target of between 623 and 632 feet and a higher late May and early June target of 648 feet as shown in Figure 2.2. A plot of the surface area and storage volume of Center Hill Lake is Draft for Public Comment 16
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
provided in Figure 2.3. The elevations of physical components of the dam are given in Table 2-1, and the storage volume of the flood control, conservation, and inactive pools is given in Table 2-1 and Table 2-2.
When soil conditions are mostly saturated in the wintertime, rainfall events can raise the pool elevation by as much as 35 feet in a three day period typically followed by a month long drawn down dependent on flooding conditions and control flows downstream. The Center Hill pool of record was set on May 10, 1984 when a widespread storm event occurred at a time lake levels were higher near the end of the spring fill. The highest calculated stream flow on the Caney Fork at Center Hill before the dam was built was estimated to be 186,500 cfs on March 23, 1929 based on a drainage area ratio of the peak flow at the Silver Point gage located just upstream of the dam site, and the highest daily average inflow since the dam was constructed was computed to be 165,500 cfs on December 23, 1990. The official channel capacity control flow for the Caney Fork below the dam under normal flood operations is 30,000 cfs and this release has not been exceeded since the dam was completed in 1951. Even though Nashville, Tennessee located 145 river miles downstream of Center Hill is the primary damage center affected by flood operations, due to Nashville’s distance and corresponding travel time, Carthage, Tennessee located just 26 miles downstream at the confluence of the Caney Fork with the Cumberland River is the official control station due to its relative proximity.
During the summer drawdown beginning in late June and extending into the fall the pool is typically lowered by 16 to 24 feet to supplement hydropower releases during higher power demand periods. These summertime and fall releases during the generally drier part of the year also provide flows for water supply users, improve water quality for public water supplies and aquatic fauna, and support navigation downstream. The higher pool levels during the warmer part of the year also benefit recreation in the lake when the most swimming and boating occurs. Daily hydropower generation totals at Center Hill are specified for the next day by Corps Water Management personnel in the District Office, and TVA typically sets the hourly generation schedule with more generation normally occurring during peak power demand periods. Weekly hydropower production for the Cumberland River Reservoirs including Center Hill is also declared to SEPA (Southeastern Power Administration) each Thursday for the following week by Water Management staff to meet minimum energy agreements which vary by month of the year. Using the hourly preschedule issued by TVA the hydropower units at Center Hill are operated remotely by powerhouse operators located at Cordell Hull Dam using the SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) system. Average annual hydropower generation at Center Hill was around 397,000 megawatt- hours between 1989 and 2006 before the Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRM) to lower the pool for dam safety were initiated in 2007. In order to protect water supply users in the lake, water is not released if it would bring the lake elevation below 618 feet, the bottom of the conservation pool.
Even though hydropower generation rate of change limits are officially set to two units up or down per hour, in practice the three hydropower generators are limited to one unit up or down per hour to prevent downstream bank erosion and due to safety concerns with recreational boating and fishing in the tailwater. During the late summer and fall, sluicing in combination with turbine releases is generally required to maintain the combined reservoir discharge at the state water quality standard of 6 mg/l of dissolved oxygen for cold water fisheries. The Center Hill Turbine-Generator Rehab Project authorized by Section 212 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 is in the process of replacing the original Draft for Public Comment 17
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
hydropower units with new aerating turbines which may eliminate the need for sluicing to supplement dissolved oxygen levels in the future. The orifice gate is also frequently opened during the warmer periods of the year to provide a continuous release of around 250 cfs of cold water downstream to support the downstream fishery. The station service generator (SSG) or house unit can also be used to release a continuous flow of around 50 cfs. Even though the official minimum flow is that resulting from one hour of generation within any 48 hour period, every effort is made to provide some discharge in excess of that every day for the benefit of the ecosystem and the cold water fishery downstream.
Due to IRRM for dam safety at Center Hill the lake level has been operated with a lowered summer pool target elevation between 630 and 633 feet since 2008 while dam safety work continues. The cutoff wall within the main dam has been constructed but raising the pool back to normal operations will depend on downstream risk computed once the roller compacted concrete (RCC) reinforcing berm is built below the saddle dam and fuse plug and deficient spillway gate electrical and structural components are replaced or upgraded. The 34.5 foot tall fuse plug consisting of a sand and gravel berm with a clay core and covered by riprap was constructed in 1996 to allow passage of extreme floods without overtopping the main dam by cutting the saddle dam down to elevation 658 feet and building the fuse plug on top of it which is designed to wash out when the lake level reaches 692 feet. The RCC berm currently under construction is designed to prevent a failure of the saddle dam due to concerns with underground piping.
Great Falls Dam located at Caney Fork River Mile 91.1 just upstream of Center Hill Lake is a small hydropower dam built by private interests in 1916 and acquired by TVA in 1939. The drainage area of Great Falls is 1,675 square miles or 77% of the 2,174 square mile drainage area of Center Hill. TVA daily computes an eight day release forecast for Great Falls Dam, but because the storage volume of Great Falls is only 54,500 acre-feet or about 7% of the 762,000 acre-feet of Center Hill, it is not uncommon for Great Falls to pass inflow during high flow events particularly during the winter and early spring flood season.
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Figure 2.2 - Center Hill Guide Curve
Area (1000 Acres) 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 690 690 Top of Flood Control Pool, Elev. 685 670 670
650 650 Top of Conservation Pool, Elev. 648 630 630
610 Top of Inactive Pool, Elev. 618 610
590 590
570 570 Pool Elevation (feet) Elevation Pool 550 550 (feet) Elevation Pool
530 530
510 510 Volume (1000 acre-feet) 490 490 Area (1000 acres)
470 470 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 Volume (1000 acre-feet) Figure 2.3 - Center Hill Surface Area and Storage Volume Curves
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Table 2.1 - Elevations of Physical Components of the Dam
Elevation (NGVD 1929 feet) Main Dam Top of Dam, Roadway Embankment 696 Minimum Tailwater, Zero Flow 476 Stream Bed (approximate) 470 Base of Dam 446
Saddle Dam and Fuse Plug (about 0.5 miles east of main dam), Discharge Capacity approx. 400,000 cfs Top of Fuse Plug 692.4 Fuse Plug Pilot Channel 691.5 Top of Saddle Dam Concrete Spillway/ Bottom of Fuse Plug 658
Spillway Gates - Eight Tainter Gates 50 ft Wide by 37 ft High, Discharge Capacity approx. 385,000 cfs Top of Closed Gates 685 Ogeee Spillway Crest 648
Sluice Gates - Six Gates 4 ft Wide by 6 ft High, Discharge Capacity with Pool at Spillway Crest 1,600 cfs each Top Elevation 504 Bottom Elevation 498
Hydropower - Three Francis Turbines with Nameplate Ratings of 45 MW each and 20 ft Diameter Penstocks, Discharge Capacity with 160 ft net head at 45 MW 3,750 cfs each Top of Penstock Intake (Flared at Upstream End)) 561.5 Centerline of Penstock Intake 549.9 Bottom of Penstock Intake 538 Powerhouse 525
Station Service Unit - One 1000 kW Rated Generator with 3.5 ft Diameter Penstock Centerline of Penstock Intake 557.5
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Table 2.2 - Storage Volumes of Center Hill Pools
Storage (acre-feet) Basin Runoff (inches) Flood Control Pool (elev. 648 - 685 ft) 762,000 6.51 Conservation Pool (elev. 618 - 648 ft) 492,000 4.21 Inactive Pool (below elev. 618 ft) 838,000 7.16 Total 2,092,000 17.88
Groundwater The portion of the Center Hill project located in the Central Basin features Ordovician limestones underlying Chattanooga shale. Soils are comparatively shallow and contain fragments of limestone, chert, and quartz. Groundwater is stored in bedrock openings, soil-filled crevices, and in a few thicker patches of soil or alluvium. In this section of the project, there is less space for groundwater storage than in those project lands located in the Highland Rim. Geologic studies conducted before dam construction indicated that the Central Basin area substructure was characterized by small solution cavities, but no evidence of cavern systems was detected. Joints and cracks in the limestone formations permit water from rainfall to recharge the solution cavities, thus supplementing dry-weather stream flow.
Soils in the Highland Rim portion of the project range from a surface layer of silt loam to a subsoil that is predominantly clayey chert with an average thickness of 40 feet. The thicker soils provide for greater groundwater storage than the shallow soil layer prevalent in the Central Basin. The surface of the Highland Rim area is pitted with oval or irregularly shaped limestone sinks and depressions. Groundwater may move freely through these underground cavities and faults. During a study of existing wells in 1972, Moore and Wilson found that wells in the Highland Rim region generally had higher yields than those in the Central Basin region.
Approximately 87 percent of the wells in the project area produce good water containing no sulfur, iron, salt, oil, or gas. Figure 2.4 indicates the yield potential of wells in the Central and Highland Rim.
The quality of ground water in the area is generally good. Waters are moderately mineralized, with calcium and chloride ions predominating, along with moderate concentrations of sulfates. Iron content is generally low. Although the concentration of ions increases during time of low flow, average dissolved solids have been recorded in the area at approximately 442 mg/l.
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Figure 2.4 - Yield of Wells in the Center Hill Lake Area
Surface Water The drainage area of the Caney Fork river basin above Center Hill Dam consists of 2,174 square miles of forest and agricultural land which is dominated by steep hills and narrow valleys. These conditions lead to relatively rapid runoff of typically high percentages of rainfall during the months of January through March with much lower percentages in the June through October time frame as shown in Figure 2.5below with rainfall averages calculated from the Rock Island 2 NM rain gage located near the center of the Caney Fork Basin. Major streams entering the reservoir between Center Hill Dam and Great Falls Dam include Mine Lick Creek, Falling Water River, Taylor Creek, Fall Creek, Pine Creek, and Sink Creek. Major streams that eventually flow into the Caney Fork upstream of Great Falls Dam include the Collins River, Calfkiller River, Rocky River, Barren Fork River, Cane Creek, Hickory Creek, Bee Creek, Laurel Creek, West Fork Creek, Beam Creek, and Wilkerson Creek.
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7 Note: Center Hill inflow was not adjusted to account for evaporation losses. Center Hill Inflow (1950-2017) Rainfall at Rock Island 2 NW Gage (2006-2017)
6
5
4
3
2 Average Rainfall and Inflow (inches) Inflow and Rainfall Average
1
0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month
Figure 2.5 - Average Monthly Rainfall and Inflow Comparison
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Figure 2.6 - Tributary Streams of Center Hill Lake 2-02 Sedimentation and Shoreline Erosion Prior to construction of Center Hill Dam, extensive studies were completed throughout Kentucky and Tennessee by the Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, which indicated that erosion in the Caney Fork Basin was not serious. At the time of these studies, much of the area around Center Hill was subject to intensive family-type farming of money crops, such as corn and tobacco, which involved hillside plowing with mules.
On the basis of these studies and other sedimentation studies for the Cumberland River, the Corps of Engineers projected a rate of siltation for the Center Hill Reservoir of about 260 acre-feet per year. If evenly distributed over the entire lake bottom lands, this would amount to less than one-inch per year of sedimentation.
From the time of dam closing to the present, farming in the Center Hill Lake area has steadily declined. Consequently, former cultivated lands are now covered with vegetation or pasture grasses. In addition, the Corps’ policy of forest management and maintenance of appropriate vegetative cover on government lands surrounding the lake further ensures that erosion is minimized.
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The primary objective of the Center Hill Shoreline Management Plan is to maintain the outstanding environmental characteristics of the Center Hill Lake for the full benefit of the public. In accordance with responsibilities under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the fundamental goals of the management of lake resources are to establish and maintain acceptable fish and wildlife habitat, preserve aesthetic qualities, and promote the safe and healthful use of the lake and surrounding public lands by the general public. Other important objectives considered in managing the shoreline of the lake include water quality including preserving natural vegetation along the shoreline to act as a buffer to purify runoff and control erosion along the shoreline, and for the continuation and expansion of the wildlife management program. As such the vast majority of the shoreline around Center Hill Lake remains in an aesthetically natural state with exposed bedrock in many areas and without the riprap commonly needed in heavy navigation use areas. With the lowered lake levels for the IRRM, vegetation growing on the exposed shoreline which will be inundated during incremental pool raises will provide additional food and cover for the lake fishery. 2-03 Water Quality 2-03.A Water Quality Seasonality Center Hill Lake water quality can still be considered good overall, however several threats to maintaining acceptable water quality are looming and beginning to come into evidence. Mean summer depth in the reservoir is about 73 feet and mean retention time is about 140 days. Typically dissolved oxygen (DO) depletion occurs below the metalimnion during the warm season and results in insufficient DO availability in much of the water column to support fish and desirable aquatic life. The onset and severity of DO depletion in the hypolimnion varies due to the interaction of several biotic and abiotic factors, but the end result is loss of available habitat in the hypolimnion during late summer and into the fall of any year. DO is restored in the fall and winter throughout the reservoir by cooling of surface and near surface waters (epilimnion) and gradual mixing downward. This process known sometimes as fall overturn, can be paused at times by brief spells of warm weather which slow the cooling and sinking process. Warmer winters may negatively impact the water quality of Center Hill by limiting mixing and lowering initial spring season DO levels meaning that depletion below the metalimnion may be speeded up. This was observed during 2017, which had a very warm winter.
In addition to large scale climatic influences on weather patterns with consequences for Center Hill water quality, development continues particularly north of the reservoir in the Cookeville area. Population growth and development pressures on Center Hill are likely to further negatively impact water quality without adequate environmental protections. Other communities with wastewater discharges that ultimately enter Center Hill Reservoir are McMinnville, Sparta and Smithville. 2-03.B Water Quality for Public Health and Safety Water quality is a primary consideration both within the reservoir and in its tailwater reach. Operationally, there is not a great deal of flexibility available to manipulate the reservoir and improve water quality conditions. The USACE monitors inflows into Center Hill and works with other agencies to improve
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conditions in the watershed. Long term this arrangement holds some chance for achieving or at least preventing additional water quality degradation as basin human populations and development increases.
The Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam is greatly influenced by cold water releases and has a flow regime far different from a preimpoundment situation. As part of the Cumberland River Basin Reservoir System, Center Hill Dam functions to store and supply water to support public health and safety locally and downstream. The ability of this large storage project to store quantities of water for release later when stressful conditions appear is a major benefit to both public health and safety. 2-03.C Water Quality for Downstream Reservoir System Needs The Caney Fork River, which is largely controlled by Center Hill Dam, is the largest tributary to the Cumberland River. During the warm season (April-October) flows coming from the Caney Fork River via Center Hill Dam releases are important for maintaining adequate flow downstream on the Cumberland River and its associated series of navigation pools. Old Hickory Dam at Cumberland River Mile 216.2 is considered the water quality control point for Cumberland Basin system operations. Normally when desirable dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are maintained in Old Hickory Project releases the downstream Cheatham Lake pool is adequately protected from harmful DO sags. A minimum of 5 mg/l is the Tennessee criterion for warm water streams to support desirable aquatic life. Typically if the outflow at Old Hickory is at 5 mg/l or just above, there is sufficient recovery potential so that DOs do not drop below 5mg/l and are usually observed to steadily rise due to algal activity and natural reaeration. The theoretical biweekly minimum average flows needed to maintain this standard in the reach below Old Hickory Dam have been estimated in Table 2-3 below.
Table 2.3 - Theoretical Minimum Flows at Old Hickory for Water Quality
Month Theoretical Minimum Flow (cfs) April 2,000 May 4,900 June 7,600 July 9,100 August 9,400 September 7,4001 October 2,000 1Higher flows are needed until Old Hickory destratifies.
Actual flow requirements during a specific year may vary significantly from these numbers. Since there is no significant storage capacity at Old Hickory to supply such flows, releases from the upstream storage projects, including Center Hill, would be used to meet this need. 2-03.D Tailwater Fishery The Caney Fork River downstream from Center Hill Dam supports a put and take trout fishery. The Tennessee water quality dissolved oxygen standard for a cold water fishery is 6.0 mg/l. DO levels in the Caney Fork below Center Hill Dam are dependent upon conditions found in the reservoir. Typically releases are accomplished through turbine discharges for power production. As the reservoir thermally Draft for Public Comment 26
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stratifies during the warm season DO levels in the water column below the thermocline decrease at varying rates since any source of reaeration is removed. Turbine discharge DO levels in the tailwater eventually fall below the 6.0 mg/l threshold at varying times depending upon a complex set of factors, including weather, discharge patterns, phytoplankton activity, and reservoir elevation to name a few.
The USACE recognized the problem caused by declining DO levels in the turbine discharges and during the early 2000’s enacted a series of modifications to ameliorate this problem. Hub baffles were added to all three units as were auxiliary air supplies. Another tactic has been to at times run turbines at reduced capacity. These measures can increase DO but are not sufficient in normal circumstances to maintain the 6.0 mg/l standard at or near the discharge point. Therefore, when DO levels fall below the 6.0 mg/l standard despite the use of all turbine venting measures, water is discharged through sluice gates from deep within the reservoir to mix with the turbine releases. Sluicing has proven effective in enabling the USACE to meet or exceed the 6.0 mg/l standard within a short distance below the dam (about 2 miles or less). In addition, sluiced water is typically colder than turbine discharges so there is an additional thermal benefit to the tailwater for cold water tolerant organisms.
The turbine venting measures in place should continue to serve as a stop gap restorative measure until auto venting turbines (AVT) can be installed. The first AVT is currently (2017) being installed and tested. The initial unit should be followed by replacement of the two other turbines with AVTs. Specifications call for AVTs to meet the DO criterion within a very short distance downstream from the powerhouse.
A future consideration also is that a warming climate, particularly warmer winters and possibly wetter conditions overall will limit winter water column mixing and reduce ambient DO concentrations in the reservoir leading to poorer antecedent conditions even before the rigors of warm season stratification set in. The winter of 2017 in particular was quite warm and resulted in lower ambient DO levels in the lower reaches of Center Hill at a time when DO should have been near saturation throughout the water column.
The issue of riverbed substrate dewatering during periods of reduced discharges has been improved by periodic usage of an orifice gate. An orifice gate is installed in a main sluice but is configured to provide a restricted flow far less than an unmodified sluice. Orifice gates provide a flow of approximately 250 cfs at Center Hill and are used principally to increase areas of wetted habitat in the tailwater, particularly noticeable where shoal areas exist. As a byproduct, the additional flows provided by orifice gate releases improve conditions for recreational boating/floating, an increasing visitor usage on the Caney Fork River. 2-03.E Fish & Wildlife Center Hill Lake supports an excellent fishery. It has been noted for its walleye fishery, however in some years walleye fall victim to DO depletion in the reservoir. Other prominent species harvested include black basses (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted bass), Bluegill, and crappie. The nutrient inputs into Center Hill are adequate to support a productive fishery.
The Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam supports an economically valuable put and take trout fishery. The long tailwater allows for float trips of varying length for those anglers wanting to fish varying portions of the tailwater. Opportunities exist for wade fishing during times of reduced or no generation. Access is provided at several formal access sites provided by the USACE and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Draft for Public Comment 27
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Agency. Water quality restoration efforts undertaken at Center Hill Dam in the early 2000’s have led to improved DO levels in much of the river through use of turbine venting techniques and sluicing. The installation and operation in the future of auto venting turbines should improve DO conditions nearer to the dam itself. 2-03.F Tailwater Biota Excluding the cold water fishery, the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam supports a benthic macroinvertebrate fauna capable of exploiting the continually cold water environment. Dominant organisms include chironomids (midges), isopods (sow bugs), amphipods (sideswimmers), and a few other organisms. As is typical in an unbalanced aquatic community, densities are dominated by a few types of organisms. This type of aquatic community exists down to the confluence with the Smith Fork, however aquatic diversity of the benthic macroinvertebrate community does gradually increase with distance from the dam, so that EPT organisms (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies) begin to appear in larger numbers. Throughout the 26.5 mile reach below the dam however the Caney Fork River remains profoundly influenced by the cold water discharges from Center Hill. The preimpoundment native mussel fauna is virtually extirpated from the river and is unlikely to return without a major change in the temperature regime. 2-03.G Water Quality Stations Facilities. The USACE Center Hill Project has eighteen actively sampled water quality stations for collection of physical, chemical, biological, and sediment contaminant data (Figure 2.7). There are six main stem lake stations, five tributary embayment lake stations, six inflow stations, and the tailwater station. Collection of Physical Water quality data by LRN Water Management staff is performed at least monthly throughout the year at Center Hill. Physical, chemical, chlorophyll-a, and phytoplankton data are collected during the spring, summer, and fall periods. Once every ten years, Center Hill is sampled intensively five times within a year. Benthic macroinvertebrates are monitored once every three years at six inflow locations and two tailwater sites. In order to examine potential contaminants from metals and organic constituents, sediment samples are collected in the lake once every five years at six different locations. In addition to field sampling by water management staff, there is also a water quality monitoring gauge in the tailwater just downstream of the dam that collects continuous water temperature data and transmits the data every thirty minutes throughout the year. There is also a water temperature gauge on the Caney Fork River near Stonewall, TN.
Reporting. Water quality data that is collected manually as instantaneous measurements in the field is stored in the CE-DASLER database. Typically, field data reports are prepared and sent to stakeholders immediately after the completion of every sampling trip. The automated water quality gauges transmit data via DCP and the GOES network to the CWMS database in the district office. Physical, chemical, and biological data records span from approximately 1970 to present and can be accessed at the following websites: http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Water-Management/Water-Quality/ https://water.usace.army.mil/
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Maintenance. The LRN Water Management Stream Gauging staff are responsible for the installation and maintenance of the water quality monitoring gauges.
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Figure 2.7 - Water Quality Sampling Locations on Center Hill Lake Draft for Public Comment 30
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
2-04 Climate The climate of the Center Hill Lake area is moderate. Temperatures range from summer highs (July) of 87.3oF to winter lows (January) of 26.7oF. The average daily temperature ranges 36.5oF in January to 76oF in July. A record high of 105oF was set in June 2012; the record low of -24oF was set in January 1985. The average growing season is approximately 200 days, extending from April to October. Annual rainfall for the basin averages 57 inches with an additional seven inches of snow per year (NWS, 2017). Relative humidity for the area ranges from 42% to 93% across the year. Humidity rarely drops below 25%, but does reach 100% at time. Winds predominately blow from the south or southwest (35% of the time); westerly winds occur approximately 20% of the time across the watershed. Typical wind speeds are less than 6 miles per hour (mph) with an average speed of 2.8 mph (Weather Spark, 2017). 2-05 Topography The topography around Center Hill Lake is different for the headwaters than it is for the lake nearest the dam. This difference is due to the different physiographic regions the lake exists within. The downstream portion of the lake from approximately river mile 58 to 26.6 (dam) consists of very steep, narrow ridge tops that drop abruptly into rather flat, narrow valleys or the shoreline (as shown in Figure 2.8 and Figure 2.9). This area has a range of elevation from 500 ft. MSL (the old river shoreline) to 1000 ft. MSL. The highest ridge rising above the lake is 1065 ft. MSL between Little Hurricane and Second Creek and south of Lick Branch. This portion of the lake lies within the Center Basin physiographic region. The land was formed by platform deposition of sediments in a shallow inland sea, followed by uplift, which created a moderate to deeply dissected surface of ridges, irregular valleys and rolling hills. The ridges and hills are capped with weather resistant rock while the irregular valleys are underlain by karst bedrock.
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Figure 2.8 - Typical Project Topography within the Central Basin Physiographic Region (2012)
The topography around the headwaters of Center Hill Lake upstream of approximately river mile 58 are due to the Highland Rim Physiographic Region. This area has steep to moderate rolling hills and narrow valleys next to the project but extends out to shallow rolling hills with wide, flat tops away from the project (see Figure 2.9). The average elevation next to the lake is still up to 1000 ft. MSL but as one moves upstream, the elevation reduces to 900 ft. to 940 ft. MSL with high points around 990 ft. MSL.
Figure 2.9 - Typical Topography within the Highland Rim Physiographic Region
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2-06 Physical Geography The state of Tennessee in divided into three generalized geographic provinces, the Appalachians, Central Highlands, and Mississippi Plain and Plateau (see Figure 2.10).
Figure 2.10 - Geography of Tennessee
Center Hill Lake lies within the Central Highlands section which is composed of two physiographic provinces, the Central Basin and the Highland Rim. 2-07 Geology 2-07.A Regional Geology The Center Hill Project is located in two distinct geologic and physiographic provinces: 1) the Central Basin and 2) the eastern half of the Highland Rim. The dam lies on the eastern edge of the Central Basing at the margin of the western edge of the eastern Highland Rim. Figure 2.5 below shows the Central Basin in pink and the Highland Rim in turquoise blue.
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Figure 2.11 - Physiographic Provinces of Tennessee1
Central Basin. The Central Basin was formed by erosion. This region is the southern end of the Cincinnati arch which extends from Nashville to Cincinnati, Ohio. Three major tectonic events uplifted the end of the arch into what is known as the Nashville dome. The highest structural part of the dome was located in Rutherford County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Center Hill Lake. The total structural relief at the crest of the dome was approximately 1,300 feet which corresponds with the top of the Highland Rim.2 The response of the sedimentary bedrock in the dome undergoing uplift, compressional loading from the deposition of the formations above, and flexure was vertical jointing generally parallel and perpendicular to the northeast oriented axis of the dome (follows the arch). Since the axis varied slightly with each tectonic event, there is variation in the joint orientation between different bedrock formations. In additional to the main jointing parallel and perpendicular to the dome axis, there was a second class of joints at oblique angles to the main jointing thereby allowing open joints in any orientation of strike.3 The jointing along with the arching of the dome hastened erosion of the higher bedrock exposing the softer limestone formations underneath. The formations in the Central Basin are gently dipping Ordovician limestone with some shale members (Lebanon Limestone, Carters Limestone, Hermitage Limestone and Shale, Cannon Limestone, Catheys Limestone, and Leipers Limestone). These limestones are susceptible to solutioning; forming sinkholes, caves, open joints and bedding planes, sinking streams and other features characteristic of karst terrain. The erosion of these softer limestones forms the present-day Central or Nashville basin. The jointing pattern of the dome is the same jointing pattern in the lower reaches of Center Hill Lake, the river follows many of the main joint orientation when it makes the 90° bends. Due to the erosion of the Caney Fork, the Central Basin physiographic region forms a peninsula into the Highland Rim region which is why the shoreline of the lake is composed of steep ridges far into the Highland Rim province.
1 After Tennessee Division of Geology, Generalized Geologic Map of Tennessee; accessed February 2012; http://www.tn.gov/environment/tdg/images/geolog_1.jpg and Miller, R.A., 1974, The Geologic History of Tennessee, Bulletin 74, State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Geology. 2 Bassler, R.S., The Stratigraphy of the Central Basin of Tennessee, Division of Geology, State of Tennessee, Bulletin 38, p. 16-17, 1932. 3 Wilson, C.W. Jr., Stratigraphy and Geologic History of Middle Ordovician Rocks of Central Tennessee, Geological Society of America Bulletin, Vol. 73, p. 481-504, April 1962.
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Highland Rim. Center Hill Lake extends into the eastern half of Highland Rim which as a whole province surrounds the Central Basin. The eastern Highland Rim is a plateau that has been dissected in many places by streams, leaving large divided flat areas of about elevation 1000 ft. MSL and stream valleys as low as elevation 400 ft. MSL. These streams exposed the Central Basin bedrock underneath Mississippian and Devonian formations of the Highland Rim. The formations of the Highland Rim are the Devonian Chattanooga Shale, Mississippian Fort Payne Limestone, Warsaw Limestone, St. Louis Limestone, Monteagle Limestone, and Hartselle Sandstone.4 The Fort Payne is the protective cap rock which preserves the softer formations under it while the Warsaw to Monteagle Limestones are also susceptible to solutioning forming caves and sinkholes. The Fort Payne is the surface rock at the western edge of the Highland Rim where Center Hill Lake enters the province. As one moves upstream and eastward, the Warsaw then the St. Louis become the surface bedrock.2 The Monteagle and Hartselle only occur at approximately mile marker 84, nearly to Great Falls Dam. The structure of the Highland Rim is simple compared to its neighboring provinces. The bedrock formations dip east off the eastern flank of the Nashville Dome. The jointing that occurred due to the uplift of the dome occurs much less in the Highland Rim. This means there are fewer branches for the water to erode the Fort Payne Limestone allowing the limestone to form the relatively flat plateau surface or the low rolling hills of the St. Louis Limestone.
2-07.B Local Geology The Caney Fork has cut a deep valley into nearly flat lying limestone and shale of Ordovician, Devonian, and Mississippian ages. In ascending order from oldest to youngest, the formations exposed at the surface along the lake are the Hermitage, Cannon, Catheys, and Leipers Limestones of Ordovician age, Chattanooga Shale of Devonian age, Fort Payne, Warsaw, St. Louis, Monteagle Limestones, and Hartsell Sandstone of Mississippian age.5
4 Swingle, G.D., Miller, R.A., Luther, E.T., Hardeman, W.D., Fullerton, D.S., Sykes, C.R., and Garman, R.K., Geologic Map of Tennessee (East Central Sheet), Tennessee Division of Geology, State Geologic Map SEC, 1966. Draft for Public Comment 35
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Figure 2.12 - Geologic Map of Project5 Draft for Public Comment 36
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Table 2.4 - Geologic Column
2-07.B.i Bedrock Description Moving from the dam to the furthest headwaters, the oldest formations are exposed first and covered by the younger formations. The Hermitage Formations is only exposed in the lowest valleys below the Center Hill Dam. The lower leak on the right rim exits at the Hermitage / Cannon contact. The Cannon limestone forms the valley walls that enclose the tailwaters of the lake. The upper leaks on the right rim occurs at the Quarry Marker bed near the top of the Cannon Formation. Upstream of the dam, the Catheys and Leipers Limestones make up 80% of the land above normal pool. The overburden over these formations is very thin, residual, yellow clay and only allows the growth of shallow rooted trees. The Chattanooga Shale is next and Draft for Public Comment 37
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it only exists underneath the Ft. Payne formation. The shale contains pyrite, an iron sulfide mineral, which when combined with water forms a weak sulfuric acid. The conversion of the pyrite minerals into sulfuric acid leaves iron staining of the surface of the surrounding bedrock. The sulfuric acid increases the solutioning of the Leipers, Catheys, and Cannon Limestones below the Chattanooga Shale. At the dam site, the left rim cave has been enlarged by the weak sulfuric acid from the overlying Chattanooga Shale. The reaction of the limestone with the acid neutralizes it so by the time it reaches the ground water, it no longer exists.
From the dam to somewhere around river mile 50, the Ft. Payne only exists as weathered clay rubble with chert fragments which caps the tops of the ridges. Upstream of river mile 50, the Ft. Payne is limestone which is extensively exposed in the Highland Rim. The ridges in the Central Basin and the flatness of the Highland Rim is due to the high resistance to erosion of the Fort Payne limestone. All of the Highland Rim formations are more siliceous than the Central Basin limestones but the Ft. Payne is the most siliceous of all the formations present at the lake. And when the Ft. Payne does erode, it can produce tens of feet of thick, cohesive clay and chert, which prevents erosion of the underlying Chattanooga Shale. However, the residuum does not stop the penetration of water into the shale so the formation of weak sulfuric acid still occurs. Quartz geodes are common in the Fort Payne and are found weathering out of the clay residuum.
The Warsaw is widely distributed along the upper reaches of the project but are not extensively exposed because of the thick residuum it produces. The St. Louis limestone is the surface formation over the majority of the Highland Rim, but like the Warsaw, exposures are limited due to the thick silt and clay with chert fragment residuum it produces when weathered. Both formations are susceptible to karst weathering. The Monteagle limestone and Hartsell sandstone only exist as a cap on a hill near the end of the project around river mile 84.
Because the Caney Fork cut a deep ravine into the Highland Rim, it exposed limestone cliffs along the lake that range from fifty to several hundred feet in height. These cliffs do not stop development from encroaching on the lake. But the cliffs are the reason for two nearby waterfalls, one of which, Fanchers Falls, is located partially within the project boundary. 2-07.B.ii Bedrock Structure All the rocks surrounding the project, Ordovician to Mississippian, are typically flat lying or have a very gentle dip away from the Nashville Dome. The bedrock under the dam dip slightly downstream and to the right except for the left abutment where it dips slightly to the left, more detail below. With the exception of the Chattanooga Shale and the Hartsell Sandstone at the headwaters of the lake, all the formations are susceptible to karst solutioning to different degrees. The Hermitage and Ft. Payne are the most resistant to karst solutioning due to their high shale and silica contents. The other limestones are more pure carbonates and easily form caves, sinkholes, sinking springs, seeps, open bedding planes and open joints. Include the jointing pattern shown in Figure 2.7 in the bedrocks around the lake, and the result is the abundant karst features found in the project area and beyond. Draft for Public Comment 38
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
The cause of the joint orientation was described above in the regional geology paragraph. As mentioned above, the orientation of the joints at the project is almost 360° of the compass. The compass symbol shown in Figure 2.7 shows the main orientation of the joints in the yellow and red directions. Blue shows the directions of the minor oblique set of joints at 45° from the main joint sets. The river has eroded the majority of its pathway along these joints. This is shown by each colored section of the lake corresponding to that color joint orientation in the figure below.
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US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
Figure 2.13 - Joint orientation of the project
For the most part the bedrocks under the project are essentially flat lying but under the earthen embankment of the main dam there is a low anticline, see Figure 2.8. It is unknown how far upstream and Draft for Public Comment 40
US Army Corps of Engineers Master Plan Revision Nashville District Center Hill Lake
downstream this anticline exits. Its axis is under the earthen embankment between stations 19+00L and 20+50L. The dip is best observed in the T3 layer which is bright green in Figure 2.14.
Figure 2.14 - Low Anticline under the dam 2-08 Soils Center Hill Lake covers a deeply carved meandering Caney Fork River valley. The rough terrain surrounding the lake has slopes often exceeding forty-five percent, and the irregular shoreline forms many deep narrow coves. In the lower section of the lake, however, some open areas are found with gradual slopes leading from the surrounding hillsides to the edge of the water.
The Center Hill Lake area is dominated by two major physiographic provinces: the Highland Rim and the Central Basin. Stream dissection along tributary streams of the Caney Fork has created a steep ridge and valley topography. The lake has a drainage area of 2,195 square miles. Bedrock throughout the drainage basin is limestone. Some of the limestone formations are very rich in phosphate and zinc, and commercial mining operations for zinc have been conducted in the area.
The projects soils exhibit considerable variation from one point to another as a result of the diverse geologic and topographic formations that characterize the area. It should be mentioned that only the basic soil characteristics will be discussed in this plan in order to give the reader an overview of the resource. Detailed soil survey reports (prepared by the USDA Soil Conservation Service for DeKalb, Warren, and Putnam Counties) were referred to on a regular basis during the preparation of this report. Particular emphasis was given to project lands that may be suitable for development of additional intensive recreation facilities.
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2-08.A Soil Associations of the Project Area Within the project boundaries there are three general soil association areas; Bodine – Mimosa – Delrose, Christian – Bodine, and Waynesboro – Christian. A soil association can be defined as a particular land area that has a distinctive proportional pattern of soils. An association consists of two or more major soil series and several minor soil series, and is named for the major soil series. The three general soil associations and association areas are described below.
Bodine – Mimosa – Delrose Association. This association occurs on all project lands from the dam to the Sligo Bridge as shown on Figure 2.15. This association is made up of approximately 30 percent Bodine soils (on the hilltops), 25 percent Mimosa soils (lower slopes), and 14 percent Delrose soils (middle slopes).
The remaining 31 percent consists of a number of minor soils series; the Arrington, Egam, Lynnville, and Staser soils located on bottom land in narrow valleys, and the Armour soils located on foot slopes and low terraces. In general, this association can be described as excessively drained and well-drained, rolling to steep, cherty soils and well-drained soils that have a clayey subsoil. The association is typically located at the transition zone between the Central Basin and the Highland Rim.
Limitations are severe for engineering construction, especially highways. The steep Bodine and Delrose soils are likely to slip and slide if cuts are made in the hillsides. Most deep cuts require excavation of several feet of massive limestone.
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Figure 2.15 General Soil Associations which surround Center Hill Lake Draft for Public Comment 43
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Christian – Bodine Association. This association is an area of high, rounded hills and deep, narrow hollows. Small gently rolling areas occur on the winding hilltops. Most of the soils formed in residuum from cherty limestone and shaley limestone. Some hilltops are capped with a foot or two of loess. The location of this association around Center Hill Lake is shown on Figure 2.15.
The Christian soils, located on the lower hills and upper part of the high hills, represent about 30 percent of the association and the Bodine soils, located on long steep hillsides, account for another 30 percent. The minor soils in this association are the well-drained, rolling Mountview soils on hilltops, small areas of the nearly level Dickson soils on the hilltops; narrow strips of Ennis, Lobelville, and Staser soils on bottom land; and small tracts of Etowah soils on foot slopes adjacent to the bottom land. Strips of Rockland wind around the lower slopes below the Bodine soils.
Slope is the main limitation in engineering. Deep cuts are required to construct major roadways. The cherty soils in this association provide good fill material.
Waynesboro – Christian Association. This association occurs mainly as broad areas along the Caney Fork River, adjacent to the upper reaches of Center Hill Lake. This area is adjacent to the upper reaches of Center Hill Lake. This area is characterized by large rolling areas which are bordered by very steep slopes that fall to the lakes surface. The large rolling areas, located generally outside of the project boundaries, are pitted by oval or irregularly shaped limestone sinkholes and depressions.
The association is about 60 percent Waynesboro soils and 30 percent Christian soils. The Waynesboro soils occupy most of the smoother areas and areas that surround depressions. These soils are deep, are well- drained, and have dominantly red or dark-red subsoil. The Christian soils have the steeper slopes and are on hillsides. They have a surface layer of brown silt loam or cherty silt loam and a dominantly reddish, clayey subsoil. Minor soils consist of steep cherty Bodine soils, which border Center Hill Lake in many areas. A few areas of Rockland are intermingled with the Bodine soils. Small tracts of Ennis and Lobelville soils occur in both inland areas, mainly in depressions.
Much of the association is covered by several feet of old alluvium. This alluvium is underlain by dominantly reddish clay which is exposed on the steeper slopes. 2-08.B Description of the Major Soil Series This section describes the major soil series that occur within the Center Hill Lake project boundaries. There are five major soil series within the project boundaries and are described below. They are Bodine, Christian, Delrose, Mimosa and Waynesboro. Particular emphasis has been placed on those factors which affect the suitability of land for various land use activities.
Bodine Series. The Bodine series consist of cherty, excessively drained, strongly acidic or very strongly acidic soils. These soils are located on narrow ridge crests and hillsides in the highly dissected areas of the Draft for Public Comment 44
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Highland Rim. They developed in residuum derived from cherty limestone. Slopes range from 5 to 75 percent. The soils offer fair to good stability, and are moderately productive.
Major limiting characteristics include steep slopes, bed-rock outcroppings, and coarse rock fragments.
Christian Series. The Christian series consists of moderately deep and deep, well-drained soils on uplands of the Highland Rim. These soils developed in material weathered from limestone and contain lenses and pockets of siltstone, sandstone, and cherty limestone. Slopes range from 5 to 30 percent.
Major limiting characteristics include steep slopes, slow percolation, moderately slow permeability, and a clayey surface layer.
Delrose Series. The Delrose series consists of deep, well-drained, cherty, highly productive soils on hillsides in the outer part of the Central Basin. These soils developed in material moved downslope from higher areas. Slopes range from 20 to 55 percent. The steeper slopes of this soil series are subject to sliding since 2 to 10 feet of creep material generally overlies a clayey subsoil.
The only major limiting factor associated with this series is the degree of slope.
Mimosa Series. The Mimosa series consists of well-drained soils on uplands on the lower side slopes and the low ridges in the outer part of the Central Basin. These soils developed in residuum derived from phosphatic limestone. Slopes range from 2 to 40 percent.
Major limitations include rock outcrops, steep slopes, slow percolation, and moderately slow permeability.
Waynesboro Series. The Waynesboro series consists of deep, well-drained soils. These soils developed in alluvium that washed from soils derived from limestone, sandstones, and shale. The alluvium extends to a depth of 5 to 20 feet and overlies the residuum derived from limestone or the limestone rock. Slopes range from 2 to 20 percent.
The only major limitation to be considered is the degree of slope. 2-08.C Soil Erosion and Suitability Classifications Soils are further defined by their erodibility and type which helps when conducting project planning activities. The land capability class is a rating defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service that relates to the lands capability for agricultural production. Knowledge of the land capability, or suitability, for various natural resources related a land use is fundamental to basic stewardship of natural resources. The eight classes range from 1, no limitations, to 8, severe limitations. Center Hill Lake’s soil capability classifications and acreage are listed below in Table 2-5.
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Table 2.5 Center Hill Lake Soil Capability Classifications and Acreage
Soil Class Class Acreage I 10 II 122 III 341 IV 303 V 0 VI 9,629 VII 9,239 VIII 630
For more information on soil classifications visit to the Natural Resources Conservation Service web page or http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/
2-09 Resource Analysis – Level One Inventory Data 2-09.A Fish and Wildlife Resources 2-09.A.i Terrestrial Fauna Center Hill Lake provides a suitable environment for a variety of birds, amphibians, and mammals. Much of the land surrounding the reservoir is characterized by a steep strip of property along the shoreline. Although the topography of most of this land offers little potential for active wildlife management, it helps provide a diversity of habitat for both small, non-game species and larger game species like white-tailed deer and the eastern wild turkey. These tracts of land provide habitat for feeding, nesting, and cover.
The State of Tennessee is primarily responsible for the protection and control of wildlife. In 1963, the Corps issued a license to TWRA to manage habitat at Center Hill Lake as necessary and feasible to enhance wildlife populations. This license (copy maintained in the Resource Manger’s office) covers all land and water area not out-granted for other purposes or operated as public recreation areas. The Resource Manager will coordinate the development and implementation of compartment prescriptions and working plans for the management of lands under this license with TWRA. Descriptions of each of these areas are included in the Operational Management Plan, Part I, Chapter 5.
These lands provide excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife species and excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities for people. Major game mammals found in the project area include: white-tailed deer, opossum, raccoon, muskrat, eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and eastern cottontail rabbit. The major game birds in the area include the bobwhite quail, mourning dove, Canada goose, wood duck, and mallard duck. Species to be managed will include small upland game, waterfowl, deer, and a variety of non-game
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species. A complete list and discussion of the wildlife species that inhabit the project area is included in the Operational Management Plan, Part 1, Chapter 5 and Chapter 12.
2-09.A.ii Aquatic Fauna Center Hill Lake and the tail-waters contain diverse native and introduced species. A total of 44 fish species have been found in Center Hill Lake. These species are divided into three categories: rough fish, game fish, and forage fish. The fish species of Center Hill Lake are listed in the Operational Management Plan, Part 1, Appendix D. The most important game species harvested from the lake, based on creel census reports of the TWRA, are as follows: black basses, white and black crappies, walleye, catfish, and white bass (stripe). The rough fish include the flathead catfish, bullheads (brown and yellow), carp, drum, gar (spotted and longnose), redhorse (northern and golden), carpsuckers, stoneroller, paddlefish and darters. The dominant forage fishes include gizzard shad and threadfin shad with shiners and minnows comprising lesser abundances.
The State of Tennessee has proprietary jurisdiction over all waters in the state. As a result, the primary responsibility for fisheries management at Center Hill Lake rests with the state. TWRA will administer management plans for the lake. Specific fisheries management techniques used by TWRA and Corps staff can be found in the Operational Management Plan, Part 1, Chapter 4.
2-09.B Vegetative Resources The vegetative cover that occurs on the project represents an element in the natural beauty of the landscape. Site planning of all recreational areas at the project will capitalize on the screening and buffering attributes of vegetative cover while also providing an attractive and diverse environment. The following discussion includes descriptions of past land use and current vegetation conditions on project lands at Center Hill Lake.
Table 2.6 - Current Vegetation Composition at Center Hill Lake
Percent of Project Vegetation Type Lands Non‐Vegetated (open water) 50% Herb Dominated 2% Shrub Dominated 1% Tree Dominated – Closed Canopy 43% Tree Dominated – Open Canopy 4%
The existing vegetative pattern is primarily a product of human alteration of the land as opposed to natural succession. The vegetative pattern is the result of previous timber harvests, farming, and livestock grazing. Draft for Public Comment 47
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The Forest Management Plan (found in Part 1 of the Operational Management Plan, discussed in Chapters 6), are designed to improve or maintain the vegetation surrounding Center Hill Lake.
Four general forest types have been identified within the project boundaries as discussed below and seen in Figure 2.16.
Oak‐Hickory Type: The oak‐hickory type tends to be "dominant" in Middle Tennessee in that the representative species associated with this type have the ability to spread into and maintain dominance over other forest types in the area. In general, the oak hickory forest type occurs on all types of terrain throughout the project; from well drained, thin soiled slopes to dry ridges. The exact composition of a particular stand is determined by a variety of related environmental factors such as aspect, depth to bedrock, and soil characteristics. Dominant canopy species which characterize this forest type include northern red oak, white oak, chestnut oak, southern red oak, post oak, black oak, mockernut hickory, black walnut, shagbark hickory, pignut hickory , yellow poplar, white ash and American beech. The understory vegetation consists primarily of viburnum, huckleberry, dogwood, redbud, black cherry, persimmon and sassafras. Eastern Red Cedar Type: Next to the oak‐hickory forest type, the eastern red cedar type is the most prevalent plant community on the project. The eastern red cedar forest type is prevalent on old fields and rocky areas that are too poor to support other forms of vegetation. Red cedar may occur in pure stands or it may include other woody and herbaceous plant species such as broom sedge, honeysuckle and eastern redbud. Mixed Mesophytic: Mixed mesophytic is a climax forest type that favors moist coves, lower slopes, flats, and hollows where the soils are deep, fertile and moist. Species occurring within this type include American beech, various oaks and hickories, sugar maple, red maple and box elder. Common understory species include pawpaw, sourwood, redbud and dogwood. Cove Hardwood Type: The cove hardwood forest type requires deep, fertile, moist soils that are found on lower slopes, creek bottoms, coves and flats within the project. This type of habitat is generally limited to the heads of small creeks and streams that flow into the lake.
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Figure 2.16 - Typical Forest Types at Center Hill Lake
The vegetation on Center Hill Lake is classified by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) (Figure 2.17), with the goal being to understand the composition and vegetation of project lands using a consistent national system. Knowledge of what lands are available allows for better management of that land.
The percent acreages (Figure 2.17) on Center Hill Lake are broken down into vegetated and non‐ vegetated divisions and descriptions (Table 2-7) of the type of vegetation in each class (Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium (MRLC), 2011).
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1.2% 3.1% 1.2%
4.1%
49.9%
39.1%
1.4% Non - Vegetated (includes surface water) Herbaceous Annual graminoid of forb vegetation Deciduous closed tree canopy Evergreen forest Mixed evergreen-deciduous closed tree canopy Deciduous open tree canopy Other
Figure 2.17 - Vegetation Classification Acreage Records for Center Hill Lake, as designated by the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS)
Table 2.7 - Definitions of NVCS classifications
Class\Value Classification Description Non-Vegetated Developed, Medium Areas with a mixture of constructed materials and vegetation. Impervious Intensity surfaces count for part of the total cover. Open Water Areas of open surface water without vegetative cover. Areas of bedrock, desert, pavement, scarps, talus, slides, volcanic material, Barren Land glacial debris, sand dunes, and other accumulations of earthen material. (Rock/Sand/Clay) Generally, vegetation accounts for less than 15% of total cover. Herbaceous Areas dominated by gramanoid or herbaceous vegetation, generally greater Grassland/ than 80% of total vegetation. These areas are not subject to intensive Herbaceous management such as tilling, but can be used for grazing Forest
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Class\Value Classification Description Areas dominated by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and greater Deciduous Forest than 20% of total vegetation cover. More than 75% of the tree species shed foliage simultaneously in response to seasonal change. Areas dominated by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and greater Evergreen Forest than 20% of total vegetation cover. More than 75% of the tree species maintain their leaves all year. Canopy is without green foliage. Areas dominate by trees generally greater than 5 meters tall, and greater Mixed Forest than 20% of total vegetation cover. Neither deciduous nor evergreen species are greater than 75% of total tree cover.
Table 2.8 - Vegetation Condition Descriptions
Vegetation Condition Condition Description Sustainable Meeting desired state. The acreage is not significantly impacted by any factors that can be managed and does not require intensive management. The acreage also meet operational goals and objectives set out in project OMP or other applicable management document. These acres are considered healthy and sustainable for future generations. Only minor management practices may be required to maintain the health. On land at Center Hill Lake, 99.5% can be described as sustainable. Transitioning Managed to meet desired goals. The acreage is impacted by human or other environmental factors that require management of the acreage to meet goals and objectives outlined in the project OMP or other applicable management document. On lands at Center Hill Lake, .3% can be described as transitioning. Degraded Does not meet desire goals. The acreage is significantly impacted by human or other environmental factors that prevent the acreage from meeting desired goals outlined in the project OMP or other management documents. The acreage is not considered healthy. Intense management may be required to meet desired goals. On lands at Center Hill Lake, .2% can be described as degraded.
2-09.C Threatened & Endangered Species In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) which identifies those species of flora and fauna determined by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be endangered or threatened with extinction, and which are protected by law. There are currently 718 species of animal and 941 species of plant in the United States listed as federally threatened or endangered under Section 4 of the ESA (US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015). In Tennessee alone, 73 species of animal and 21 species of plant were listed as either federally threatened or endangered. Only five states (Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii and Texas) have more federally listed species. These numbers may increase significantly in the future as USFWS continues to list additional species and critical habitat. For instance, in May 2017, there are 30 species of animal and plant in the United States (one in Tennessee) that are Draft for Public Comment 51
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candidate species, for which USFWS has sufficient information on biological vulnerability to support issuance of proposal to list, but issuance of proposed rule is currently precluded by higher priority listing actions. Another 29 species (0 in Tennessee) have been proposed in the Federal Register to be listed under Section 4 of the ESA.
A list of endangered species within Corps fee and easement properties on Center Hill Lake is found in Table 2-9. The list contains three mammals, four species of plant, and twelve species of mussels, which may still survive in reaches of the river or historically occurred prior to impoundment. Also, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which has been delisted from the Endangered Species Act, are present throughout the area (USFWS, 2017).
Table 2.9 - Federally Listed Species Recorded in the Center Hill Lake Project Area
Group Species Common Name Mammals Myotis sodalis Indiana bat Myotis grisescens Gray bat Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat
Mussels Pleurobema clava Clubshell Villosa trabalis Cumberland bean Pleurobema gibberum Cumberland pigtoe Epioblasma brevidens Cumberlandian combshell Dromus dromus Dromedary pearlymussel Cyprogenia stegaria Fanshell Epioblasma capsaeformis Oyster mussel Lampsilis abrupta Pink mucket Plethobasus cyphyus Sheepnose mussel Pleuronaia dolabelloides Slabside mussel Cumberlandia monodonta Spectaclecase Plethobasus cicatricosus White wartyback
Plants Conradina verticillata Cumberland rosemary Apios priceana Price’s potato bean Spirea virginiana Virginia spirea Platanthera integrilabia White fringeless orchid
Any Federal actions which may directly or indirectly affect a federally listed threatened or endangered species, or the critical habitat of a listed species, require consultation with USFWS to ensure compliance with Section (7) of the Endangered Species Act. This includes any actions undertaken, funded or licensed by the Corps on Center Hill Lake. Consultation could be formal or informal depending on whether or not a Federal action is likely to adversely affect a listed species or critical habitat. The potential effects of the action to Federally-listed species would be addressed during consultation.
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The State of Tennessee passed legislation in 1974 entitled the “Tennessee Nongame and Endangered or Threatened Wildlife Species Conservation Act of 1974” (Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 70-8-105 and 70-8-107) that contains a listing of animals considered threatened, endangered or in need of protection and management. The legislation is implemented by TWRA and the listing contains nearly 700 species of animals.
Also, the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program, a part of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Department of Natural Areas (TDNA), publishes the state’s rare plant list. The ability to legally list plants as Threatened, Endangered, and Special Concern is granted by the State of Tennessee Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1985. The list contains over 530 species of plants and fungi. On 23 August 2017, the TDNA provided the Corps with a map of rare plant and animal species listed under the aforementioned State legislation. The map included species that were on Center Hill Lake fee/easement lands, or within a one-mile vicinity of the project. The species and State listing status are included below in Table 2-10. Species that are also federally listed were excluded from Table 2-10 as they were described earlier in this section.
Table 2.10 State Listed Species Recorded in the Center Hill Lake Project Area
Explanation of State Status Codes: E-Endangered; T-Threatened; D-Deemed in Need of Management; S-Special Concern; R-Rare (not state listed)
State Category Scientific Name Common Name Status Amphibian Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Hellbender D Aneides aeneus Green Salamander R
Bird Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle D Dendroica cerulea Cerulean warbler D
Fish Etheostoma olivaceum Sooty darter D Typhlichtyhys subterraneus Southern Cavefish D
Flowering Plant Acalypha deamii Deam's Copperleaf S Allium burdickii Narrow-leaf Ramps T Allium tricoccum Ramps S Apios priceana Price's Potato-bean E Dalea candida White Prairie-Clover T Draba ramosissima Branching Whitlow-grass S Elymus svensonii Svenson's Wild-rye T Eriogonum harperi Harper's Umbrella-plant E Erysimum capitatum Western Wallflower E Erythronium rostratum Beaked Trout-lily S Juglans cinerea Butternut T Juncus brachycephalus Small-headed rush S Draft for Public Comment 53
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State Category Scientific Name Common Name Status Liparis loeselii Fen Orchis T Listeria australis Southern Twayblade E Muhlenbergia cuspidata Plains Muhly E Packera plattensis Prairie Ragwort S Panax quinquefolius American Ginseng S Parnassia grandifolia Large-leaved Grass-of-parnassus S Spiranthes lucida Shining Ladies'-tresses T Thuja occidentalis Northern white cedar S Trillium pusillum Least Trillium E
Non-vascular Palamocladium leskeoides Palamocladium moss T Plant Tortula fragilis Fragile Tortula E
Mammal Myotis grisescens Gray bat E Neotoma magister Allegheny Woodrat D Sorex fumeus Smoky Shrew D Zapus hudsonius Meadow Jumping Mouse D
Mollusc Epioblasma triquetra Snuffbox R Helicodiscus punctatellus Punctate Coil R Lithasia geniculata pinguis Small Geniculate River Snail R Obovaria subrotunda Round Hickorynut R Quadrula cylindrica Rabbitsfoot R cylindrica Vertigo clappi Cupped Vertigo R Obovaria subrotunda Round Hickorynut R
2-09.D Invasive Species The Nashville District is faced with numerous and diverse issues concerning invasive species. These problems occur on Corps managed lands and waters and on Corps lands utilized for outgrants and permits. Invasive species are serious threats impacting wildlife and fisheries habitat as well as human health. They may impose enormous costs for eradication and management efforts. The management of invasive species requires steps to be taken against them. These include prevention, early detection and rapid response, eradication, and control. Early detection is a key goal in managing invasive species. As shown in Figure 2.18, being proactive and increasing awareness helps lower costs associated with invasive species management.
Invasive species have been introduced through routes called invasion "pathways." Transported by air, water, rail, or road, invasive species move beyond natural geographic barriers and inhabit new sites. By
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altering species diversity, hydrology, nutrient cycling, and other ecosystem processes, invasive species can change whole ecosystems and irreparably damage natural resources. Recreational boaters introduce invasive species by, for example, transporting vegetation on trailers and by the release of live bait in bodies of water. Ornamental plants and pets may be imported from a different country to provide unusual products to the market. Some non-native species, intentionally introduced for beneficial purposes, later turn out to be invasive. A small percentage cause serious problems in their new environments and are collectively known as "invasive species." For example, Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was introduced from Japan to the United States in 1876 where it was promoted as a forage crop. It is currently found naturalized throughout the southeastern states 140 years later.
Figure 2.18 - Invasion Curve
When possible, cultural, mechanical, or biological means to control invasive species will be used in lieu of chemical control. However, if populations pose serious problems, chemical applications may be required. Biological control is defined as the reduction of pest populations by natural enemies and typically involves an active human role. Natural enemies may include parasitoids, predators, and/or pathogenic microorganisms. For instance, three species of parasitoid wasps – Spathius agrili, Tetrastichus planipennisi and Oobius agrili, are reared and provided by the USDA as biological control agents for the emerald ash borer.
The Corps has coordinated with State agencies, as well as other Federal natural resource agencies and non-governmental organizations, to develop Policy Letter #32 as an appropriate firewood policy for Corps lands. Consistent policy and management actions among natural resource agencies within a State are critical to delivering a clear message to users of public facilities.
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This policy will prevent or slow the introduction and transportation of invasive forest pest and insects (such as emerald ash borer) to project lands. These pests are generally slow moving when left to their own movement patterns; however, all can move great distances as hitchhikers on firewood transported from one location to another. While the threat of pest movement exists with local firewood, it is greatly reduced.
Under the authority of Title 36 Rules and Regulations, Section 327.12(a), the District Commander established a restriction on Nashville District project lands that prohibits the possession, transportation, use, or storage of non-certified heat-treated firewood, or the current State limit, whichever is more restrictive, or from across State or national boundaries, unless the firewood has been officially certified heat – treated firewood. This restriction will be enforced by corps staff with citation authority using the lowest level of enforcement necessary, as per ER 1130-2-550, Section 6-2.f. 2-09.D.i Emerald Ash Borer The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, attacks only ash trees. It is believed to have been introduced into Michigan 15 to 20 years ago on wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. Since then, the destructive insect has been found in numerous states including Tennessee. Typically, the emerald ash borer beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of the initial infestation. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Adults are dark green, one-half inch in length and one-eighth inch wide, and fly only from April until September, depending on the climate of the area. In Tennessee, most EAB adults would fly in May and June. Larvae spend the rest of the year beneath the bark of ash trees. When they emerge as adults, they leave D-shaped holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide. Extensive information about this forest pest, including photos of its various life stages and identifying damage to living trees, can be found at: http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ and other related web sites. In order to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, non-local firewood is prohibited in Center Hill Lake campgrounds. The closest confirmed finding to the Center Hill Lake area in 2016 was in White County, Tennessee. See Figure 2.19 for quarantined areas in Tennessee.
Figure 2.19 - 2016 Emerald Ash Borer Quarantined Areas, shaded
Source: (TN Department of Agriculture, 2016)
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2-09.D.ii Invasive Exotic Plants Numerous invasive exotic plants exist on project lands and waters. Invasive exotic plants pose a serious threat to biodiversity as they invade and displace native plant communities. This disrupts and alters wildlife habitat. See Table 2-11, which includes common invasive plant species found in Tennessee on Center Hill Lake.
Table 2.11 - List of Common Invasive Exotic Pest Plants in Tennessee
Trees Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc.Stevd.) Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill) Swingle) Shrubs Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) Japanese Bush honeysuckles (Lonicera japonica.) Amur Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii.) Marrows Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera marrowii.) Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.) Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb. Ex Murr.) Privet (Ligustrum spp.) Herbaceous Plants Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande) Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. & Zucc.) Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica L.f.) Musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) Vines Climbing euonymus (Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) Hand.-Mazz.) Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda (Willd.)DC.) Kudzu (Pueraria montana (Lour.)Merr.) Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata Thunb.)
2-09.E Ecological Setting The Natural Resource Management Mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ER 1130-2-550, Chapter 2, Paragraph 2-2.a. (1), dated 15 November 1996) states the following:
‘The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resource Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources,
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consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.
In all aspects of natural and cultural resources management, the Corps promotes awareness of environmental values and adheres to sound environmental stewardship, protection, compliance and restoration practices. The Corps manages for long-term public access to, and use of, the natural resources in cooperation with other Federal, State and local agencies as well as the private sector.
The Corps integrates the management of diverse natural resource components such as fish, wildlife, forests, wetlands, grasslands, soil, air and water with the provision of public recreation opportunities. The Corps conserves natural resources and provides public recreation opportunities that contribute to the quality of American life.’
In support of this mission statement, the following paragraphs describe the ecoregions where Center Hill Lake is located and the natural resources components found within the project area. Ecoregions are areas with generally similar ecosystems and with similar types, qualities and quantities of environmental resources. Ecoregion boundaries are determined by examining patterns of vegetation, animal life, geology, soils, water quality, climate and human land use, as well as other living and non-living ecosystem components.
The purpose of ecological land sorting is to provide information for research, assessment, monitoring and management of ecosystems and ecosystem components. Federal agencies, state agencies and nongovernmental organizations responsible for different types of resources within the same area use this information to estimate ecosystem productivity, determine probable responses to land management practices and other ecosystem disturbances, and address environmental issues over large areas, such as air pollution, forest disease or threats to biodiversity. Center Hill Lake falls within the Eastern Highland Rim and Outer Nashville Basin Ecoregions. See Figure 2.20 to reference the locations of the ecoregions in middle Tennessee (Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, 2000)
2-09.E.i The Outer Nashville Basin Ecoregion The Outer Nashville Basin (ecoregion 71h) has a rolling and hilly topography with slightly higher elevations than the Inner Nashville Basin. The region encompasses most of the outer areas of the generally non-cherty Ordovician limestone bedrock. The higher hills and knobs are capped by the more cherty Mississippian-age formation, and some Devonian-age Chattanooga shale, remnants of the Highland Rim. The region's limestone rocks and soils are high in phosphorus, and commercial phosphate is mined. Deciduous forest with pasture and cropland are the dominant land covers. The region has areas of intense urban development with the city of Nashville occupying the northwest region. Streams are low to moderate gradient, with productive, nutrient-rich waters, resulting in algae, rooted vegetation, and occasionally high densities of fish. The Nashville Basin has a distinctive fish fauna, notable for fish that avoid the region, as well as those that are present.
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2-09.E.ii The Eastern Highland Rim Ecoregion The Eastern Highland Rim (ecoregion 71g) has more level terrain than the Western Highland Rim, with landforms characterized as tablelands of moderate relief and irregular plains. Mississippian-age limestone, chert, shale and dolomite predominate. Karst terrain sinkholes and depressions are especially noticeable between Sparta and McMinnville. Numerous springs and spring-associated fish fauna typify the region. Natural vegetation is transitional between the oak-hickory forests to the west and the mixed mesophytic forests of the Appalachian ecoregions (68, 69) to the east. Bottomland hardwoods forests were once abundant in some areas, although much of the original bottomland forest has been inundated by several large impoundments. Barrens and former prairie areas are now primarily oak thickets, pasture or cropland.
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Figure 2.20 Ecoregions in the Center Hill Lake Area, Center Hill falling into Ecoregions 71g and 71h 2-09.F Wetlands According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) (2014) there are approximately 18,320 acres identified as wetlands, exclusive of the deep water habitat, within the Draft for Public Comment 60
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Center Hill Fee area. The most common classifications, beyond lake, are palustrine forested or scrub‐ shrub (69 acres), palustrine emergent (42 acres) and riverine (2 acres). Approximately 18,248 acres are classified under the Cowardin system as lacustrine (lake). Some areas are identified as having artificial structures (dikes, impoundments) associated with historic farming practices. Much more of the fringe uplands around the perimeter of the lake, that are now pastureland, were likely wetlands prior to pasture conversion. If these areas were no longer grazed by cattle and/or pasture haying ceased, plants indicative of wetland areas would return as in many areas soil and hydrology are present. National Wetlands Inventory can be accessed at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html.
Table 2.12 - Acres of Wetlands by Wetland Classification Type on Center Hill Lake
Acres (approx) on Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats Classification Center Hill Lake Lacustrine, Limnetic, Unconsolidated Bottom 18,220 Lacustrine, Littoral, Unconsolidated Bottom 21 Lacustrine, Littoral, Unconsolidated Shore 7 Palustrine, Emergent 42 Palustrine, Forest 27 Palustrine, Unconsolidated Bottom 1 Riverine, Upper Perennial Unconsolidated Bottom 2
2-10 Cultural Resources People have occupied the Cumberland River Basin for over 15,000 years. Archaeological sites dating to the Paleoindian, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, and Historic periods are present throughout the basin. A pre-inundation survey of Center Hill Lake identified 39 archaeological sites within the reservoir footprint (Smithsonian Institution, River Basins Surveys, 1947). As the result of additional surveys, a total of 61 sites are currently recorded for Center Hill Lake (Gregory, Price, & Lowry, 2012). In addition, the Dam and Hydropower plant are historically significant due to the Engineering and design and the development of the region in the 20th Century (McCormick, 2012). 2-11 Socio-Economics Center Hill Dam and the majority of the reservoir lies within DeKalb County with the reservoir extending into surrounding Putnam, Warren, and White counties. The tailwaters of Center Hill Lake lies within Smith, Putnam, and DeKalb Counties. These five counties, or the primary market area, are considered the area of greatest impact and will be the focus of the following demographic and economic analysis.
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Figure 2.21 - Counties of influence surrounding Center Hill Lake 2-11.A Demographics The primary market land area makes up a total of 1,829 square miles or 4.4% of Tennessee’s total land area. Warren County has the largest land area out of the 5 counties; however, Putnam County is the most densely populated. DeKalb has the smallest land area. Table 2-13 shows land area in square miles and population density for the primary market area.
Table 2.13 - Land Area and Population Density
Land Area in Square Miles Population Per Square Mile DeKalb 304 62 Putnam 401 180 Smith 314 61 Warren 433 92 White 377 69 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010
The combined population of the primary market area was estimated to be approximately 182,000 in 2016 which is roughly a 77% increase in population since the original Master Plan (numbers from the 1970 Census). In more recent years, each county has continued to see increases in population with an average primary market area percent increase of 2.92% since 2010. This is slower growth than the state
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of Tennessee as a whole which has had a 4.63% increase in population since 2010. Within the primary market area, Putnam County experienced the most growth over the last 6 years with a 4.62% increase, and Warren County experienced the least growth with an increase of 1.67%. Putnam County stands out with the largest population and houses the largest city in the primary market area, Cookeville. Population for the state of Tennessee and the counties within the primary market area can be found in Table 2-14. Population for the largest city within each county can be found in Table 2-15.
Table 2.14 - Primary Market Area and Tennessee Population
1970 Census 1980 Census 2010 Census 2016 Estimate DeKalb 11,151 13,589 18,716 19,361
Putnam 35,487 47,690 72,580 75,931 Smith 12,059 14,935 19,124 19,447 Warren 26,972 32,653 39,851 40,516 White 16,355 19,567 25,838 26,653 Tennessee 3,923,687 4,591,120 6,356,671 6,651,194 Source: United States Census Bureau
Table 2.15 - Population of the Largest City within each County of the Primary Market Area
Largest City's Population County Largest City (2016 Estimate) DeKalb Smithville 4,692 Putnam Cookeville 32,622 Smith Carthage 2,286 Warren McMinnville 13,761 White Sparta 5,073 Source: United States Census Bureau
The Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) used 2010 Census data and assumptions on future births, deaths, and net migration to make population projections through 2064. The resulting projections for each 10 year increment through 2060 are in Table 2-16. The primary market area is expected to have a population increase of approximately 36% by 2060 with Putnam County experiencing the most growth at 35% and Warren County experiencing the least amount of growth at 15%.
Table 2.16 - CBER Population Projections through 2060
Year DeKalb Putnam Smith Warren White Tennessee 2020 20,206 84,087 20,833 41,446 28,541 7,112,424 2030 21,392 92,266 22,135 42,882 30,760 7,846,308 2040 22,180 99,455 22,970 44,168 32,206 8,546,535 2050 22,885 106,268 23,480 45,561 33,164 9,254,557 2060 23,890 113,397 24,119 47,845 34,233 10,046,955
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% Increase (2020-2060) 18% 35% 16% 15% 20% 41% Source: Center for Business and Economic Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, August 2015.
Based on the 2010 Census, an average of 23% of the primary market area is children under the age of 18 and 16% is the elderly generation above the age of 65 leaving nearly a total of 40% of the population in age ranges considered socially vulnerable relative to other age demographics. White County has the highest percentage of individuals over the age of 65, and Warren County has the highest percentage of children under the age of 18. The average median age in the primary market area is 40.
The primary market area is predominantly White (90%) followed next by Latino (4%). Less than 5% of the population is foreign born (2011-2015 data).
Table 2-17 displays education attainment for people over the age of 25. Putnam County has a relatively larger percentage of those with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher which is likely correlated with the fact that Cookeville is the location of Tennessee Technological University. The other counties within the primary market area are all below 15% for attainment of a Bachelor’s degree with Smith being the lowest at 10%. Overall, the primary market area is lagging behind the rest of the state in terms of higher education.
Table 2.17 - Percentage of Population with High School or Bachelor's Education
High School Graduate or Higher Bachelor's Degree or Higher DeKalb 77.90% 13.80% Putnam 83.90% 23.30% Smith 81.70% 10.20% Warren 78.10% 13.50% White 81.10% 12.10% Tennessee 85.50% 24.90% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2-11.B Economics Slightly over half of the population age 16 or older are in the labor force within the primary market area. More specifically, out of approximately 143,100 people ages 16 years or over in the primary market area, an estimated 71,950 of them are civilian (not in armed forces) employees. Smith County has the highest labor force participation and lowest unemployment rate of all counties within the primary market area at 5.2% unemployment, and White County has the lowest labor force participation and the highest unemployment rate at 10.5% unemployment. In comparison, the state’s unemployment rate is 8.4% and the national rate is 8.3%. Other labor force data for the primary market area can be found in Table 2-18.
Table 2.18 - Labor Force Populations and Unemployment Rates
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Population 16 years Unemployment Population 16 years and over and over in Rate for those in the and over Labor Force labor force DeKalb 15,336 52.3% 7.6% Putnam 60,062 55.2% 8.4% Smith 15,053 57.0% 5.2% Warren 31,540 56.2% 8.0% White 21,118 51.7% 10.5% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates The “Educational Services, and health care and social assistance” industry is the largest employer in the primary market area followed by “Manufacturing” and then “Retail trade.” These are the top 3 industries in the primary market area and together account for slightly over half of total employment. These 3 industries are the largest employers, in various orders, within each individual county with the exception of Putnam County where the “Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services” industry takes a slight lead over “Retail trade.” Notably, agriculture, forestry, and mining as well as the manufacturing industry have seen a decline in total number of employees since the original Master Plan (1980 data). These drops in numbers are indicative of the advancements in technology and automation accomplished since the original study. In accordance with the original Master Plan, Putnam and Warren still remain the top two employing counties within the primary market area accounting for nearly 65% of total employment. Among the different counties, future economic development is targeted in the manufacturing, healthcare, automotive supply, and information technology fields. Table 2-19 shows civilian employment by industry for each county.
Table 2.19 - Industry Employment per County
White DeKalb Putnam Smith Warren Total Civilian employed population 16 9,769 7,409 30,346 8,121 16,304 71,949 years and over Agriculture, forestry, fishing and 259 146 294 322 525 1,546 hunting, and mining Construction 685 540 2,338 631 975 5,169 Manufacturing 2,102 2,170 4,033 2,064 4,265 14,634 Wholesale trade 198 273 853 230 430 1,984 Retail trade 1,005 813 3,526 818 2,277 8,439 Transportation and warehousing, 720 262 1,373 487 901 3,743 and utilities Information 83 95 353 51 225 807 Finance and insurance, and real 336 339 1,215 233 682 2,805 estate and rental and leasing Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative 378 383 2,075 538 944 4,318 and waste management services
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Educational services, and health 2,226 1,457 7,633 1,510 3,121 15,947 care and social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food 739 369 3,972 448 684 6,212 services Other services, except public 373 288 1,379 424 612 3,076 administration Public administration 665 274 1,302 365 663 3,269 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Mean household income is highest in DeKalb County. White County has the lowest mean household income which correlates with the county’s labor force participation and unemployment rate. The primary market area has an average mean household income that is lower than the state of Tennessee’s mean which is $63,339. Tennessee’s mean is also lower than the national average which is $75,558. Overall, households in the primary market area are generating less income than the state and national average with the exception of DeKalb County which is higher than the state average though still lower than the national average. With lower incomes in mind, it is not surprising that the primary market area has higher rates of individuals whose income is below the poverty line compared to the state and national percentages of 17.6% and 15.5%. It is also not surprising that the primary market area has higher rates of those without health insurance coverage compared to the state percentage of 12.8% and national percentage of 13%. Table 2-20 provides mean household incomes, health insurance coverage, and poverty information for each respective county.
Table 2.20 - Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance
Individuals Whose Income in Non-institutionalized Mean Household the Past 12 Months is Below population with no health Income the Poverty Level insurance coverage
DeKalb $64,327 20.9% 15.0% Putnam $53,623 25.2% 14.4% Smith $58,478 16.3% 10.4% Warren $50,538 21.2% 13.8% White $44,595 19.6% 13.3% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2-12 Recreation Facilities, Activities and Needs 2-12.A Zones of Influence
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Figure 2.22 - Distances (miles) as the crow flies from Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake is located within 500 miles, or a day’s travel, of the main population base of the United States (Figure 2.22). Actual visitation to the lake however, consists largely of visitors across Middle and East Tennessee. Customer survey cards from 2004-2013 polled nearly 2400 visitors to Corps recreation areas around the lake (Figure 2.23). The large majority (over 90%) of the survey responses reside in zip codes within a 50 mile drive of Center Hill, with the highest concentration residing in communities immediately surrounding the lake. However, the survey data indicates that some guests travel from much further away to enjoy the lake with survey data from guests across the eastern part of the nation as far as New York and the Florida Keys. It should be noted that the surveys for this information were only done in Corps of Engineers recreation areas and does not include data from visitors via campground reservations or at the very popular marinas.
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Figure 2.23 – Density of visitor home zip codes based on nearly 2,400 customer comment surveys.
The overall trend in population growth for counties surrounding Center Hill Lake is increasing steadily (see Chapter 2-11.A on demographics). Center Hill’s location along I-40 is right in between the rapidly growing metropolises of Nashville and Knoxville makes the lake an increasingly in-demand natural haven for city dwellers to escape and enjoy fresh air and blue waters. Based on population growth trends in the primary market areas, it is anticipated that demand for recreation opportunities will likely experience a continual increase, and an increase in use of recreation facilities.
2-12.B Visitation Profile Visitors to Center Hill Lake are a diverse group ranging from campers who enjoy the three campgrounds at the lake, hunters who use the Wildlife Management Areas associated with Center Hill, day users who picnic and use playgrounds, marina customers accessing the water, and many other user groups. Visitation on Center Lake is at its highest during the months of April to September, and is significantly lower during the cold months of November to March (OMBIL, 2017).
Visitation to Center Hill Lake is consistently one top fifty most visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation, ranked the twenty-third most visited in fiscal year 2012.
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Table 2.21 - Visitation Data by FY (Oct-Sep)
Fiscal Year Number of Visits to (October to September) Center Hill Lake FY 1999 3,982,000 FY 2000 3,859,251 FY 2001 3,611,090 FY 2002 3,931,990 FY 2003 3,333,413 FY 2004 2,861,448 FY 2005 3,272,534 FY 2006 3,313,437 FY 2007 3,887,031 FY 2008 3,186,561 FY 2009 3,160,359 FY 2010 3,280,872 FY 2011 3,281,165 FY 2012 3,121,146
In addition to overall visitation numbers, utilization data gives a picture of how frequently the campground facilities are being occupied. Figure 2.24 shows campground utilization data for Center Hill’s campgrounds, Floating Mill, Long Branch, and Ragland Bottom. This data is from the national reservation system, NRRS. Nationally speaking in FY16, Long Branch and Ragland Bottom were in the top 20% of most utilized Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the nation with over 600 campgrounds reporting use rates. The high utilization of these areas speaks to the value and importance the public places on these amenities and the enjoyment they offer to visitors.
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CAMPGROUND UTILIZATION 53.78% 53.76% 53.13% 52.64% 49.55% 49.09% 48.83% 47.71% 44.13% 42.87% 42.85% 41.29% 36.82% 36.58% 36.18% 32.76% 32.20% 29.57%
FLOATING MILL LONG BRANCH RAGLAND BOTTOM
FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY17
Figure 2.24- Campground Total Percent Usage (Days Available/Days Occupied) by Fiscal Year
It should be noted that at the time of publication of this Master Plan, the Corps of Engineers is undergoing a reassessment and modification of the way visitation counts are calculated across the nation. Corps visitation data is “frozen” at FY 2012, and no new visitation data will be released until the update to the visitation modification and collection processes are finalized. New visitation data collection will be more detailed and is anticipated to drop visitation numbers at Center Hill Lake and across the Corps based just on the new procedures used to collect and calculate visitation numbers going into future years.
2-12.C Recreation Analysis The Tennessee 2020 Vision for Parks, People & Landscapes, the document serving as the state’s comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (SCORP) (TDEC, 2009), stated, “Access to nearby parks and recreation centers, like fire and police protection, is essential to the wellbeing of every resident.” A survey for input to the Tennessee SCORP found that 90% of those surveyed found water quality to be extremely important, rating it the highest conservation priority for the state. This statewide recreation plan indicates the importance of a balanced approach to managing public lands that takes serious consideration of both the public’s access to recreation, parks and outdoors, as well as the protection of natural resources. Draft for Public Comment 70
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Two of the ten statements of need identified in the Tennessee 2020 Plan tie directly into the recreation and environmental stewardship missions of Center Hill Lake and how the Corps can support them:
#3: The need of Tennessee’s cities and counties to provide diverse, close-to-home recreation opportunities for all their residents.
The Tennessee 2020 Vision lists three types of unmet needs in providing diverse and local recreation opportunities in counties across Tennessee. One of the unmet needs is counties without a recreation delivery system, meaning that there are no municipal or county parks and recreation departments. Two of the 24 counties in Tennessee without a recreation delivery system are in the Center Hill Lake area, Smith County and DeKalb County. The Corps of Engineers at Center Hill Lake offers parks and recreation opportunities to residents of these and surrounding counties, and offers water-based recreation in addition to land-based which is an asset to the region.
#9: The need of communities for more opportunities to enjoy and protect their local rivers, streams and creeks.
A 2009 Tennessee Recreation Attitudes and Behavior survey found that protecting water quality is one of the public’s highest conservation priorities. Water has a unique draw to it and brings people in to enjoy recreational activities. Center Hill Lake can continue to offer opportunities to enjoy the main pool. The lake will also collaborate with partner organizations to work towards a connected paddle access system along the tributaries flowing into Center Hill, as well as the already popular Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam. 2-12.D Recreational Carrying Capacity Carrying capacity has a number of connotations. Natural science disciplines view carrying capacity in terms of resource degradation and restoration. Site planners view capacity in relation to areas and sizes required to conduct activities effectively. Sociologists and psychologists are concerned about behavior and human interactions and their effect on the quality of the activity experience. Administrators consider capacity in relation to policies, management, and flexibility. Recreational carrying capacity generally relates to social capacity and resource capacity. Social capacity is the level of use beyond which the user does not achieve a reasonable level of satisfaction in their recreational experience.
Carrying capacity is defined as the maximum potential level of use, which avoids overuse or overcrowding. Studies have shown that in evaluating the carrying capacity of water-based recreation, social capacity factors (overcrowding) were generally more important than resource capacity factors (overuse).
“Carrying capacity” at a project like Center Hill Lake is difficult to quantify merely by statistics on numbers of visitors or boats, types of uses or users, trends of adjacent development, changing demographics, or other selected social or environmental factors. Much of the determination of overcrowding, in particular, tends to be subjective. One hunter may think that having another hunter in his area of the woods is too much. Some user groups prefer to congregate in large social groups, while others prefer more spacing and smaller groups at picnic areas, swim beaches, or campgrounds. At
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heavily used boat ramps or large marinas, congestion at the point of access may be a serious problem during heavy use periods, but overcrowding quickly is relieved a short distance from these facilities as users have a large area in which to disperse.
Studies also indicate that overcrowding tends to exert a self-regulating force. As one area becomes increasingly crowded so that it impacts users’ comfort levels, the user is likely to go elsewhere. There are times and places that are exceptions; at the busiest holiday seasons at the largest and most accessible facilities, or at minor accesses with limited parking. Due to the current federal funding environment, the likelihood of building new recreation areas on Center Hill Lake is low. However increasing diversity in outdoor recreation opportunities in the region acts as a regulating force to disperse outdoor enthusiasts to sites across Middle Tennessee. An example of increasing diversity of users in a specific area on Center Hill would be the popularity of paddlesports and fishing on the Caney Fork River, further discussed in Section 6-17.
Since the 1984 Master Plan Update, the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) has been implemented nationwide which allows the public to reserve specific campsites up to 180 days in advance and group picnic shelters up to 360 days in advance. This service can be accessed at www.recreation.gov, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This well-accepted program allows the public to know which areas have vacancies well in advance and helps to alleviate overcrowding.
At this time, and into the foreseeable future, the Corps has no plans of actively limiting uses beyond those already in place, such as routing users to other areas if a particular campground is full, restricting parking to designated parking spaces, ensuring that marinas do not install more moorage slips than their parking lots can accommodate associated vehicles, etc. If future public use increases to the extent that significant use conflicts occur, a formal carrying capacity study may be warranted if it could lead to solutions not available in the absence of such a report. At this time, such a study would have minimal meaningful utility. 2-13 Project Access Center Hill Lake can be accessed by road from many major metropolitan areas. The major interstate in the immediate area is I-40 running near the lower end of the lake. The major town nearest Center Hill Lake is Smithville, Tennessee, located on the southern middle end of the lake. Center Hill Dam is located in Lancaster, Tennessee.
From Nashville: Take I-40 East approximately 30 miles to Exit 239 in Lebanon, Tennessee. From there follow US-70 East approximately 30 miles to reach Smithville, Tennessee.
From Knoxville: Take I-40 West approximately 115 miles to Exit 273 in Silver Point, Tennessee. From there follow US-56 South approximately 13 miles to reach Smithville, Tennessee.
From Chattanooga: Take US-27 North and TN-111 North approximately 50 miles to TN-8 North in Sequatchie County, Tennessee. From there follow TN-8 North approximately 20 miles to US-56 North in McMinnville, TN. There follow US-56 North approximately 20 miles to reach Smithville, Tennessee.
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Smithville, McMinnville, and Cookeville all have small regional airports that provide easy access to the recreational amenities at the state parks as well as the Center Hill Lake area. The closest international airport is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
2-14 Related Recreational, Historical, and Cultural Areas Public historical and cultural areas at Center Hill Lake and vicinity mainly reflect the regions agricultural history and Appalachian culture. Public access to prehistoric sites is generally restricted to aid preservation. Historic period sites reflect the dispersed agrarian nature of the region. Remnants of homesites dot the region. Several recreational trails at Center Hill Lake lead to the ruins of late 19th and early 20th settlements. For example, the “Lost Spring Trail” at Floating Mill Park leads to the remnants of an historic springhouse. The Center Hill Dam overlook provides a sweeping view of the dam. Interpretive displays at the overlook and at the Visitor’s Center provide additional information related to the dam’s construction and contribution to the region.
In addition, the public can experience the continuity of the past to the present at Center Hill Lake. Each Spring Edgar Evins state park hosts a Pow Wow to celebrate Native American culture. This event provides visitors with the opportunity to view intertribal dances, appreciate intricate handmade regalia, taste native food dishes, and learn about history and customs. Tennessee Technical College operates the Appalachian Center for Craft on the southern shore of Center Hill Lake. The Center offers various educational experience for novices and professionals. In addition, exhibitions and a fine craft gallery allow the public to view traditional Appalachian crafts. 2-15 Real Estate Acquisition Policy The guide line for acquisition of lands at Center Hill Lake was predicted to include all land upstream from the dam lying below elevation 690. Since the reservoir area is relatively remote, several large areas above the 690 guidelines were also included in the acquisition program in order to avoid paying excessive severance or incidental damages due to isolation. Additional lands for construction and operation of the dam site were also acquired. As a result, the Corps acquired approximately 39,373 acres of fee land.
Flowage easements and lesser rights were acquired in the amount of approximately 755 acres in order to permit unrestricted operation of the power facilities. This includes approximately 105 acres of easement purchased in association with the construction of the fuse plug in 1994. Of the 38,551 acres of fee land, 830 acres were acquired through transfer from TVA. The perimeter mileage of the fee- owned land is approximately 340 miles. There are no future plans to acquire additional fee or easement lands.
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2-16 Applicable Public Laws Development and management of federal reservoirs for various purposes is provided under various statutes. These laws cover development of recreation facilities, licensing of project lands for fish and wildlife purposes, protection of natural resources and leasing of public lands for incidental uses other than recreation.
Recreation - Development and management of recreation facilities by the Corps, other governmental agencies, local groups or individuals is authorized under the following public laws:
• Water Resource Policies and Authorities – Recreation Planning, Development, and Management Policies ER 1165-2-400 sets forth the basic policies for recreation management at Corps projects. Among other things, this document sets for the Corps’ goal to provide economical and quality recreational opportunities in consonance with the wise use of natural resources. It calls for public and agency participation in the planning process for recreation, consistent with the authorized project purposes, protection of the visual and physical characteristics of public lands and waters, elimination of unauthorized structures and habitation on project lands and prevention of conflicts between various user groups and activities. It also provides for the collection of user fees by the Corps and non-federal entities operating authorized recreation facilities on Corps projects. One critical prohibition contained in this regulation relates to Private Exclusive Use (Para. 14). Any form of private exclusive use, except for docks authorized under the Shoreline Management Plan, is discouraged.
• Freedom to Fish Act, Public Law 113-13 (2013) (113th Congress, 1st Session) as modified by Section 2012 of WRRDA 2014. This law directed the Nashville District to cease implementing its permanent 24/7 waterborne restrictions, to not take any action to establish a permanent physical barrier in connection with restricted areas and transferred the sole responsibility of enforcement of restricted areas to the States. The President signed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 on 10 June 2014. Section 2012 of the Act extends the moratorium imposed by Freedom to Fish Act on when a new or modified restricted area could be implemented or enforced to June 10, 2018.
Real Estate Authorities, including Use Fee
• The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (PL 81-152) authorizes the Secretary of the Army to dispose of certain properties under his/her jurisdiction. Special authority for disposing of land for public port and industrial facilities is further designated in Section 108 of the Act of Congress (PL 86-465; 74 Stat. 486).
• Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1954 (PL 83-780), approved 3 September 1954, amended the Flood Control Act of 1944. It authorized the Secretary of the Army to grant leases to federal,
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state or governmental agencies without monetary considerations for use and occupation of land and water areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army for park and recreation purposes when in the public interest.
• Title 10, United States Code, Section 2667, authorizes the lease of land at water resource projects for any commercial or private purpose not inconsistent with other authorized purposes, subject to specific restrictions thereupon, as set out in regulations, policy, and Delegations of Authority. Title 16, United States Code, Section 460d, authorizes use of public lands for any public purpose, including fish and wildlife, if it is in the public interest. Such uses are also subject to regulations, policy and Delegations of Authority. The use of project lands for easements and licenses is authorized in various Congressional Acts and codified in Titles 10, 16, 30, 32 and 43 of the United States Code. Lands and rights-of-way will be acquired pursuant to provisions of the Uniform Real Property Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Act of 1970, PL 91-646, as amended.
• The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, approved 1 September 1964 (PL 88-578, 78 Stat. 897), contains provisions by which the Corps may charge for admission and use of its recreation areas under prescribed conditions.
• The Omnibus Budget Act - Day Use Fees, approved 10 August 1993 (PL 103-66), contains provisions by which the Corps may collect fees for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities, including campsites, swimming beaches and boat ramps but excluding a site or facility which includes only a boat launch ramp and a courtesy dock.
Civil Works Authorities
• The Federal Water Project Recreation Act, approved 9 July 1965 (PL 89-72, 79 Stat. 213) contains cost sharing provisions for acquisition of lands and development of recreation facilities for water resources projects authorized after 1965. It also provides for cost sharing development of new areas that were not part of initial project construction.
• The Rivers and Harbors Act, approved 2 March 1945 (PL 79-14), specifies the rights and interests of the states in watershed development and water utilization and control, and the requirements for cooperation with state agencies in planning for flood control and navigation improvements.
• Section 4 of the Flood Control Act, approved 22 December 1944, (PL 78-534), authorizes providing facilities for public use, including recreation, and conservation of fish and wildlife.
Access to Persons with Disabilities
• The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (PL 90-480), together with the Acts and Amendments listed below provides information and guidance regarding universal accessibility for persons with disabilities to Corps’ recreation facilities and programs. Draft for Public Comment 75
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• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112) and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974 (PL 93-516) (see Architectural Barriers Act above).
• The Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (PL 95-602) (see Architectural Barriers Act above).
• The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (PL 101-336) (See Architectural Barriers Act above).
Environmental
• The Clean Water Act of 1972 (PL 95-217) establishes a national goal of eliminating all pollutant discharges into US waters by 1985. This Act requires that Federal agencies shall comply with all laws regarding control and abatement of water pollution, and that disposal sites for the discharge of dredged or fill material shall be specified through the Environmental Protection Agency.
Fish and Wildlife - Fish and wildlife resources are maintained and protected in compliance with the following public laws:
• The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, enacted 10 March 1934, as amended, 14 August 1946 (PL 79-732), 1958 (PL 85-624), provides authority for making project lands of value for wildlife purposes available for management by interested federal and state wildlife agencies. It further provides for more effective integration of a fish and wildlife conservation program with federal water resources developments.
• The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 USC 4321 et seq), declares a national environmental policy and requires that all federal agencies shall, to the fullest extent possible, use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which integrates natural and social sciences and environmental design arts in planning and decision making.
• The Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (16 USC 1531 and 1536) requires that federal agencies shall, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (or the National Marine Fisheries Service), use their authorities in furtherance of conserving endangered and threatened species and take such action as necessary to assure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize such species or destroy or modify their critical habitat.
• The Water Resource Development Act of 1986, Section 1135, provides for modifications in the structures or operations of a project, consistent with authorized project purposes to improve the quality of the environment, i.e. restoration of fish and wildlife habitat.
Forest Resources - Protection and Improvement of Natural Resources. The Forest Conservation Act (PL 86-717) approved 6 September 1960, provides for the protection of forest cover in reservoir areas, and Draft for Public Comment 76
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specifies that reservoir areas of projects for flood control, navigation, hydroelectric power development, and other related purposes, owned in fee and under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Engineers, shall be developed and maintained so as to encourage, promote and assure fully adequate and dependable future resources of readily available timber through sustained yield programs, reforestation, and accepted conservation practices, and to increase the value of such areas for conservation, recreation and other beneficial uses; provided, that such development and management shall be accomplished to the extent practicable and compatible with other uses of the project. The law further provides that in order to carry out the national policy declared in the first section of this Act, the Chief of Engineers, under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army, shall provide for the protection and development of forest or other vegetative cover and the establishment and maintenance of other conservation measures on reservoir areas under his jurisdiction, so as to yield the maximum benefit and otherwise improve such areas. Programs and policies developed pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be coordinated with the Secretary of Agriculture, and with appropriate state conservation agencies.
Cultural and Historical Considerations - A number of laws mandating the protection of cultural resources on public lands have been passed during the past 75 years. The following laws subsume, clarify or supersede all previous cultural resource law:
• The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) (P.L. 89-665; U.S.C. 470 et seq.) established a program for the preservation of historic properties throughout the nation, including requirements for federal agencies to take into account the effects of undertakings on historic properties.
• The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) (16 USC 470 et seq.), PL 96-95, 96th Congress Revision and update of 1906 Antiquities Act. Protects archaeological resources and sites that are on public lands and Indian land, and fosters increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional community, and private individuals. ARPA also requires permits for the investigation of archaeological on public lands, and established unauthorized excavation and destruction of archaeological sites over 100 years old as felony.
• The 1980 Historic Preservation Amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, PL 96-515, states a policy of preserving, restoring and maintaining cultural resources and requires that federal agencies take into account the effect of any undertaking on any site eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1979, (P.L. 96-95) provides for the preservation of historical and archaeological data which might otherwise be lost or destroyed as the result of flooding or any alteration of the terrain caused as a result of any federal construction projects.
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• The Archeological and Historical Data Conservation Act of 1974 – PL93-291 provides for the preservation of significant scientific, pre-historical, historical, or archeological data that might be lost or destroyed as a result of various Federal actions
Other Cultural/Historical Laws
• The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (PL 101-601) requires federal agencies and museums to inventory human remains and associated funerary objects and to provide culturally affiliated tribes with the inventory of collections. The Act requires repatriation, on request, to the culturally affiliated tribes and establishes a grant program within the Department of the Interior to assist tribes in repatriation and to assist museums in preparing the inventories and collections summaries. NAGPRA also requires notification of tribes within 72 hours of newly discovered American Indian human remains.
• Antiquity Act of 1906, PL 59-209 establishes the role of the Federal Government in the protection, preservation, and public availability of the historic, architectural, and archeological resources of the nation. This act requires a permit to research historical and cultural resources on Federal property and establishes penalties for destruction of antiquities on Federal land.
• The Historic Sites Act of 1935, PL 74-292 specifically establishes national policy to preserve prehistoric sites of national significance. The National Park Service was directed to make the necessary investigations to obtain the “true and accurate…facts and information…”
• Section 208 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000 allows for the reburial of Native American remains found on Corps-administered lands. In consultation with affected Indian tribes, the Secretary of the Army may identify and set aside areas at civil works projects of the Department of the Army that may be used to rebury Native American remains that have been discovered on project land; and have been rightfully claimed by a lineal descendant or Indian tribe in accordance with applicable Federal law.
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Chapter 3 Resource Objectives and Goals 3-01 Primary Goals The terms “goal” and “objective” are often defined as synonymous, but in the context of this Master Plan, goals express the overall desired end state of the Master Plan whereas resource objectives are the specific task-oriented actions necessary to achieve the overall Master Plan goals.
The primary goals of the Master Plan are to prescribe an overall land use management plan, resource objectives and associated design and management concepts. The following excerpt from EP-1130-2- 550, Chapter 3, expresses the goals for the Center Hill Lake Master Plan.
• GOAL A - Provide the best management practices to respond to regional needs, resource capabilities and suitabilities, and expressed public interests consistent with authorized project purposes.
• GOAL B - Protect and manage project natural and cultural resources through sustainable environmental stewardship programs.
• GOAL C - Provide public outdoor recreation opportunities that support project purposes and public demands created by the project itself while sustaining project natural resources.
• GOAL D - Recognize the particular qualities, characteristics and potentials of the project.
• GOAL E - Provide consistency and compatibility with national objectives and other state and regional goals and programs.
3-02 Resource Objectives Resource objectives are defined as clearly written statements that respond to identified issues and that specify measurable and attainable activities for resource development and/or management of the lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Nashville District, Center Hill Lake Project Office. The objectives stated in this document support the goals of the Master Plan, Environmental Operating Principles (EOPs) and applicable national performance measures. They are consistent with authorized project purposes, Federal laws and directives, regional needs, resource capabilities, and take public input into consideration. Recreational and natural resources carrying capacities are also accounted for during development of the objectives found in this Master Plan. The Tennessee State 2020 Plan, a 10 year strategic outlook plan for the future of Tennessee’s parks, people, and landscapes, was considered as well.
Wildlife and fisheries are managed cooperatively between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and USACE. TWRA’s primary objective is to protect, preserve, and perpetuate Tennessee’s wildlife and Draft for Public Comment 79
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The objectives in this Master Plan, to the best extent possible, aim to maximize project benefits, meet public needs and foster environmental sustainability for Center Hill Lake.
3-02.A Recreational Objectives • Evaluate the demand for improved recreation facilities and increased public access on Corps- managed public lands and water for recreational activities (i.e. camping, walking, hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, etc.) and facilities (i.e. campsites, picnic facilities, overlooks, all types of trails, boat ramps, courtesy docks, interpretive signs/exhibits and parking lots). Goal A, C
• Consider and provide balanced recreational opportunity for a spectrum of public use, providing opportunity for all, including individuals, families, groups, youth, elderly and disabled, with a variety of recreational facilities. Goal A, C, E
• Evaluate demand for commercial facilities on public lands and waters. Goal A, C
• Ensure consistency with USACE Recreation Strategic Plan. Goal A,E
• Reference the Tennessee 2020 Plan and TWRA Strategic Plan to ensure consistency in achieving recreation goals. Goal E
• Leverage partnership opportunities to provide, promote, and enhance opportunities for the public to experience the outdoors (i.e. hiking, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, boating, etc.) Goal A,C,E
3-02.B Natural Resource Management Objectives • Coordinate with state and federal agencies to actively manage and protect fish and wildlife populations and habitats. Identify and protect special status species by implementing ecosystem management principles. Goal A, B, D, E
• Maintain the natural qualities and appropriate vegetative cover of the shoreline lands as a buffer between developments to enhance aesthetic qualities of the environment and protect the natural character of the project’s resources. Goal A, D
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• Optimize resources, labor, and partnerships for the prevention and control of exotic and invasive species. Goal B
• Identify and protect unique or sensitive habitat areas and minimize activities which disturb the scenic beauty and aesthetics of the lake. Goal A, B, C, D, E
• Stop unauthorized uses of public lands such as agricultural trespass, unauthorized structures, unauthorized clearing of vegetation, unauthorized roadways, off-road vehicle (ORV) use, trash dumping and placement of advertising signs that create negative environmental impacts. Goal A, B, C, D, E 3-02.C Cultural Resource Objectives • Recognize that project cultural resources are a vital part of the historic context and heritage of the United States and increase public awareness and education of regional history. Goal B, D, E
• Identify and inventory all significant cultural resources (National Register or eligible properties) which occur within the project area as funds permit. Goal A, B, D, E
• Maintain full compliance with Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act on public lands surrounding the lake. Goal B, D, E
• Prevent the inadvertent loss of the project’s cultural resources from natural or human causes through a program of evaluation and protective or mitigative measures. Goal B, D, E 3-02.D Economic Impact Objectives • Balance economic and environmental interests involving Center Hill Lake. Goal A, B, C, D, E
• Evaluate the type and extent of additional commercial development that is compatible with national Corps’ policy on both recreation and non-recreational outgrants and that may be sustained on public lands classified for High Density Recreation or Multiple Resource - Future/Inactive Recreation Areas. Goal A, B, C, D, E
• Work with local communities to promote tourism and recreational use of the lake to favorably impact socioeconomic conditions surrounding the lake. Goal A, B, C, D, E 3-03 Environmental Operating Principles The United States Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Operating Principles were developed to ensure that Corps of Engineers missions include totally integrated sustainable environmental practices. The Principles provided corporate direction to ensure the workforce recognized the Corps of Engineers
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role in, and responsibility for, sustainable use, stewardship, and restoration of natural resources across the Nation and, through the international reach of its support missions.
Since the Environmental Operating Principles were introduced in 2002 they have instilled environmental stewardship across business practices from recycling and reduced energy use at Corps and customer facilities to a fuller consideration of the environmental impacts of Corps actions and meaningful collaboration within the larger environmental community.
The concepts embedded in the original Principles remain vital to the success of the Corps and its missions. However, as the Nation's resource challenges and priorities have evolved, the Corps has responded by close examination and refinement of work processes and operating practices. This self- examination includes how the Corps considers environmental issues in all aspects of the corporate enterprise. In particular, the strong emphasis on sustainability must be translated into everyday actions that have an effect on the environmental conditions of today, as well as the uncertainties and risks of the future. These challenges are complex, ranging from global trends such as increasing and competing demands for water and energy, climate and sea level change, and declining biodiversity; to localized manifestations of these issues in extreme weather events, the spread of invasive species, and demographic shifts. Accordingly, the Corps of Engineers is re-invigorating commitment to the Environmental Operating Principles in light of this changing context.
The Environmental Operating Principles relate to the human environment and apply to all aspects of business and operations. They apply across Military Programs, Civil Works, Research and Development, and across the Corps. The Principles require a recognition and acceptance of individual responsibility from senior leaders to the newest team members. Re-committing to these principles and environmental stewardship will lead to more efficient and effective solutions, and will enable the Corps of Engineers to further leverage resources through collaboration. This is essential for successful integrated resources management, restoration of the environment and sustainable and energy efficient approaches to all Corps of Engineers mission areas. It is also an essential component of the Corps of Engineers' risk management approach in decision making, allowing the organization to offset uncertainty by building flexibility into the management and construction of infrastructure.
The re-energized Environmental Operating Principles are:
• Foster sustainability as a way of life throughout the organization. • Proactively consider environmental consequences of all Corps activities and act accordingly. • Create mutually supporting economic and environmentally sustainable solutions. • Continue to meet our corporate responsibility and accountability under the law for activities undertaken by the Corps, which may impact human and natural environments. • Consider the environment in employing a risk management and systems approach throughout the life cycles of projects and programs. • Leverage scientific, economic and social knowledge to understand the environmental context and effects of Corps actions in a collaborative manner.
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• Employ an open, transparent process that respects views of individuals and groups interested in Corps activities.
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Chapter 4 Land Allocation, Classification, Water Surface and Project Easement Lands 4-01 Land Allocation Allocation refers to the congressionally authorized purpose for which the project lands were acquired. There are four land allocation categories applicable to Corps projects; Operations, Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Mitigation. Of those four, the only allocation applicable to Center Hill is Operations. That allocation is defined as:
Operations (Navigation, Flood Control, Hydropower, etc.)
Lands acquired for the congressionally authorized purpose of operating the project. All of the land on Center Hill Lake is included in this Operations allocation, meaning lands acquired for this project were in accordance with the authorizing documents for the project, such as Flood Control and Hydropower. This allocated use takes precedence over any of the following classification categories. 4-02 Land and Water Classification Land Classification is the primary use for which project lands are managed. Project lands are zoned for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of NEPA and other Federal laws. There are five categories of classification identified as: Project Operations, High Density Recreation, Mitigation, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Multiple Resource Management Lands. Project maps delineating land according to the following classifications are organized by site number in Appendix 10-05. Acreages for each classification are noted in Table 4-1. 4-02.A Project Operations This category includes those lands required for the dam, spillway, switchyard, earth dam, offices, maintenance facilities and other areas that are used solely for the operation of the project. 4-02.B High Density Recreation Lands developed for intensive recreational activities for the visiting public including boat ramps, day use areas and campgrounds. These could include areas for concessions (marinas, comprehensive resorts, etc.) and quasi-public development. 4-02.C Mitigation This classification will only be used for lands acquired specifically for the purposes of offsetting losses associated with development of the project. Center Hill Lake does not have any lands classified for this use.
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4-02.D Environmentally Sensitive Areas Areas where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. Designation of these lands is not limited to just lands that are otherwise protected by laws such as the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act or applicable State statues. These areas must be considered by management to ensure they are not adversely impacted. Typically, limited or no development of public use is allowed on these lands. No agricultural or grazing uses are permitted on these lands unless necessary for a specific resource management benefit.
Criteria for Environmentally Sensitive Areas
• Federally listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species. • Rich species diversity, large mature native tree species or ecologically sensitive plant/animal species. • High value as nesting, resting, feeding or roosting areas for sensitive neotropical songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. • Visual buffer to adjacent private development, wildflower/wildlife viewing areas or natural landscape appeal. • Important water quality function – serves to buffer runoff for streams, wetlands and erosion sensitive areas. • Presence or high probability for presence of archeological, historical or geological significance. 4-02.E Multiple Resource Management Lands This classification allows for the designation of a predominate use as described below, with the understanding that other compatible uses described below may also occur on these lands. (e.g. a trail through an area designated as Wildlife Management). Land classification maps reflect the predominant sub-classification rather than just Multiple Resource Management.
4-02.E.i Low Density Recreation
Lands with minimal development or infrastructure that support passive public recreational use (e.g. primitive camping, fishing, hunting, trails, wildlife viewing, etc.).
4-02.E.ii Wildlife Management
Lands designated for stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. Most, but not all, lands in this classification are outgranted to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for the purposes of active wildlife management and public hunting or fishing.
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4-02.E.iii Vegetative Management
Lands designated for stewardship of forest, prairie and other native vegetative cover.
4-02.E.iv Future or Inactive Recreation Areas
Areas with site characteristics compatible for potential future recreational development or recreation areas that are closed. Until these lands are developed by others or funding is obtained by the Corps, they will be managed for multiple resources. If proposals for future development arise by state or local governments, further analysis of these sites would be conducted to ensure compatibility of proposed actions with statutory requirements.
Table 4.1 - Land Classification Acreage
Percentage of Fee Land Classification Acreage (above normal pool) Project Operations 193 0.8 % High Density Recreation 2,492 10.3 % Environmentally Sensitive Areas 288 1.2 %
Multiple Resource Management Lands 14,584 60.5 % Vegetative Management
Multiple Resource Management Lands 6,260 26.0 % Wildlife Management
Multiple Resource Management Lands 173 0.7 % Low Density Recreation
Multiple Resource Management Lands 114 0.5 % Future/Inactive Recreation Area
Total Land Acres 23,987 100%
4-02.F Water Surface Center Hill Lake has a surface water management program that designates the following four classifications: Restricted, Designated No-Wake, Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary, and Open Recreation. Acreages for each water surface classification can be found in Table 4-2.
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4-02.F.i Restricted
These are water areas restricted for project operations, safety and security purposes. This would include the waters directly adjacent to the Center Hill Dam that are restricted during certain operational conditions. There are three designated swim areas that are open only to swimmers, and boat traffic is restricted.
4-02.F.ii Designated No-Wake
Water areas designated to protect environmentally sensitive shoreline areas, recreational water access areas from disturbance and for public safety. Typically these areas are located around Commercial Marinas and public boat ramps. These areas are designated with guidance from state boating guidelines.
4-02.F.iii Open Recreation
The remainder of the lake is open to recreational use. There is no specific zoning for these areas, but there is a buoy system in place to help aid in public safety. Regulatory buoys are maintained by the Center Hill Lake Resource Manager’s Office, except for in marina areas where the marina operators are responsible for buoys designating their approved no wake zones.
Table 4.2- Water Classification Acreage (648 feet MSL)
Classification Acreage Percentage of Water Area Restricted 13 <0.1 % Designated No-Wake 368 2.3 % Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary 0 0 % (none on Center Hill) Open Recreation 15,760 97.6 % Total Water Surface Acres 16,391 100%
4-03 Project Easement Lands These are lands on which easement interests are held but no fee title ownership. The lands were acquired for specific purposes and do not convey the same rights or ownership to the Corps as other lands. These are typically composed of three different classification identified as Operations Easement, Flowage Easement and Conservation Easement.
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4-03.A Operations Easement These would be easements the Corps of Engineers purchased for the purpose of project operations. The only Operations Easement on Center Hill Lake is for Indian Creek Road, an access road from Highway 96 to Indian Creek Boat Ramp, which is part of Edgar Evins State Park. The area is about 28 acres. 4-03.B Flowage Easement Easements that give the Corps of Engineers the right to inundate these lands during flood risk management operations to provide adequate storage for flood waters. There are 755 acres of flowage easement lands associated with the Center Hill Lake project, primarily along the Caney Fork River.
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Chapter 5 Resource Plan This chapter further describes specific classifications for all Center Hill Lake lands and waters. Each classification is further described to include area names, managing agency, location, acreage resource objectives and developmental needs.
As discussed in Section 1-07, acreages for this Master Plan have been derived from GIS calculations (when possible) using NAD 1983 Tennessee State Plane coordinate system. These acreages differ from historic databases using older calculation methods, as well as other mapping software using different coordinate systems to create calculations. Real Estate Lease paperwork is still the official acreage of record for any further investigation about outgranted areas. 5-01 Project Operations Areas
These areas, 193 acres, include all restricted access zones around Center Hill Dam (i.e. powerhouse, switchyard, saddle dam area and the resource shop compound) that are protected by fences and/or gates. The management goal for these areas is to provide basic safety and security of Corps’ facilities to protect and insure proper operations of the Project. Developmental needs for these areas include facility upgrades to meet Corps sustainability objectives.
5-02 High Density Recreation
Areas included in this classification (2,492 acres) are developed and managed for intensive recreational activities including campgrounds, day use/recreation areas, secondary access areas (i.e. boat ramps and overlooks), commercial marinas and state parks. High Density Recreation areas may be managed and operated by the Corps of Engineers or outgranted to another agency or private entity for management. These areas are managed primarily to meet the recreational and economic impact resource objectives identified in Chapter 3.
5-02.A Campgrounds and Recreation Areas 5-02.A.i Buffalo Valley Recreation Area, Site No. 101
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
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Location: Buffalo Valley Recreation Area is located below Center Hill Dam beside the tailrace on the right descending bank of the Caney Fork River, just off of State Highway 141.
Description: This 38 acre day use area features gently sloping to level topography characterized by a mix of grassy areas surrounded by hardwood forest. The area once consisted of a large stand of loblolly pine trees, but around 2001 the Southern Pine Beetle devastated this area and all of the affected pine trees had to be removed for safety purposes. Area has since been replanted with a variety of hardwoods and is now predominantly a hardwood forest. The day use area consist of a boat ramp, wildlife viewing area, two ¼ acre wildlife food plots, interpretive trail, access steps to river, restroom, and parking lot with 52 single vehicle spaces and 15 vehicle/trailer spaces. The concrete boat ramp and access steps to the river were constructed through Handshake Partnerships between USACE and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Area Use: The day use area has a moderate to high usage rate during the summer, particularly on weekends, and continues to see moderate usage during the fall and winter months by hunters and fishermen. The area is very popular for both fishermen and boaters alike. The demand for access to the river from this location has seen a major increase in recent years due to the popularity of paddle sports such as canoeing and kayaking. In addition to the general public utilizing the area, canoe/kayak rental businesses use the boat ramp to provide their customers access to the river. This has led to many challenges such as parking, congestion at the boat ramp, occasional river rescues of inexperienced boaters, and user conflicts between fishermen and recreational boaters. The set of steps located along the interpretive trail are frequently utilized by fisherman to provide safe access to wade the Caney Fork River.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Replace outdated restroom • Provide additional parking • Provide additional boat ramp • Construct additional trail
5-02.A.ii Long Branch Recreation Area, Site No. 102
Management Agency: USACE
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Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County, left descending bank of the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam. Access is achieved through TN State Hwy 141. A spur road enters the site and continues to a parking area at the Center Hill Dam Power Plant.
Description: This 23 acre multipurpose area is characterized by flat topography, which makes it ideal for the heavy recreational use it receives. It includes both a campground as well as a day use area. The campground consist of 59 reservable campsites, all with electric and water hookups, 3 have sewer as well, 2 restrooms (both with showers and laundry facilities), an entrance station, a sanitary dump station, playground, and picnic shelter. Use of the campground (especially sites adjacent to the river,) are heavy used by families as well as fishermen using the river. A footbridge over hidden springs, a tributary of the Caney Fork River, connects the lower portions of the site. The day use area includes picnic sites, boat ramp, picnic shelter, playground, restroom, and a parking lot with 115 single vehicle spaces and 15 vehicle/trailer spaces.
Figure 5.1 – Long Branch Campground River Sites
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Area Use: The campground has heavy usage with most of the sites taken on weekends during the summer season. The day use area has seen an increase in usage due to the increase in popularity of paddle sports and fly fishing. Long Branch continues to see moderate usage during the fall by boaters and winter months by fishermen.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide camping and day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Replace outdated restrooms • Assess area for possible additional parking at day use and campground
5-02.A.iii Center Hill Recreation Area, Site No. 103
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County, on State Highway 96, 4 miles south of Interstate 40. The area is located on the left bank, immediately adjacent to and upstream of Center Hill Dam.
Description: Center Hill Recreation Area, also referred to by locals as “Ike Park”, is a 9 acre day use area. The terrain is very steep, with abundant outcroppings of limestone. The park is anticipated to reopen in 2020 with the following amenities: a double lane boat ramp and courtesy dock, 2 group picnic shelters, restroom, and a parking lot with 7 single vehicle spaces and 36 vehicle/trailer spaces.
Area Use: This area was closed to the public in 2007, and was utilized as a work platform during the rehabilitation of Center Hill Dam. Prior to the area’s closure, the area received moderate to heavy use in the summer months by boaters, fisherman, and sightseers, and light to moderate use in the winter months by fisherman.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide day use opportunities Draft for Public Comment 92
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• Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Provide additional boat launching ramps • Provide expanded parking
5-02.A.iv Floating Mill Recreation Area, Site No. 113
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County, 1 mile off State Highway 56, 5 miles south of Interstate 40. The area is located on the right descending bank, 7 miles upstream of Center Hill Dam.
Description: This 104 acre multipurpose area includes both a campground as well as a day use area. The terrain is rolling to steep, with vegetation consisting of grasses along with mixed hardwood species. The campground consist of 105 campsites, a majority of which have electrical and water hook ups (98 w/water, 96 w/electrical), 4 restrooms (2 with showers, 2 with laundry facilities), an entrance station, 2 sanitary dump stations, a beach, boat ramp, amphitheater, launch ramp, courtesy float, playground, and a hiking trail. The day use area includes 23 picnic sites, an entrance station, a beach, launch ramp, picnic shelter, restroom, and a parking lot with 104 single vehicle spaces and 13 vehicle/trailer spaces.
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Figure 5.2 – Floating Mill Campground Site
Area Use: The campground has heavy usage with most of the electric/water sites taken on weekends during the summer season. The day use area has a moderate to high usage rate during the summer, and continues to see moderate usage during the fall and winter months by hunters and fishermen.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide camping and day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Upgrade existing campsites • Replace outdated restrooms • Provide additional parking in campground • Provide a courtesy dock in the day use area
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Figure 5.3 - Floating Mill Day Use Playground Area 5-02.A.v Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area, Site No. 115 Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County on Tennessee State Highway 56, 6.3 miles from Interstate 40 Exit 73, and eight miles from US 70 at Smithville.
Description: This recreation area contains 53 acres, the majority of which contains facilities and manicured grounds. These improvements include two double lane boat ramps and two parking lots with 21 car/trailer and 51 single vehicle spaces which provide lake access. The area has a group picnic shelter, 23 picnic sites, and one restroom. At one time the area had a 25 site campground that was closed in the 1990s. In place of the campground there is now a paved one mile looped walking trail. The remaining area consists of slopping forest. Draft for Public Comment 95
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Area Use: This area receives moderate to heavy use from primarily water-oriented activities, with some land based activities due to picnic sites and trail. The area is frequented by walkers, sightseers, fishermen and boaters during a majority of the year.
Site-Specific Objectives: • Provide lake access for boating and fishing • Provide land access for picnicking, sightseeing and walking • Maintain the aesthetic appeal of the area
Development Needs: • Replace and/or update public restroom • Provide additional car/trailer parking • Provide a courtesy float to the second double lane ramp
5-02.A.vi Johnson’s Chapel Recreation Area, Site No. 121
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: Developed facilities and moderate use of the area supports the High Density Recreation classification.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County, 2.5 miles off U.S. Highway 70, 8.8 miles east of Smithville, TN; 13.2 miles west of Sparta, TN. The area is located on the left descending bank of Falling Water River, 18 miles upstream of Center Hill Dam.
Description: This 11 acre water front area features 17 picnic sites with a gentle slope to the water’s edge, restroom, boat ramp, campsite for park host, and 2 parking lots with 30 single vehicle spaces and 14 vehicle/trailer spaces. The area has a typical “park” characteristic with scattered trees and minimal understory. Johnson’s Chapel is limited in the ability to expand due to the terrain and proximity to an adjacent private neighborhood.
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Figure 5.4 – Johnson’s Chapel Day Use Picnic Area
Area Use: This area has moderate usage during weekends during the summer season and sees low usage during the fall and winter months by hunters and fishermen. During the winter months, the picnic area and restroom are closed due to low usage and maintenance requirements. The boat ramp and adjacent parking area remain open year round.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Replace outdated restroom • Upgrade septic system at campsite for park host • Construct additional parking area • Provide designated swim beach
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5-02.A.vii Ragland Bottom Recreation Area, Site No. 125
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities.
Location: This recreation area is located in DeKalb County, off US Highway 70, 7.5 miles from Smithville. The area is located on the right descending bank, 21 miles above Center Hill Dam.
Description: This 113 acre multipurpose area includes both a campground as well as a day use area. The terrain is gently sloping to steep, with vegetation consisting of grasses along with mixed hardwood species. The campground consist of 56 reservable campsites, of which 40 have electrical and water hook ups, 3 restrooms (all with showers and one having laundry facilities), an entrance station, a park attendant site, a sanitary dump station, a launching ramp, playground, basketball goal, volleyball court, and a hiking trail. The day use area includes 36 picnic sites, boat ramp, courtesy float, entrance station, group picnic shelter, restrooms, swimming beach, playground and a parking lot with 50 single vehicle spaces and 75 vehicle/trailer spaces.
Area Use: This area receives heavy visitation during the recreation season and moderate use by fisherman during the off season. The campground receives moderate to heavy usage with the majority of water and electrical sites taken on weekends during the recreation season. The day use area has a moderate to high usage rate during the summer months by swimmers, boaters, and fishermen and continues to see moderate usage during the fall and winter months by fishermen. Ragland Bottom is very popular for fishing tournaments throughout the year. This, combined with the shortage of trailer parking in the day use area, has led to the campground boat ramp also being used by boaters and fisherman during periods of overcrowding in the day use area.
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Figure 5.5 - Ragland Bottom Campground Entrance
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide quality camping and day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Upgrade existing campsites • Replace outdated restroom/shower house
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• Expand parking in day use area • Improve 16 primitive tent sites to full hook-up RV sites • Provide facilities for fishing tournaments • Provide additional courtesy float • Improve hiking trail • Proposed amphitheater near the trailhead
5-02.A.viii Holmes Creek Recreation Area, Site No. 311
Management Agency: USACE
Land Classification: High Density Recreation
Rationale: This area supports a classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities and existing recreational facilities and proximity to the city of Smithville, Tennessee.
Location: Homes Creek is located three miles north of Smithville, Tennessee, and US 70. The site has gradually sloping to steep topography and is situated at the head of Holmes Creek.
Description: Holmes Creek Recreation Area is comprised of 55 acres of gently sloping to steep terrain, with vegetation consisting of grasses along with mixed hardwood species. The day use area includes boat ramp, courtesy float, and a parking lot with 33 single vehicle spaces and 15 vehicle/trailer spaces. DeKalb Utility District manages a water intake structure and was issued an outgrant in 2014 within the area. Unauthorized off-road vehicle activity is an ongoing management issue. Several old road beds were barricaded and the area signed to prevent further damage to the resource.
Area Use: This area receives heavy visitation during the recreation season and moderate use by fisherman during the off season. The day use area has a moderate to high usage rate during the summer months by swimmers, boaters, and fishermen, and continues to see moderate usage during the fall and winter months by fishermen.
Site-Specific Objectives:
• Provide quality day use opportunities • Provide water access for boating and fishing
Development Needs:
• Upgrade parking • Expand parking in day use area
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• Provide ADA fishing pier access • Provide facilities for fishing tournaments • Provide additional security lighting
5-02.B Access Areas
There are two access areas on Center Hill Lake that are classified as High Density Recreation. The specific objective for these areas is to provide lake access for boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Table 5-1 provides a summary of these areas including site number, managing agency, acreage and development needs. Both areas include a parking area and Dubland Launching Area a concrete boat ramp. Basic services include periodic mowing and trash/litter pickup. Typically these areas experience high visitation during the peak recreation season. Limited space and difficult topography could make expansion costly and challenging.
Table 5.1 - Access Areas
Managing Area Site # Site Name Agency (Acres) Development Needs Center Hill Dam Mechanical and biological vegetative maintenance 235 Overlook * USACE 1 of vistas. Dubland Launching 253 Area DeKalb Co 5 Install Courtesy Dock * No boat ramp access. Overlook only. 5-02.C Commercial Concession Marinas and Resorts
These sites are leased to and operated by private businesses to provide visitors with additional services not offered at Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas. Typically these areas will stimulate the local economy by improving local tourism. In fact, 75 percent of all lease payments made to the Corps is returned to the county in which the marina is located. The services may include slip rentals, on-water fuel docks, restaurant/snack bar, boat rentals and cabin rentals.
5-02.C.i Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club, Site No. 306
Located 8 miles south of Interstate 40 on State Highway 96, Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club is approximately 115 acres of land. The facilities offered to visitors by this marina include over 600 wet slips, boat rentals, fuel dock, 3 boat ramps, cabin rentals, restaurant and a ship store. The lease area includes an area that was previously operated by USACE as a recreation area, but was outgranted to the
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marina in 1999. This area is currently used primarily as access to the main facility, but has potential for increased facilities/amenities. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.ii Hurricane Marina, Site No. 314
Located at the central portion of Center Hill Lake off TN State Hwy 56. Hurricane Marina experiences a high visitation rate due to its close proximity to Interstate 40, as well as its central location on the lake is situated on the Falling Water River, A tributary of the Caney Fork River. The acreage of the land area is approximately 55 acres. The facilities offered to visitors by this marina include over 600 wet slips, boat rentals, fuel dock, boat ramp, restaurant and a ship store. This area is primarily sloping to steep topography. All facilities are located on government property. Currently, the marina is close to its maximum capacity due to unavailability of parking expansion.
5-02.C.iii Cookeville Boat Dock, Site No. 322
Located 15 miles southwest of interstate 40 on Cookeville Boat Dock Road. Cookeville Boat Dock is situated on the Falling Water River, a tributary of the Caney Fork River. The land acreage of the marina is approximately 59. The facilities offered to visitors by this marina include over 250 wet slips, boat rentals, fuel dock, boat ramp, restaurant, boat maintenance and a ship store. This area is primarily consists of sloping to steep topography. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.iv Sligo Marina, Site No. 327
Located on US Highway 70, 7 miles east of Smithville, Tennessee at Sligo Bridge, Sligo Marina has an area of approximately 38 land acres. The marina is situated on the north side of US 70 on the westerly approach to the bridge, and a cabin area is situated to the north of US 70 on the easterly approach to the bridge. The facilities offered to visitors by this marina include over 500 wet slips, boat rentals, fuel dock, a two-lane boat ramp, 5 cabin rentals, restroom facilities, restaurant, snack bar, ship store and canvas shop. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.v Pates Ford Resort and Marina, Site No. 329
Located seven miles east of State Highway 56 and southeast of Smithville, Pates Ford Marina has a total land area of approximately 43 acres. Amenities provided to the public include over 260 wet slips, fuel dock, boat ramp, swimming pool, restaurant, ship store, cabins, water and electric campsites and boat rentals.
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5-02.C.vi Horseshoe Bend Marina, Site No. 331
Located 59.4 miles upstream of Center Hill Dam, Horseshoe Bend Marina has a lease area of approximately 33 acres of land. Existing facilities include 48 wet slips, boat ramp, fuel dock, boat rentals, campsites, restroom building, dock store, and a manager’s residence. The marina is on the far upper end of Center Hill Lake and just downstream of TVA’s Great Falls Dam. Area once occupied Webb’s Camp Fishing Dock that was in operation until 1974. Current marina has been in operation since 2001. Area has limited opportunities for expansion due to the terrain and the challenges that exist from Great Falls Dam periodically releasing high volumes of water immediately upstream.
5-02.C.vii Four Seasons Marina, Site No. 334
Four Seasons Marina is located 7 miles south of US Highway 70 on the main channel of Center Hill Lake. It has an area of 38 acres of land. Four Seasons Marina offers the following amenities: over 190 wet slips, fuel dock, boat ramp, manager’s residence and a snack bar.
5-02.C.viii Hidden Harbor Marina, Site No. 335
Located 5 miles northeast of US Highway 70 via Hurricane Road, Hidden Harbor Marina has a land area of approximately 56 acres. Existing facilities include over 250 wet slips, restroom facilities, boat rentals, fuel dock, two one-lane boat ramps, ship store, snack bar and campsites. Note: Hidden Harbor Marina was formerly known as Holmes Creek Boat Dock, and located at the head of Holmes Creek. Due to the Center Hill Dam Rehabilitation Project, the marina moved to its current location in 2007. The marina’s current location was formerly operated by the Corps and was known as Holmes Creek Recreation Area, which closed in 2003. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.ix Edgar Evins Marina
Edgar Evins Marina description is contained within the write-up for Edgar Evins State Park (See 5-02.D.i). Unlike the other commercial concession marinas, this marina is not a standalone outgrant but a sub- lease to Edgar Evins State Park.
5-02.C.x The Retreat at Center Hill Lake, Site No. 436
Formerly leased by Tennessee Technological University (TTU) as the Tech Aqua Biological Station, and later as Lakeside Resort, the area is now currently leased by Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch. The Retreat is located on a peninsula accessible via Tennessee State Highway 56, approximately one mile south of Hurricane Bridge, and has a land area of approximately 139 acres. Amenities provided to the public include rental cabins, campsites, a one-lane boat ramp, 2 lodge/inns, a courtesy dock for guests, a snack
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bar, a swimming pool, a volleyball court, hiking trails, and an amphitheater. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.xi Joe L. Evins Appalachian Center for Craft, Site No. 437
Located on a portion of the original outgrant provided for the Tech Aqua Biological Station, this site has an area of approximately 454 acres, and is located on a peninsula accessible via Tennessee State Highway 56 at Hurricane Bridge. The Joe L. Evins Appalachian Center for Craft provides a teaching and learning facility, which allows a dissemination of the skills and products of the craftsman of the Appalachian Region. The Center for Craft is operated by Tennessee Technological University. Existing facilities include 4 cabins for students, restaurant, gift shop, administrative office, art exhibits, classrooms, hiking trails and a small tower overlooking the lake. All facilities are located on government property.
5-02.C.xii Indian Creek Youth Camp Site No. 438
Located on the west bank of Indian Creek approximately 4.5 miles above the dam, the camp occupies 277 acres of private land and approximately 38 acres of government land. The camp is operated by the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. The facilities include horse barn and trails, craft building, indoor swimming pool, cafeteria, cabins, event hall, a residence building, a boat dock, and a boat ramp. The main usage of the camp is by youth in the summer season. Shorter camp activities and church retreats and conferences are held during the spring and fall seasons. Usage of the camp is very significant in the summer months.
5-02.D State Parks 5-02.D.i Edgar Evins State Rustic Park, Site No. 104
The entrance to Edgar Evins State Rustic Park is located 4 miles south of Interstate 40 at exit 268, at the intersection of TN State Highway 141 and TN State Highway 96. While the area considered High Density Recreation is only about 846 acres, The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) leases approximately 5,900 acres from the Corps of Engineers, as well as owns over 325 acres itself that comprise this State Rustic Park. Within the lease area the park offers a full range of resort and day use opportunities including a visitor center, 2 boat ramps, courtesy float, rental cabins, campsites, a sanitary dump station, restroom/shower houses, laundry facilities, picnic sites, multipurpose trails, an amphitheater and playground equipment. TDEC subleases the operation of a full service marina with over 400 wet slips, boat rentals, a fuel dock, ship store and restaurant.
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The Federal-State Cooperative development is characterized by densely forested steep slopes, and forms most of the north and south banks of Center Hill Lake near the dam area. This park was officially opened in the summer of 1975.
Figure 5.6 - Cabins at Edgar Evins State Park
5-02.D.ii Rock Island State Park, Site No. 132
The entrance to Rock Island State Park is located 10.2 miles south of State Highway 56 South on State Highway 287. Rock Island State Park is located in the extreme upper reaches of the Center Hill project lands on both sides of the Caney Fork River, directly below the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Great Falls Dam and Powerhouse. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), leases approximately 162 acres from the Corps of Engineers, as well as owns another 1000+ acres itself. The park offers a full range of resort and day use opportunities including a visitor center, 2 boat ramps, rental cabins, campsites, a sanitary dump station, restroom/shower houses, laundry facilities, picnic
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sites, multipurpose trails, a tennis court, amphitheater and a natural sand beach. Visitation experienced at the park has been high since it’s opening in 1971.
The park is characterized by striking and varied features. Bluffs along portions of both banks of the Caney Fork River reach elevations of 200 feet or above from the water’s edge. The rest of the park area varies from gently rolling to steep slopes.
5-03 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
The following sites, totaling approximately 288 acres, have been identified to contain unique ecological, cultural or aesthetic features that justify an Environmentally Sensitive Area land classification. Many of these areas contain unbroken forested habitat and will be managed to meet the natural and cultural resource management objectives identified in Chapter 3 with a primary goal to protect unique or sensitive habitat and minimize activities which disturb the scenic beauty and aesthetics of the lake. Several of these areas provide unique and diverse habitats for various wildlife species including Neotropical migrants of conservation concern and the endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens). Unless specifically prohibited, low impact recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting will be permitted within these Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
5-03.A.i Islands, Not Labeled
Center Hill Lake contains approximately 151 acres of islands, not including Davies Island described later in this section. Although many of these islands are licensed to TWRA for wildlife management, they have been classified as environmentally sensitive to provide additional protection for these unique resources. Islands typically have environmentally valuable characteristics resulting from mainland isolation, varying slope aspects, unique aesthetics and distinct habitat types. The islands also provide valuable fish habitat for spawning, feeding and shelter.
5-03.A.ii Davies Island, Site No. 652
Davies Island consists of approximately 619 acres and is located 23.5 miles upstream of the dam. It is listed as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), but two areas within Davies Island, consisting of approximately 52 acres, which are classified as environmentally sensitive to provide additional protection for the unique resources they provide. The island also is the location of one of three known Bald Eagle nest on Center Hill Lake, being active since its discovery in the late 1990’s. The size of the island, along with its mainly undisturbed habitat, make it ideal for a wide variety of flora and fauna. More discussion on the wildlife management of the greater part of Davies Island is found in Section 5- 04.A.iii.
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5-03.A.iii Fancher Falls, Site No. 654
Fancher Falls is located 22 miles above Center Hill Dam on Taylor Creek, a tributary of Falling Water River. The view of the falls is accessible by boat via Taylor Creek. The water plunges from above for 50 feet to a misty pool near the backwaters of the lake. This area consist of approximately 28 acres of public land.
5-03.A.iv Adjacent to Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Site No. 655
Burgess Falls proper is located in Putnam County on the Falling Water River and is adjacent to Burgess Falls State Natural Area. Burgess Falls is a cascade-type 120 foot waterfall located adjacent to the Center Hill Lake property line where the Falling Water River enters the project. Although the falls themselves are not on government property, the public property area adjacent to the falls is designated as environmentally sensitive due to the uniqueness of the area and the diversity it provides. A substantial amount of visitation occurs via boats when the lake elevation is at normal pool. This area consist of approximately 35 acres of public land.
5-03.A.v Window Cliffs, (a unit of Burgess Falls State Park) Site No. 656
Window Cliffs is a 275-acre state natural area designated in 2014. A portion of the access trail, 22 acres, crosses government property. It is located in southern Putnam County approximately 18 miles south of Cookeville near Burgess Falls State Natural Area. Located within the dissected portion of the Eastern Highland Rim, Window Cliffs is a prominent geological clifftop feature that consists of a very narrow, elongated ridge that lies in the neck of an incised meander of Cane Creek. While it is about 150 feet wide at its base, it is only a few feet wide on the narrow clifftop, and is approximately 200 feet above Cane Creek. The area was officially opened in the summer of 2017.
5-03.B Multiple Resource Management Lands - Low Density Recreation
These are lands with minimal development that support passive recreational use. There are more than 173 acres classified as Low Density Recreation on Center Hill Lake at one location. These areas is managed primarily to meet the recreational and natural resource management objectives identified in Chapter 3.
5-03.B.i Cove Hollow, Site No. 439
This site is located at the head of the embayment where Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club is located, but is outside the marina’s leased area. The area is also accessible from State Highway 96 via Indian Creek Youth Camp Road. This section of Corps property has accommodated various recreational opportunities over the life of the project. These opportunities included a “Sheriff’s Camp” for youth, a
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primitive campsite for several years, and an archery range. The area is currently managed primarily for low density recreation, with secondary management objectives to include wildlife management. This area is used predominantly for hunter access to a section of the Edgar Evins State Park Wildlife Management Area, access to hunting on the area acreage, and less intensively, for bank fishing access. The area is well suited for re-opening/modernization of the archery range, a possible primitive campsite area, or various partnering opportunities for access enhancement projects with both Edgar Evins State Park and Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. This area consist of approximately 128 acres of public land.
5-03.B.ii Access Areas
There are 14 access areas on Center Hill Lake that are classified as Low Density Recreation. The specific objective for these areas is to provide lake access for boating, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Table 5.2 provides a summary of these areas including site number, managing agency, acreage and development needs. All areas include a parking area (gravel or paved) and a concrete boat ramp (except for Hwy 56 Overlook). Basic services may include periodic mowing and/or litter pickup. Typically these areas experience moderate visitation during the peak recreation season. Unless budgetary constraints change, the possibility of significant upgrades, such as parking lot expansion or facility installations, are minimal.
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Table 5.2 - Low Density Access Areas
Managing Area Site # Site Name Development Needs Agency (Acres) 220 South Shore Access Area USACE 5 Limit vehicular access to shoreline
228 Three Island Access Area USACE 7 Improve Parking
233 Puckett’s Point Access Area DeKalb Co 5 Improve Parking
240 Hickey Access Area USACE 2 Repair ramp Improve Parking/limit vehicular 241 Austin Bottom Access Area USACE 1 access to shoreline 243 Holiday Haven Access Area DeKalb Co 5 Repair Ramp Falling Water Retreat Access 244 DeKalb Co 3 Improve Parking Area 247 Still Point Access Area DeKalb Co 1 Improve Parking
249 White County Access Area USACE 2 Install Ramp/Improve Parking Lakeview Mountain Access 251 DeKalb Co 3 Improve Parking Area 255 Pin Hook Access Area USACE 4 Install Ramp/Improve Parking Aaron Webb/Potts Camp 256 USACE 4 Install Ramp/Improve Parking Access Area 246 Putco Access Area USACE 1 Install Ramp/Improve Parking Install educational/information 260 Hwy 56 Overlook* TDOT .28 bulletin board * No boat ramp access. Overlook only. 5-04 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Wildlife Management
These lands (approximately 6,260 acres) are designated for the management of wildlife and fisheries resources to meet the natural resource management objectives. The primary goal for these lands is to coordinate with state and federal agencies to actively manage and protect fish and wildlife populations and habitats and to provide recreational hunting and fishing opportunities. The largest acreage under this designation on Center Hill Lake is managed primarily by TWRA at the Edgar Evins State Park WMA. Passive recreation such as wildlife watching, hunting, paddling and hiking may occur in these areas. The plant communities in these areas are critical to providing suitable habitat for native
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wildlife. It is worth noting that in addition to the Edgar Evins State Park WMA, TWRA also has a license for fish and wildlife management purposes over the entire project’s land and water area.
5-04.A.i Edgar Evins State Park Wildlife Management Area, Site No.104
Edgar Evins State Park WMA consists approximately 5,100 acres of leased government property that is sub-leased thru the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (State Parks) to TWRA. The area is managed to provide users with quality hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation experiences. The area receives a significant amount of hunting pressure as the area supports an abundant population of white-tailed deer, turkeys and various small game animals. Secondary management activities include low density recreation, including opportunities for wildlife viewing where enthusiasts can also enjoy the abundant wildlife in the area, including white-tailed deer, turkey, bobcat, coyote, fox, river otter, beaver and raccoon, and vegetative management.
5-04.A.ii Britch Creek WMA, Site No. 183
Britch Creek WMA consists of over 533 acres located on the east bank of Center Hill Lake of State Hwy 70 on Old Hwy 26. The area was designated as a Proposed Public Use Area in the 1984 Master Plan, but those plans have never been implemented. Due to the limited availability of significant sized, unbroken areas of public property, this area is now being designated as a WMA. The area is heavily wooded and is characterized by rugged terrain. Slopes on the area range from relatively flat ridge tops to very steep slopes that descend to the lake. The area’s size and diversity of habitat support a healthy population of game and non-game species. The area is suitable for habitat improvements to support these species. Secondary management activities include low density recreation, including opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as limited access to the shoreline for bank fishing, and vegetative management.
5-04.A.iii Davies Island WMA, Site No. 652
Davies Island WMA consists of over 619 acres and is located 23.5 miles upstream of the dam. The island previously had food plots planted for wildlife enhancement, prescribed burns, and was the location for a TWRA sponsored youth hunt in the 1970s. The area is managed to provide users with quality hunting as well as wildlife viewing opportunities. Populations of white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons and small game are available. This area also contains two areas that are discussed in Section 5-03, Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Secondary management activities include low density recreation, including opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, two primitive campsites, and vegetative management.
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5-05 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Vegetative Management
Encompassing 14,548 acres, Vegetative Management is the largest sub-classification of Multiple Resource Management Lands on Center Hill Lake. The shoreline in these areas is generally allocated as “Protected Shoreline Areas” in the Center Hill Lake Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). The primary resource objective for these lands is natural resource management with a goal to maintain the natural qualities and appropriate vegetative cover on the shoreline as a buffer between the lake and private property, much of which is currently experiencing increases in development. These buffers enhance aesthetic qualities of the environment and protect the natural character of the project’s resources. Management activities included in this sub-classification include boundary maintenance, native tree plantings and managing forest density, shoreline erosion control, invasive plant removal and public education concerning the protection of shoreline buffer zones. See section 6-04 for more information on the Shoreline Management Plan. Secondary management objectives for these lands include wildlife management, future recreation area, and low density recreation such as sightseeing, bank access, and hiking.
5-06 Multiple Resource Management Lands - Future/Inactive Recreation Areas
These are areas that were classified for recreation but were never developed or were developed and have subsequently been abandoned. Due to reclassification, Cane Hollow Recreation Area is the only area remaining in this sub-classification. Although there may not be an immediate need for additional recreation facilities within this location, it is impossible to accurately predict future recreational trends or population growth within any given area.
5-06.A.i Cane Hollow Recreation Area, Site no. 181
Cane Hollow is a 114 acre site located in White County approximately one mile southwest of Burgess Falls on the Falling Water River. The area is currently managed for low density recreation and vegetative management, including maintaining an access point as well as a primitive campsite. The area features gently rolling to steep topography. The area is one of the only sites on Center Hill Lake large and flat enough to accommodate a large recreational development.
Even though federal recreation funding is limited, this site could be leased to other agencies, state or local governments for development. Due to the proximity to Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Cane Hollow would be well suited to be leased by the State of Tennessee for expansion of this area.
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Another possibility would be the creation of an Off Road Vehicle area through a state or local government lease.
5-07 Water Surface
Water surface area designations are described earlier in Chapter 4-02.F. The Resource Manager’s Office maintains regulatory buoys on Center Hill Lake with the exception of those located at commercial outgrant areas. Coordination will be made with the TWRA prior to establishing any “No-Wake” zones.
5-08 Project Easement Lands
These lands are lands on which the Corps of Engineers has easement interests, but no fee title ownership. The lands were acquired for specific purposes and do not convey the same rights or ownership to the Corps as other lands. These are typically composed of three difference classifications types identified as Operations Easement, Flowage Easement, and Conservation Easement. Only Operations and Flowage Easement are found on Center Hill Lake.
5-08.A Operations Easement
This easement area was purchased for the purpose of project operations. The tracts are located on Indian Creek Road as an access road from Highway 96 to Indian Creek Boat Ramp, which is part of Edgar Evins State Park. The easement for the roadway is about 28 acres. 5-08.B Flowage Easement
Flowage Easement on Center Hill Lake consists of over 755 acres. These easements were purchased to give the Corps of Engineers the right to inundate these lands during flood risk management operations to provide adequate storage capacity for flood waters. The flowage easement on the Caney Fork River extends up to an elevation of the normal high water mark prior to construction of Center Hill Dam. Approximately 105 acres of flowage easement was purchased in 1993 for the purposes of potential functioning of the “Fuse Plug” modification of the Saddle Dam. The flowage easement line for this section of easement is located at 564 feet AMSL. Typical management of flowage easement lands include surveillance to insure that landowners do not construct habitable structures or place fill material within the easement. All activities within the flowage easement must be evaluated to ensure compliance with the Nashville District Cut and Fill Policy, December 2002.
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Chapter 6 Special Topics/Issues/Considerations 6-01 Floating Cabins Section 1035 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) allows for floating cabins within the Cumberland River Basin provided they met policy. The Corps implementation guidance for Section 1035 of WRRDA 2014, establishes consistent policies, procedures, and responsibilities to evaluate requests for the addition of floating cabins and associated moorings/slips in the Cumberland River Basin. This policy is only applicable to floating cabins within outgranted marina areas in the Cumberland River Basin, must be maintained to the required health and safety standards, and is in compliance with regulations for recreational vessels issued under chapter 43 of title 46, United States Code, and section 312 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1322).
6-02 Partnerships
Increasing demands on Corps resources and facilities paired with declining recreation program budgets makes partnerships essential to our ability to provide safe and healthy recreation experiences. These may include outgranting selected recreation areas, partnering with local governments or organizations to construct additional facilities and utilizing volunteers to perform various jobs including park attendants and routine maintenance. Recent challenge partnerships with local governments have resulted in the construction of an amphitheater and courtesy dock. On average 208 volunteers provide 5,241 hours of service valued at $103,336 per year at Center Hill Lake. In FY 16, volunteers provided 4,424 hours of service valued at $104,229. Future partnership and volunteer opportunities will be pursued in accordance with the USACE Recreation Strategic Plan.
6-03 Federal Funding A significant change since the original Master Plan and subsequent updates which has significantly affected the Corps/outgrantee relationships and potential for future recreational development is the federal funding environment. Initially, many of the recreation areas designated in earlier Master Plans were, at least in part, developed by the Corps. Many access roads, parking lots, launching ramps, restrooms, and other support facilities were constructed or improved by the Corps at full federal expense in order to attract new concessionaires to meet public recreation demands. Later, provisions of Public Law 89-72 required cost-sharing partners to develop further recreational improvements. Under both scenarios, after an operator was selected through open competition and developed the site for full public use, the Corps continued to maintain the federally constructed portion of the site, including re- paving of parking lots and access roads within its boundaries. Parking and launching was free to the using public. Due to funding constraints over the recent decades, the Corps was unable to continue
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this service. Concessionaires were encouraged to assume maintenance responsibilities in exchange for authority to charge reasonable fees for public launching to recoup some of their costs. In addition, concessionaires were authorized, upon meeting qualification requirements, to charge for “managed parking.”
Due to the aforementioned federal funding regime, unless the Corps itself proposes to develop an area, potential applicants will be responsible for completing a full market analysis and feasibility study as well as funding required environmental and cultural studies. At this time, the Corps has no plans to independently or jointly develop “new” public recreation areas. A critical point to emphasize in this update is that, while economic development and resulting positive impacts to the local and regional economy are definite factors in evaluating proposals for recreation development, the primary consideration is the public need for, and public benefits to be achieved by, the proposal. At times, residential subdivision or commercial developers have requested to construct launching ramps or marinas to service their adjacent developments. The Corps does not authorize recreational access or other development activities for the primary purpose of enhancing the value of adjacent private developments.
6-04 Shoreline Management Plan
The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) is an appendix to the Center Hill Lake Operational Management Plan and this Master Plan. The SMP provides policies and guidelines to balance private shoreline uses with the protection and restoration of the natural environmental conditions of Center Hill Lake.
6-05 Water Safety
With over 370 million annual visits, the Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation. Since a large majority of these visitors engage in water related activities, water safety education is top priority. Nationwide, the Corps participated with other agencies concerned with water safety as far back as the early 1950's. The Corps in the Nashville District started an organization in 1951 that became the National Water Safety Congress. In the mid-1970's, the Chief of Engineers issued the first official directive for the Corps to amplify its water safety educational efforts after nearly 500 lives were lost at Corps lakes in a single year. In 1986, the Corps National Water Safety Program was started with a mission is to increase public awareness of boating and water safety through educational materials and products.
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With public safety as a primary concern, Center Hill Lake implements the water safety program at the project level to reduce public accidents and fatalities through education, publicity, patrols on land and water and teamwork with partners. Education is provided through information in recreation areas, bulletin boards, posters, signs, banners, and brochures. The water safety promotional materials provided by the HQUSACE Water Safety Committee are used extensively to leave a lasting impression. Web pages (like the National Water Safety Congress and the National Safe Boating Council), fishing reports, and in person presentations provide also provide educational information to the public. The Center Hill Lake staff routinely conducts water safety programs for schools, summer camps and various civic groups.
Publicity is provided through participation in special events such as state park programs, local county fairs, other local community events, Jr. Ranger Programs, Life Jackets Saves and Pays Day, National Safe Boating Week, shoreline cleanups, and National Public Lands Day. News releases are issued through radio, TV and print media. Social media is also heavily utilized to disseminate the water safety message. The Center Hill Lake staff also participates in the Nashville District Water Safety Task Force to review ways to promote water safety, share information and develop strategies for reducing public accidents and fatalities at Nashville District lakes, locks and dams.
6-06 Tree Vandalism
Tree vandalism is the unauthorized removal of woody vegetation from public property. More specifically, the cutting of trees or the damage or removal of any vegetation for any purpose, including the creation of lake views, pruning, landscaping, mowing or under brushing, is a federal crime punishable under the provisions of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 327.14.
Limited fee land holdings and continued residential development adjacent to Center Hill Lake has resulted in increased numbers of these cases. Tree vandalism can damage or destroy necessary vegetative buffer zones resulting in the loss of habitat, increased erosion, reduced water quality and degraded view shed aesthetics. In the past, the Corps has worked closely with violators to restore the areas and/or collect monetary value of damages to protect the natural resources of the lake. The Corps may also refer any tree vandalism case to the United States District Court for resolution. However, prevention of tree vandalisms is the Corps’ primary objective. Further information concerning the destruction of vegetation can be found in the Center Hill Lake Shoreline Management Plan referenced in Section 26b.
Anyone who observes or has knowledge of theft, vandalism, or any other threat or suspicious activity against Corps property is also encouraged to participate in the “Corps Watch” program, which is a nationwide crime-watch program developed to protect public property managed by the Corps of Engineers. Each year, millions of your tax dollars are lost due to property damage from vandalism, larceny, arson, and environmental and cultural resource degradation. This program is designed to
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heighten public awareness of the impacts of crime within or around dams, lakes, locks, recreation areas, and other Corps of Engineers property and facilities. 6-07 Cultural Resource Vandalism Archaeological sites are present throughout Center Hill Lake. Collecting artifacts and illegal excavation of sites is prohibited under Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 327.14 (Title 36) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). In addition, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act also extends to historic resources over 100 years old, which includes buildings and structures. Archaeological sites, historic buildings, and historic structures are non-renewable resources. Once the resource is damaged and destroyed, information about the resource is lost forever. As the stewards of these resources, the Corps is responsible for protecting and managing cultural resources for future generations.
The value of archaeological sites derives from the data and the context. The relationship of artifacts to one another spatially within a site provides insight into past cultures. When artifacts are removed from those contexts through uncontrolled excavation, the context is lost and little meaning can be assigned to the artifacts. Moreover, looters tend to be interested in specific complete artifacts such as projectile points, pots, or items of personal adornment. In the search for artifacts that may be salable on the black market, looters frequently destroy middens, which may be rich with information relating to diet (such as charred seeds and bones), pot holes, which reveal information on houses, families, and structures, burials, and other data rich features. Metal detecting is equally disruptive, because digging the metal object from the ground destroys the context and removes the object from the site. In turn, any future investigations of the site would be missing important pieces of information that lead to reliable interpretations about the past.
Looting is an illegal, unethical, and selfish act that leads to the loss of public resource and incurs public expense. Looting is punishable under Title 36 and ARPA. Under ARPA, looting is a felony and a first offense may result in fines up to $100,000 and one year in prison. A second offense may result in a maximum fine of $500,000 and five years in jail. Alternatively, illegal looting activities may be prosecuted under Title 36. In addition to the expenses incurred relating to the prosecution, the Corps must act to inventory the site damage, stabilize damage sites to prevent further natural erosion and curate artifacts in perpetuity.
Citizens providing tips leading to the arrest and prosecution of offenders may be rewarded up to $1,000. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act, Section 205 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, and the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) authorize such awards. The “Corps Watch” toll free hotline at 1-866-413-7970 is available 24-hour-a-day to report theft, vandalism or any threat or suspicious activity against Corps property. Caller identity is protected and the proper authorities are notified.
Legitimate excavations of archaeological sites are permissible by obtaining an Archaeological Resources Protection Act Permit. An ARPA permit application requires a research design, field methodology, curation agreement and supervision by an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of Interior’s qualifications for professional archaeologists (36 CFR part 61). Pursuant to Corps regulations, ARPA Draft for Public Comment 117
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permit applications are minimally reviewed by the Resource Manager’s office, Real Estate Branch and Cultural Resource Management staff, but may require additional reviews and consultation with Tribes.
6-08 Metal Detecting Due to the potential to destroy archaeological sites and other natural resources, metal detecting is permitted in designated use areas only. The designated metal detecting use areas for Center Hill Lake are the sand beach and playground areas within the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Long Branch Recreation Area, and Ragland Bottom Recreation Area. Metal detecting is prohibited in all other terrestrial and marine areas of Center Hill Lake.
6-09 User Fees – Entrance, Launching, and Parking Fees ER 1165-2-400, dated 9 August 1985, authorizes the charging of user fees to the public to offset the costs of providing and maintaining recreation facilities and services. The Corps is limited to imposing user fees for use of campgrounds and specialized sites (day-use) which are directly operated by the Corps. Non-federal public agencies and outgrantees may charge entrance and user fees commensurate with the development and services provided. All entrance and user fees must be approved by the Corps. Facilities provided at Corps projects must be open to all on equal terms and require uniform fee schedules for public use. Fees associated with parking within commercial marinas must be consistent with the surrounding market.
6-10 Boundary Line Maintenance Due to the popularity of home development near project boundaries, the danger of encroachments from private property onto Corps land requires continuous monitoring and surveillance. These possible encroachments could have a damaging effect on the resources of Center Hill Lake. In order to discourage damaging activity, annual remarking of sections of the project boundary line are done on a yearly rotation, in accordance with the Center Hill Maintenance Contract specifications. The Nashville District’s policy is that the marked government boundary has been in place for a sufficient time that we will no longer accept challenges to it. Project personnel can assist in identifying the marked boundary, which will be considered the definitive demarcation between Corps property and adjacent private or other non-Corps lands.
6-11 Boundary Line Disputes The government boundary line has been surveyed, marked, and periodically remarked for over 50 years. U.S. Code, Title 28, Part VI, Chapter 161, paragraph 2409(g) states that: “Any civil action under this section, except for an action brought by a State, shall be barred unless it is commenced within twelve years of the date upon which it accrued. Such action shall be deemed to have accrued on the date the Draft for Public Comment 118
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plaintiff or his predecessor in interest knew or should have known of the claim of the United States.” Based on the above, the Nashville District’s policy is that the marked government boundary has been in place for a sufficient time that we will no longer accept challenges to it. Project personnel can assist in identifying the marked boundary, which will be considered the definitive demarcation between Corps property and adjacent private or other non-Corps lands.
6-12 Marine Sanitation Environmental Compliance Center Hill Lake is designated as a “no discharge lake”.
EPA has designated two types of waters, (1) no discharge waters and (2) treated effluent waters, commonly referred to as discharge waters. No discharge waters included: • Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, or impoundments whose inlets and outlets are such as to prevent the ingress and egress of vessels subject to Coast Guard regulations. • Rivers not capable of interstate transportation. • Other waters designated by the State as having special water quality needs which require stricter protection than Federal standards, such as water supply reservoirs. Requests for waivers must be fully justified and EPA must determine that adequate pump-out facilities are available before a petition would be granted.
Treated Effluent Waters included: • Coastal waters and estuaries. • Great Lakes and their connections. • Freshwater lakes and impoundments accessible through locks. • Flowing waters that are capable of interstate navigation by boats subject to regulation.
Vessels on Center Hill Lake are not allowed to discharge in the lake waters. Marinas on Center Hill Lake must provide services for waste disposal, including sewage pump-out of watercraft per the terms of their lease.
6-13 Clean Marina Program The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary initiative that helps marina operators become more environmentally aware and protect the natural resources that provide their livelihood – clean water and fresh air. The Program is an education and outreach initiative that encourages the implementation of best management practices at marinas. Boaters are also encouraged to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors. "Clean Marina" designations recognize marinas for exceeding regulatory requirements by voluntarily incorporating higher environmental standards into daily operations. The Clean Marina Program also serves as a forum for sharing technical guidance on such items as solid and hazardous waste management, state and Federal regulations, and pollution prevention techniques.
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Originally developed in coastal states to address non-point source pollution under the Coastal Zone Management Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, Clean Marina Programs have been adopted or are being developed in 32 states, the District of Columbia and several Federal agencies including the National Park Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Corps of Engineers. With 456 lakes around the United States, the Corps of Engineers, with our partners, is the largest provider of marinas east of the Mississippi River.
Building on the solid foundation of our Environmental Operating Principles and in implementation of our Civil Works Strategic Plan, the Corps of Engineers strongly endorses the Clean Marina Program. Currently, several marinas within the Nashville District have been awarded Clean Marina status. If a marina desires to obtain the clean marina status, project staff should be contacted to provide them with the proper information. For more information on the Clean Marina Program, see: http://www.wood.army.mil/engrmag/PDFs%20for%20Oct-Dec%2004/Treadway.pdf http://www.cumberlandrivercompact.org/pdf/CleanMarinaIntroduction.pdf
6-14 Nashville District Guidelines and Policy for Cut and Fill Proposals Drafted in December, 2002, this document provides formal guidelines and coordination procedures to evaluate cut and fill placement proposals on Corps of Engineers fee or flowage easement lands within the Nashville District. On Center Hill Lake, the Corps of Engineers purchased a flowage easement estate on the Caney Fork River, Tract Maps K, L, M, O under Center Hill Lake authority (flowage easement on O tracts were acquired in 1993 for flood control in the event of the fuse plug ever needing to be used). Typically the flowage easement estates contain restrictions that prohibit the construction of a habitable structures. These restrictions also prohibit the placement of any other structure, including fill material, without the approval of the District Engineer. Generally, no fill material will be allowed below the top of the flood control pool (685 feet AMSL) unless alternate storage volume is provided within same general elevation band. All requests for cut and fill placement shall be submitted in writing to the Resource Manager (RM). The RM will then submit the complete proposal to the Natural Resource Management Branch for routing to the appropriate offices. 6-15 Guidelines for Issuance of Outgrants
National Land Use Policy for Recreational and Non-Recreational Outgrants A national land use policy for recreational outgrants, titled “Recreational Outgrant Development Policy”, was issued by the Corps in December, 2005. This policy outlines the Corps’ philosophy and guidelines related to the acceptable types of uses of Corps-managed public lands. A sister policy for activities not involving recreation, such as roadways, utilities, commercial or residential development, municipal
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requests for infrastructure, state and federal agency requests for use of Corps-managed lands, etc., was published in March, 2009 titled “Non-Recreational Outgrant Policy. Both policies have been incorporated into the ER-1130-2-550 in Chapters 16 and 17.
Nashville District Outgrant Guidelines A Real Estate outgrant is generally defined as a written document setting the terms and conditions of non-Army use of public property and conveys or grants the right to use Army-controlled real property. Common outgrants include public park and recreation leases, commercial concession leases, fish and wildlife licenses, agricultural leases and various easements for roadways, communication lines, power lines and water or sewer lines. Each outgrant proposal will be reviewed for compatibility with all project purposes, current policies and regulations to include ER 1130-2-550, Chapters 16 and 17, ER 405-1-12, Chapter 8, environmental impacts and concerns, cultural resources effects and compliance, fish and wildlife, endangered species, public sentiment and the overall public interest. Outgrant requests will be processed in accordance with the Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) for Processing Major Outgrants and standard processes set by USACE.
All federal actions are subject to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) coordination and compliance reviews. Minor requests with minimal environmental impact may be determined to fit a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA. Requests involving more than minor impacts may require an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Assessments must consider, among other factors, cultural and historic resources, water quality, air quality, threatened and endangered species, economic and social impacts, aesthetics, hazardous substances and cumulative impacts. Coordination also occurs with corresponding Federal agencies, state agencies and public involvement with respect to requested activities.
6-16 Paddlesports
According to the Physical Activity Council (PAC), paddlesports have been growing in popularity in recent years and continues to grow with 21.7 million Americans participating in paddling in 2014. This represents an increase of more than three million participants since 2010. Paddling participants nationally made 216 million annual outings in kayaks, rafts, canoes, and stand up paddle boards in 2014.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) National Recreation Boating Safety Program found approximately 62% of adults who boated in 2012 did so at least once in canoes and/or kayaks, and that these vessels account for 29% of boats owned in 2012 in the country. The program also found that powerboat fatalities decreased from 2011 – 2015, whereas paddlecraft deaths increased slightly. It is important to always have a life jacket, be familiar with the area and type of river, and leave a float plan. There are also life jackets made specifically for paddlesports, and should be worn whenever on the water. Draft for Public Comment 121
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At this time paddling is most commonly found below Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River, a tributary of the Cumberland River. The two most popular areas to launch are at the Corps operated Buffalo Valley and Long Branch Recreation Areas. At this time fees are not collected at either of these locations, allowing free easy access to paddlesport enthusiasts (see Chapter 6-17 for more information on Caney Fork River Access).
Paddlesports are also popular in the upper end of the lake, particularly near Rock Island State Park. This area directly below Great Falls Dam provides rapids ranging in difficulty from class III to class V, and the state park offers annual white water paddling events for the more experienced enthusiasts. Paddlers who visit this area should have a kayak roll practice and be able to identify the obvious hazards. It is projected that as the sport continues to increase, the lake will continue to see more paddlers. Along with the upper end of the lake and downstream of the dam, creeks, coves, shallow parts of the lake, and along the shoreline away from the main navigation channel also make for popular locations. Access to the lake for paddlers is found in all access areas and recreation areas, along the shoreline from adjacent private property, and public property areas without any launching ramps.
More information on paddlesports can be found at these websites: Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association - http://www.paddletsra.org/, and the American Canoe Association - https://aca.site-ym.com/. Generation schedules for Center Hill Dam and Great Falls Dam can be found on TVA’s website: https://www.tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels.
Figure 6.1 - Paddlers and fishermen enjoy the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam
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6-17 Caney Fork River Access The Center Hill Dam Tailwater on the Caney Fork River is an increasingly popular area for paddlesports. Popular areas to float to are Happy Hollow Access (CFRM 21.5) and Betty’s Island (CFRM 18). Both are managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA). TWRA routinely patrols the Caney Fork River to ensure life jackets and fishing requirements are met. TWRA increases these patrols during the highly visited summer weekends, checking up to 600 paddlers and fishermen over a four mile distance per day.
Currently there are local outfitters that provide canoes, kayaks, and shuttle services – increasing area usage by novice paddlers. This area has also continued to be popular for fly fishermen. Due to an increase in both activities, fishermen and paddlers have learned to share the area, however high usage times make fishing more difficult. Many fishermen have altered their schedule to fish during low paddler visitation.
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Figure 6.2 - Map of the Caney Fork River and Access Points. The river feeds the Cumberland River near Carthage, TN
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6-18 Drones The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, has become increasingly popular. However, due to the potential breaches of security in and around critical infrastructure (locks, dams, power plants, and switch yards) and user conflicts at recreation areas, the Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers passed a policy in 2016 limiting the use of UAS by the public at Corps projects. According to the policy, UAS operation for hobby, recreational, and/or commercial purposes is prohibited unless authorized by the District Commander. USACE regulation regarding the public and commercial operation of aircraft, including UAS, is contained in 36 CFR, Chapter III, Part 327.4, Aircraft. Due to these limitations, Johnson’s Chapel Recreation Area is the only area approved for the operation of UAS at Center Hill Lake.
Operators are reminded that they will be held liable for damage to Corps of Engineers property resulting from piloting a UAS or any other activity associated with operating a UAS. The operation of unmanned aircraft that harasses or jeopardizes wildlife or critical habitat is prohibited. UAS should be operated in accordance with applicable state laws and Federal Aviation Administration regulations including any UAS registration requirements. They may be flown only during daylight hours only and while maintaining a visual line of sight of the aircraft while it is in operation. Operators who wish to request exceptions to the policy, or for commercial use must contact the Center Hill Lake Resource Manager’s Office.
More information on the policy may also be found in the August 5, 2016 News Release: http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/906273/corps-unveils-policy-for-operation- of-unmanned-aerial-systems-at-nashville-dist/ or by contacting the Center Hill Lake Resource Manager’s Office.
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Chapter 7 Agency and Public Coordination A major purpose of Master Planning documents, including appendices, is to set forth the basic operating and management philosophies for Corps of Engineers projects. It is imperative that the preparation of these plans include, to the fullest extent possible, input by, and coordination with, all members of the affected public and representatives of its interests. EP 1130-2-550 contains specific coordination and public involvement requirements. These include in-house, interdisciplinary coordination and review, interagency and public coordination, and notification of Congressional interests. To this end, the Corps formed an internal team of Nashville District Office personnel, with representatives of Operations, Office of Counsel, Real Estate, Water Quality, Engineering and Planning and Center Hill Lake Project personnel including park rangers and management. This team identified representatives of various public interest groups to assist in developing a draft update for presentation to the general public, agencies, and Congressional interests for review and comment. These representatives included members from counties surrounding the lake, marina associations, tourism organizations, and state and federal resource agencies. The make-up of the team, minutes of the April 27, 2017 meeting and responses to comments and/or recommendations are provided below in this chapter. As input was received, it was incorporated, as applicable, into the draft Master Plan. An Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the impacts of implementation of this update has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including public interest review. 7-01 Minutes from Stakeholder Meeting, 27 April 2017
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD CENTER HILL LAKE MASTER PLAN REVISION
DRAFT: Minutes – Stakeholder Meeting
CELRN-OP-MCA-CEN/R 27 April 2017
SUBJECT: Center Hill Lake MP Revision – Stakeholder Meeting Minutes
Purpose: Kickoff to inform Center Hill Lake Stakeholders about the Master Plan Revision, process, and information that would be helpful to the master plan process.
1. The following participants attended the meeting on 25 April 2017: List attendees Attendees contact info and office Allison Walker USACE Nashville District Office, [email protected], 615-736-7988 Travis Wiley USACE Nashville District Office, [email protected], 615-736-7857 Draft for Public Comment 126
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Kevin Salvilla USACE Center Hill Lake, [email protected], 931-858-3125 Terry Martin USACE Center Hill Lake, [email protected], 931-858-3125 Gary Bruce USACE Center Hill Lake, [email protected], 931-858-3125 John Malone USACE Center Hill Lake, [email protected], 931-858-3125 Tara Wohlgemuth Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, [email protected], 931-520-6654 Debra Ruzinsky TTU Appalachian Center for Crafts, [email protected], 615-597-6801 Jack Butler Tennessee Technological University, 931-372-3227 Herb White Indian Creek Youth Camp, [email protected], 615-542-4411 Richard Clemons Center Hill Marina, [email protected], 615-548-4315 Phil Kile Center Hill Marina, [email protected], 615-548-4315 Zach Ledbetter Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, [email protected], 931-526-2211 Ronnie Kelly City of Cookeville, [email protected], 931-520-5259 Tim Stribling DeKalb County Mayor, [email protected], 615-597-5175 Ben Chapman Lighthouse Christian Camp, [email protected], 615-597-1264 Jon Foutch DeKalb Utility District, [email protected], 615-597-6490 Jesse Schmeling The Retreat at Center Hill, [email protected], 615-597-4298 Frida Gaw Cookeville Boat Dock, [email protected], 931-858-4008 Bill Woodard Smith County Chamber of Commerce, [email protected], 615-735-2093
2. Meeting Minutes Discussion Items: A. Master Plan Overview Presentation – Kevin (see powerpoint presentation) i. In regards to the nature of MP, OMP, and SMP – Master Plans are more abstract and conceptual in nature, Operational Management Plans are more concrete and task- oriented, and Shoreline Management Plans are a subsection of OMPs. ii. Q: How often are MPs, SMPs, and OMPs updated? A: MP hasn’t been updated since 1984, though is supposed to be done about every 25 years. The OMP is updated as needed, and the SMP is updated consistently every 5 years. The most recent SMP was just completed in 2016. B. General Discussion i. Q: Is there a long range policy for allowing Marinas continued expansion? A: It comes back to the carrying capacity, and a study may need to be done to see the impacts. Marinas on the lake are expanding, but the Center Hill Lake Parking Policy can limit Draft for Public Comment 127
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expansions. Would likely be easier for existing marinas to expand rather than addition of new marinas on the lake at this time. ii. Q: How does the Parking Policy allow offsite parking for marinas? A: Incorporating offsite parking is allowed on a case-by-case basis and be done by the Real Estate office. Off-site parking areas must be in the immediate vicinity of the project and would be subject to all Corps parking regulations. New boat storage areas may help this. iii. Q: Who owns and has authority of the Flowage Easement on the River? A: The Corps owns the rights to flood the easements, and can limit the structures placed on them. Permits for certain activities can be obtained by the Regulatory Branch and TDEC. iv. Q: Will the Caney Fork River releases be included in the MP? Can the public get scheduled releases weeks in advanced? A: We have worked with H&H for a map with times for better trip planning, but Office of Counsel has to approve. TVA has a 24 hour schedule, but there are a wide variety of factors that dictate releases from the dam (rain, generation, water quality, etc.). v. Comment – With two large outfitters that shuttle kayakers to Buffalo Valley and Long Branch, access is becoming harder to come by. As the paddle industry in general continues to grow, more accesses down river may be necessary to accommodate kayakers and fisherman. vi. Q: Did we close our primitive campsties? Why is Cane Hollow listed as Future/Inactive? A: We have not closed them; we have 5 primitive campsites, 3 of them by boat access only. Cane Hollow is the largest primitive camping area and has a history of unauthorized activity. The MP is a perfect opportunity to discuss its future uses and the public’s involvement. vii. Q: Are we seeing any Water Quality degredation? Is the water becoming dirtier as time goes on? A: The Corps and TDEC are always testing water quality. We have not seen any changes and if water becomes hazardous, we would close access. viii. Q: Will the Corps provide an updated Base Flood Elevation (BFE) study? A flood mapping study was conducted five years ago that increased floodplain footprints on the Caney Fork below Center Hill Dam requiring more landowners to obtain flood insurance. A: The Corps agreed to consult with H&H to see if future floodplain studies are planned. ix. Q: What designates an Environmentally Sensitive Area? A: Islands are typically included, as well as any known Endangered Species and Culturally Significant sites. x. Q: Will the Corps be updating the maps they deliver to the public? A: We hope to update these in the near future with better graphics and information. xi. Q: Can you describe the area around Fanchers Falls, and why is it listed as an ESA? A: It is very steep and accessible by boat only when the lake is at elevation 648’. There is limited development and a small amount of government property around the falls, therefore we have it as an ESA to limit leasing the property and protecting the view. Data requests/Action Items: A. Terry – email the Strawman version of the MP to the stakeholders Plan Forward A. Please provide comments to Terry/Gary at any time. Email works best for us so we have a record of your comments verbatim (as opposed to us trying to paraphrase from a phone call).
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B. Allison will send out requested materials to the stakeholders (SCORPS, and Draft Classification Maps) C. Terry/Gary will send out updated drafts of the Master Plan Revision as appropriate
Disclaimer
This document is not intended as an exact translation but is intended to address generalized topics of discussion covered during the meeting.
Submitted 27 April 2017
PREPARED BY: John Malone Tel: 931-858-3125 7-02 Comments from Stakeholder Group, April 2018 A final request for comments from the stakeholder group was done during April, 2018, prior to the Master Plan Revision going out to for full public comment.
A representative from Lighthouse Christian Camp made the following comments. Corps responses are documented after every comment.
1. Multiflora rose is a real problem in some areas since it is difficult to control unless it is removed by the root. It is proposed that the Corps cooperate with private landowners to control multiflora rose on Corps lands under supervision of the Resource Manager.
Corps Response: The Resource Manager currently has the ability to issue, on a case by case basis, a “Specified Act” permit to remove non-native or invasive species on public property.
2. It is recommended that Water Safety be considered in relation to limiting the expansion of moorage slips in commercial marinas. Since Center Hill Lake experiences heavy boating traffic on weekends it has become hazardous for families and children to be on the water. The use of alcohol by boaters also is a contributing factor. Sales of alcohol at marinas is a contributing factor.
Corps Response: Any expansion of moorage facilities at marinas must comply with the Center Hill Lake Marina Parking Policy. If future public usage increases to the extent that significant use conflicts occur, a formal carrying capacity study may be warranted. Use of alcohol by boaters and the sale of alcohol at marinas must comply with state and local laws.
3. If Center Hill Lake is a “no discharge lake,” all marinas, where houseboats and cabin cruisers are moored, should have pump out facilities. This should be addressed specifically in the Center Hill Lake Master Plan. There is heavy use of privately owned houseboats that never leave the marinas. Water quality should be addressed in relation to heavy use of boats within marinas. Enforcement of Corps regulations should be addressed. If houseboats and other boats in marinas are not equipped to be pumped, they should be given a limited time to get equipped or ordered to be removed from the lake.
Corps Response: All marinas are currently required by the terms of their lease to provide pump-out services. The Corps of Engineers routinely performs water quality sampling. Additional language about marina lease requirements was added to Section 6-12. Also reference Tennessee Wildlife Resources Draft for Public Comment 129
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Agency’s website at https://www.tn.gov/twra.html for more information on requirements for no discharge lakes.
7-03 Comments from the Public Comment Period
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Chapter 8 Summary of Recommendations 8-01 Classification Changes
Table 8.1 - Summary of Classification Changes
Guide to highlights: NoNNo Change Changeo change ClarificationClarification (see(see notes)notes) ChangeChange
1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) 3.46 additional acres below 99 (Center Hill 99 (Center Hill Project Project the saddle dam acquired as Dam Site) Dam Site) Operations Operations part of a land exchange with the state. 101 (Buffalo 101 (Buffalo High Density High Density Valley Recreation Valley) Recreation Recreation Area) Smaller area than shown on the 1984 MP map. Area in this classification map 102 (Long 102 (Long Branch High Density High Density correctly reflects size of the Branch) Recreation Area) Recreation Recreation Long Branch Area. Surrounding areas are vegetative management. Smaller area than shown on the 1984 MP map. Area in this classification map 103 (Center 103 (Center Hill High Density High Density correctly reflects size of the Hill) Recreation Area) Recreation Recreation Long Branch Area. Surrounding areas are vegetative management. Area was not developed. Currently recreation needs 105 (Cove High Density MR-Vegetative are met by adjacent rec areas none Hollow) Recreation Management and marina. Currently managed for vegetative management. The area is smaller than indicated on the 1984 map. 110 (Holmes High Density MR-Vegetative The area not within the none Creek) Recreation Management developed recreation area is managed for vegetative management
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) This peninsula remains a recreation area, but is now the Hidden Harbor marina. 335 (Hidden High Density The marina relocated Harbor Marina) Recreation downstream during the water drawdown for the Center Hill Dam rehabilitation. 113 (Floating 113 (Floating Mill High Density High Density
Mill) Recreation Area) Recreation Recreation 115 (Hurricane 115 (Hurricane High Density High Density Bridge Recreation Bridge) Recreation Recreation Area) 121 (Johnson’s 121 (Johnson’s High Density High Density
Chapel) Chapel) Recreation Recreation 125 (Ragland 125 (Ragland High Density High Density Bottom Bottom) Recreation Recreation Recreation Area) 131 (Webb’s 331 (Horseshoe High Density High Density Recreation area is now a Camp) Bend Marina) Recreation Recreation marina Previous classification system did not have a designation for future recreation areas, though this area is listed as MR- proposed. No development 181 (Cane Proposed Public 181 (Cane Hollow) Future/Inactive has occurred in this area, but Hollow) Recreation Area Recreation Area is still classified as a future recreation area. In the meantime, the area is managed for vegetative and wildlife management This area is no longer considered a good candidate 182 (Caney Proposed Public MR-Vegetative 182 (Caney Fork) for high density recreation Fork) Recreation Area Management and is managed primarily for vegetative management A small portion of this tract is High Density 327 (Sligo Marina) now part of the Sligo Marina Recreation lease area This area is being managed for wildlife management. It has 183 (Britch Proposed Public secondary management Creek) Recreation Area MR – Wildlife purposes of vegetative 183 (Britch Creek) Management management and low density Area recreation. This area is popular with hunters as it is a large tract of public land.
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal Natural Area 220 (South Shore MR - Low Density development, this area will be 220 (Laurel) (secondary access Access Area) Recreation classified as low density point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal Natural Area 228 (Center 228 (Three Island MR - Low Density development, this area will be (secondary access Point) Access Area) Recreation classified as low density point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal 233 (Puckett’s Natural Area 233 (Puckett’s MR - Low Density development, this area will be Point Access (secondary access Point) Recreation classified as low density Area) point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district While still a secondary access point with fewer amenities than a larger high density recreation area, secondary Natural Area 235 (Center Hill 235 (Center Hill High Density access points will be classified (secondary access Dam Overlook) Dam Overlook) Recreation as high density recreation in point) keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal 240 (Hickey Natural Area 240 (Hickey MR - Low Density development, this area will be Launching (secondary access Access Area) Recreation classified as low density Area) point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal 241 (Denny 241 (Austin Natural Area MR - Low Density development, this area will be Launching Bottom Access (secondary access Recreation classified as low density Area) Area) point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district 242 (Mulligan Area closed and barricaded Natural Area Hollow MR-Vegetative due to unsafe activity. Now none (secondary access Launching Management predominantly managed for point) Area) vegetative management. Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the 243 (Holliday limited amenities and minimal 243 (Holiday Natural Area Haven MR - Low Density development, this area will be Haven Access (secondary access Launching Recreation classified as low density Area) point) Area) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the 244 (Falling limited amenities and minimal 244 (Falling Water Natural Area Water Retreat MR - Low Density development, this area will be Retreat Access (secondary access Launching Recreation classified as low density Area) point) Area) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district 246 (Putco Access
Area)
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal 247 (Still Point Natural Area 247 (Still Point MR - Low Density development, this area will be Launching (secondary access Access Area) Recreation classified as low density Area) point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the 249 (White limited amenities and minimal 249 (White Natural Area County MR - Low Density development, this area will be County Access (secondary access Launching Recreation classified as low density Area) point) Area) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district 250 (Atnip Bluff Natural Area Area no longer an access area. MR-Vegetative Launching None (secondary access Managed for vegetative Management Area) point) management Due to the previous designation as “secondary access point” as well as the limited amenities and minimal 251 (Lakeview Natural Area 251 (Lakeview Mt. MR - Low Density development, this area will be Mt. Launching (secondary access Access Area) Recreation classified as low density Area) point) recreation in keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district While still a secondary access point with fewer amenities than a larger high density recreation area, secondary 253 (Dubland Natural Area 253 (Dubland High Density access points will be classified Launching (secondary access Access Area) Recreation as high density recreation in Area) point) keeping with current regulation definitions, and classifications for similar areas across the district Secondary access area, High 255 (Pin Hook High Density Density Recreation none Natural Area Access) Recreation classification, that was not in the previous Master Plan
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) Access area, MR – Low 256 (Aaron MR - Low Density Density Recreation none Webb/Potts Natural Area Recreation classification, that was not in Camp Access) the previous Master Plan Access area, MR – Low 260 (Highway 56 MR – Low Density Density Recreation None Natural Area Overlook) Recreation classification, that was not in the previous Master Plan 284 (Nulls Natural Area Island Not listed, in (secondary access Launching easement area point) (easement) Area) (future) 285 (Betty Natural Area Island Not listed, in (secondary access Launching easement area point) (easement) Area) (future) 306 (Center Hill 306 (Cove High Density High Density Marina and Yacht Hollow Marina) Recreation Recreation Club) This high density recreation area used to be a marina, but 110 (Holmes 311 (Holmes High Density High Density relocated downstream. Creek Recreation Creek Dock) Recreation Recreation Though no longer a marina, Area) the area remains a recreation area. 314 (Hurricane 314 (Hurricane High Density High Density
Dock) Marina) Recreation Recreation Actual lease area is smaller than depicted in the 1984 322 (Cookeville 322 (Cookeville High Density High Density map. Areas surrounding the Dock) Boat Dock) Recreation Recreation marina are vegetative management. High Density High Density Sligo Dock lease area now 327 (Sligo Dock) 327 (Sligo Marina) Recreation Recreation includes 329 (Pates Ford 329 (Pates Ford High Density High Density Resort and Dock) Recreation Recreation Marina) 334 (Four 334 (Four Seasons High Density High Density Seasons Marina) Recreation Recreation Marina) Developed part of the state park continues to be classified 104 (Edgar 104 (Edgar Evins High Density High Density as High Density Recreation. Evins Rustic State Park) Recreation Recreation 3.46 less acres of Corps fee State Park) property as a result of a land swap with the state
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) The majority of the Edgar Evins park area is managed for wildlife management. This 104 (Edgar Evins MR-Wildlife classification update reflects Rustic State Park) Management that management, with secondary objectives of low density recreation and vegetative management 132 (Rock 132 (Rock Island High Density High Density Island Rustic Rustic State Park) Recreation Recreation State Park) 436 (Tech Aqua 436 (The Retreat High Density High Density Biological at Center Hill Recreation (quasi Recreation (quasi Station) Lake) public) public) 437 (Joe L. Area does not reach all the Evins 437 (Joe L. Evins High Density High Density way to the shoreline as Appalachian Appalachian Recreation (quasi Recreation (quasi indicated in 1984 map. Center for Center for Craft) public) public) Shoreline area is managed as Crafts) vegetative management 438 (Indian High Density High Density 438 (Indian Creek Creek Youth Recreation (quasi Recreation (quasi Youth Camp) Camp) public) public) Group camp was never developed. Area is now 439 (Cove High Density managed primarily for low MR-Low Density Hollow Group 439 (Cove Hollow) Recreation (quasi density recreation, with Recreation Camp) (future) public) secondary objectives of vegetative and wildlife management 648 (Burgess Natural Area Falls State Not listed, in (secondary access Natural Wildlife easement area point) (easement) Natural Area) 652 (Davies Island Wildlife MR-Wildlife
652 (Davies Management Management Island Wildlife Area) Wildlife Management 652 (Davies Island Management Area) Environmentally Environmentally Areas set aside for special Sensitive Areas Sensitive Area preservation Area) Areas set aside for special 654 (Fancher 654 (Fancher Environmentally preservation. This area is in Falls Natural Natural Area Falls) Sensitive Area support of Fancher Falls Area) Natural Area
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1984 MP Site 2018 MP Revision 1984 2018 Number (and Site Number (and Notes Classification Classification Name) Name) 655 (Adjacent to Areas set aside for special 655 (Adjacent Burgess Falls Environmentally preservation. This area is in to Burgess Natural Area State Natural Sensitive Area support of Burgess Falls State Natural Area) Area) Park Areas set aside for special 656 (Window Environmentally preservation. This area is in Not listed Cliffs State Natural Area Sensitive Area support of Window Cliffs Natural Area) State Natural Area. Islands (not Islands (not Environmentally Areas set aside for special Natural Area labeled) labeled) Sensitive Area preservation
8-02 Significant Changes in the Revision of the Master Plan ER-1130-2-550 and ER 1130-2-540 and their implementing guideline EPs were issued in 2013. The primary goals, objectives and guidelines are reflected in this Master Plan. The full text of these regulations is available on-line. Only the major changes and statements of particular interest have been addressed here and should reflect only a summary of the major changes in the MP.
These include not only changes to the Master Plan document or regulations themselves, but also new policies, guidelines and funding realities that affect the administration of Center Hill Lake.
• Web Based Master Plan: The Master Plan Update and all associated documents will be posted on the internet to encourage fast and easy access for the public, as well as allow for changes to statistics, figures, and documents to be made significantly faster than it would be to reprint paper copies.
• Increased Outgranting: If non-Corps entities are willing and able to assume responsibilities for operating and maintaining existing public recreation facilities or develop new facilities that meet or exceed Corps standards, and provide the public an equal or better level of service, the Corps has a strong interest in partnering to do so.
• The Federal Funding Environment: Due to funding constraints over recent decades, the Corps has been unable to continue development or cost sharing in recreation developments. Concessionaires have assumed maintenance responsibilities in exchange for authority to charge reasonable fees for public launching and “managed parking” to recoup some of their costs.
• Land Allocation/Classification: EP 1130-2-550 (2013) outlined land use allocations and classifications that need to be designated for all lands within Corps jurisdiction. Categories in 1984 included Project Operations, High Density Recreation, Low Density Recreation, Forest and
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Wildlife Management, and Natural Areas. Classification outlined in EP 1130-2-550 and the corresponding designations for lands on Center Hill Lake can be found in Chapter 4.
• Tree Vandalism: The destruction of, or alteration to, trees or any other plant materials located on public property is prohibited. The Nashville District Plant Vandalism and Plant Valuation Standard Operating Procedure will govern resolution of cases involving the destruction of, or alteration to, trees or other plants located on public property.
• Carrying Capacity: At this time, and into foreseeable future, the Corps has no plans of actively limiting uses beyond those already in place. If future public usage increases to the extent that significant use conflicts occur, a formal carrying capacity study may be warranted if it could lead to solutions not available in the absence of such a report. At this time, such a study would have little meaningful utility.
• Boundary Line Policy: Nashville District’s policy is that the marked government boundary has been in place for a sufficient time that we will no longer accept challenges to it. Project personnel can assist in identifying the marked boundary, which will be considered the definitive demarcation between Corps property and adjacent private or other non-Corps lands.
• Floating Cabins, Privately Owned Cabins, and Condos Section 1035 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014) and the associated HQ USACE floating cabin implementation policy, dated May 26, 2015, establish consistent policies, procedures, and responsibilities to facilitate the Corps' evaluation of requests for the addition of floating cabins and their associated moorings/slips in the Cumberland River Basin. Public safety is paramount in the Corps' review of requests for floating cabins, as well as ensuring maximum public access to our incredible recreation areas by preventing private exclusive use.
• User Fees: Concessionaires are authorized to implement user fees to the public to offset the costs of providing and maintaining recreation facilities and services.
• Clean Marina Program: “Clean Marina” designations recognize marinas for exceeding regulatory requirements by voluntarily incorporating higher environmental standards into daily operations. The Clean Marina Program also serves as a forum for sharing technical guidance on such items as forum for sharing technical guidance on such items as solid and hazardous water management, state and Federal regulations and pollution prevention techniques.
• Environmental Operating Principles: These principles foster unity of purpose on environmental issues, reflect a new tone and direction for dialogue on environmental matters, and ensure that employees consider conservation, environmental preservation and restoration in all Corps activities. Draft for Public Comment 139
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• National Parking, Nashville District, and Center Hill Lake Marina Parking Policies: This documents the project’s requirements for parking and launching facilities for all areas on Center Hill Lake.
• Nashville District Fill Policy: This policy contains the guidelines for cut and fill in the Nashville District, primarily stating that no net loss in flood storage capacity is permitted.
• Recreation Development Policy for Outgranted Corps Lands: This policy contains guidance to establish consistent, nationwide policy that will be applied to evaluate requests for recreation development at Corps water resources development projects. The intent is to provide public outdoor recreation opportunities that support project purposes and meet the recreation demands created by the project itself while sustaining our natural resources.
• Non-Recreational Outgrant Policy: This policy contains guidance to establish a consistent, nationwide policy that will be applied to evaluate non-recreational real estate outgrant requests for use of Civil Works lands and waters. The intent is to meet legitimate needs for the use of project lands and waters while sustaining our natural resources and protecting authorized project purposes.
• Environmentally Sensitive Areas: The establishment of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA’s) was called for in the Corps’ 2013 Master Planning regulations. Center Hill Lake has several special areas that are deserving of such recognition due to their aesthetic, cultural, ecological or scientific values. These areas have been reclassified as ESA’s.
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Chapter 9 Bibliography
One particularly important societal change since the last revision that has had a tremendous impact on the availability of current information is the nearly universal access to the internet and electronic mail. This allows anyone with a desire to know to gain immediate access to the latest demographic makeup and trends associated with any county surrounding the Center Hill Lake area, the economic base of the region, access to local, state, and federal databases of a whole host of subjects such as threatened and endangered plant and animal species, water quality, environmental studies, tourism information, employment, and even the latest public notices and status of Corps activities, such as emergency operations, water levels, or public meetings. Obviously, such information in static form in a Master Planning document would be quickly outdated. Therefore, that type of information, which was a routine component of earlier Master Plans is not presented in this document. Internet search functions will generally allow access to the full text of laws, regulations, and major policies cited in this update. Where not obvious, every attempt will be made to guide the reader to applicable citations. In addition, the Corps of Engineers maintains an exhaustive information base about the Corps, its activities, projects, regulations, etc., including those pertaining to Center Hill Lake, at http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil. For answers to questions that cannot be found through these resources, there is always email and one-on- one personal communication. Questions or comments can be directed to the Resource Managers Office at 158 Resource Lane, Lancaster, TN 38569, or by phone 931-858-3125 or to the Nashville District Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources Management Branch, 110 9th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, phone 615-736-5115. 9-01 Sources Bassler, R. (1932). The Stratigraphy of the Central Basin of Tennessee. Nashville, TN: State of Tennessee, Bulletin 38.
G.D. Swingle, R. M. (1966). Geologic Map of Tennessee (East Central Sheet). State Geologic Map SEC. Tennessee Division of Geology.
Gregory, D., Price, D., & Lowry, S. (2012). Archeological Reconnaissance, Survey, and Testing at Center Hill Lake, Dekalb and White Counties, Tennessee. Prepared by the New South Associates for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District.
Jr., C. W. (1962). Stratigraphy and Geologic History of Middle Ordovician Rocks of Central Tennessee. Geological Socity of America Bulletin, Vol 73.
McCormick, M. (2012). Historic American Engineering Record Center Hill Dam.
Miller, R. (1974). The Geologic History of Tennessee, Bulletin 74. Nashville, Tennessee: State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Geology.
Moore, G. a. (1972). Water Resources of the Center Hill Lake Region . Tennessee, Water Resources Series No. 9, Division of Water Resources, Tennessee.
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Moore, G., & Wilson, J. (n.d.). Water Resources of the Center Hill Lake Region. Water Resources Series No. 9: Tennessee Division of water Resources.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2017). Climate Data Online Search. Retrieved from https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/pfds_map_cont.html?bkmrk=tn
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, S. S. (2017). Climate Data Online Search. Retrieved from hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/pfds_map_cont.html?bkmrk=tn
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). (2017). National Soil Survey Handbook. Retrieved from http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/
NRRS. (2017). National Recreation Reservation System.
OMBIL. (2017). Operations and Maintenance Business Information Link (OMBIL). USACE.
Smithsonian Institution, River Basins Surveys. (1947). Appraisal of the Archaeological Resources of the Center Hill Reservoir, Tennessee.
TDEC. (2009). Tennessee 2020: Vision for Parks, People & Landscapes. Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, State of Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. (2000). Tennessee Ecoregion Project, 1994- 1999.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Areas. (2017, August 23). Map of Rare Species within One Mile of Center Hill Project Boundaries.
Tennessee Division of Geology. (2012, February). Generalized Geologic Map of Tennessee. Retrieved from http://www.tn.gov/environment/tdq/images/geolg_1.jpg
Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, TN. (2017). Odd Dam Out: Great Falls, The Quirkiest Hydro Project in TVA’s Portfolio. Retrieved from www.tva.gov/About-TVA/Our-History/Built-for-the- People/Odd-Dam-Out
TN Department of Agriculture. (2016, September). Retrieved from Protect TN Forests.org: http://protecttnforests.org/emerald_ash_borer.html
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, Nashville District. (1998). Center Hill Water Control Manual: Volume VIII.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (1984). Center Hill Lake Master Plan.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2005). Center Hill Operational Management Plan: Appendix H, Park Management Shoreline Management Plan.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2005). Center Hill Operational Management Plan: Appendix H, Park Management Shoreline Management Plan.
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2013). Center Hill Dam Seepage Rehabilitation Project: Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report for Proposed Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Berm and Measures, Environmental Assessment Supplement 3.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2015). Center Hill Dam Seepage Rehabilitation Project: Major Rehabilitation Evaluation Report for Proposed Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Berm and Measure, Environmental Assessment Supplement 3.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2015). Center Hill Turbine-Generator Rehab Project Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-Sheets/
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (2015). Center Hill Turbine-Generator Rehab Project Fact Sheet. Retrieved from www.lrn.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-Sheets/
US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. (1984). Center Hill Dam and Reservoir: Reservoir Sedimentation Ranges Resurvey of August 1984.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. (2015, February 13). Environmental Conservation Online System. Retrieved from https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp
US Fish and Wildlife Service. (2017, April 25). iPac Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitats Listing in Project Review Area. Retrieved from https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/
USEPA Ecoregions. (2017, February). Retrieved from US Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecoregion-download-files-state-region-6
Weather Spark. (2017, September). Weather Spark. Retrieved from https://weatherspark.com/y/15137/Average-Weather-in-Smithville-Tennessee-United-States- Year-Round
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Chapter 10 Appendixes 10-01 Summary of Stakeholder Comments 10-02 Summary of Public Comments 10-03 Geology Plates 10-04 Water Sample Data 10-05 Classification Maps and Plates 10-06 NEPA Documents
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