Don't Cut Trees on Government Property
August 2002

The Army Corps of Engineers reminds people who reside adjacent to government land surrounding Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes that they must obtain a permit before altering project lands in any way. The land adjacent to these lakes is public property and protected by a host of federal and state laws.

Except for wetlands or waters of the United States, the Corps does not regulate activities on private property. However, tight restrictions are placed on land owned by the Corps. It is the responsibility of the adjacent landowner to know where their boundary lines end and avoid unauthorized activity beyond their property line. Landowners must refrain from unauthorized activities on government property, just as they would avoid encroaching on any adjoining neighbor's land.

Officials advise all adjacent landowners to contact the Corps if they are not certain of where the government boundary line is or before starting any activity that might impact public land. Only certain alterations may be authorized, and violators are subject to a range of penalties under the law that include expensive restoration work, civil damage payments in the tens of thousands of dollars or even jail time.

During 2002, officials estimate unauthorized activities, primarily tree cutting to improve a homeowner's lake view, will cost violators in excess of $200,000.

The government property line is marked with white metal fence posts set near round brass survey markers placed at ground level. The line runs straight between consecutive survey markers, and its presence is indicated by white lines painted on trees along the line. The trees are not usually on the line, but indicate the line passes nearby.

Depending upon the land use classification of the public land, some adjacent landowners may be eligible to apply for a shoreline use permit that allows minor vegetation modification, such as under brushing or mowing for fire protection purposes. In addition, pathways for foot traffic are allowed by permit in some designated areas around the lakes. Cutting trees, limbing or bulldozing to obtain or improve a view of the lake is not allowed and actively prosecuted by the Corps.

Please report any activity involving tree cutting, pruning, mowing, or dozing on public lands to the Mountain Home Projects Office at 425-2700 or stop by 327 W. Seventh St.