7.01 - Introduction

7.02 - Selected Land and Water Use Policies

7.03 - Land Allocations and Land Use Classifications

7.04 - Management Area Descriptions, Zoning and Plans by Pool, Compartments and Units

7.05 - Rivers Project Flowage Easements

7.06 - Land Use Classification Summary

7.07 - Plan Implementation-- Strategies and Potential Funding Authorities

7.08 - Facility Infrastructure Development Opportunities and Constraints

7.01 Introduction

1. The project master plan provides guidance for the orderly development, use and management of the project’s resources. Resource planning takes into consideration authorized project purposes, opportunities and constraints that influence development and management. All proposed development is screened to decide if it is compatible with the project’s natural and cultural resources. Project planning and land classification deals with several factors: seasonal flooding, soils, ecological conditions, existing and projected recreation demand, state and local participation and interest, and applicable laws, regulations and policies.

   Each area description includes a listing of existing facilities, and proposed and future actions. Proposed actions are intended to be completed within ten years or by the next scheduled update. Future actions include alternatives that are generally being considered for development after 10 years.

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7.02 Selected Land and Water Use Policies

1. Shoreline Management. The following is taken from the Corps Regulation on Shoreline Management (ER 1130-2-406) dated 31 Oct 1990: "It is the policy of the Chief of Engineers, Corps, to protect and manage shorelines of all civil works water resource development projects under Corps jurisdiction in a manner which will promote the safe and healthful use of these shorelines by the public while maintaining environmental safeguards to ensure a quality resource for use by the public. The objectives of all management actions will be to achieve a balance between permitted private uses and resource protection for general public use. Public pedestrian access to and exit from these shorelines shall be preserved.
   1. "It is the policy that private exclusive use will not be permitted on new water resource projects where no private facilities existed as of 13 December 1974, the date of the original Shoreline Management implementing regulation (ER-1130-2-406)."

      Preserving the natural environment is essential to the proper maintenance and management of wildlife habitat, aesthetic quality of water resource projects, and shoreline erosion control. Therefore, no shoreline use permits for vegetation modification activities, such as clearing or mowing, which would imply exclusive use of public land or otherwise deny full use of public land or water to the general public, will be issued at St. Louis District projects. The only exceptions at Rivers Project may be a 100' buffer from a housing structure for fire protection and for mowing roadways and levee berms.

      A final Shoreline Management Plan which consists of maps showing the shoreline allocation, related rules and regulations, and a discussion of what areas are open or closed to specific activities and facilities needs to be prepared. This will be done as Operational Management Plans (OMP) are prepared for the Rivers Project. In the interim, a District Policy was approved by the District Engineer on 4 September 1990 and reads as follows:

      St. Louis District Interim Policy
      

      A Shoreline Management Plan, as required by 36 CFR Part 327.30, Shoreline Management on Civil Works Projects, has not been developed for those portions of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis District. Until such a time a plan is developed and approved, the following policy will govern private exclusive use of the shoreline:

      1. Existing and new shoreline facilities for Cabin Lease holders will be covered under the lease instrument.
      2. No new facilities will be approved, permitted or constructed until a new Shoreline Management Plan has been developed and approved for the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
      3. All existing facilities, including cabin lease holdings, will be "grandfathered" until a Shoreline Management Plan has been developed and approved.

   2. Off Road Vehicles and Seaplane Use. The operation of off-road vehicles on Corps land will be in accordance with the policies, procedures and criteria set forth in ER 1130-2-550, Chapter 10; EP 1130-2-550, Chapter 10 and EXECUTIVE ORDER 11644. In addition, ER 1130-2-550, Chapter 11 and EP 1130-2-550, Chapter 11 set forth rules and regulations governing seaplane operations at civil works projects.
   3. Forest Resources. All lands in government fee ownership are being managed to maintain their forest resources for recreation, wildlife and scenic values. The Land and Water Use Plan plates show these lands as Recreation and Recreation – Low-Density, Vegetative Management and Wildlife Management. The OMP for each compartment describes the general practices and techniques that are used to conduct a program for developing the forest resources of the River Project, such as tree planting and vegetation manipulation, to support management objectives. Timber will be harvested when required to achieve other management objectives such as wildlife habitat improvement. Forest management is a secondary purpose for areas zoned for recreation or low-density recreation. The OMPs detail specific objectives and management practices.
   4. Agricultural Use. Portions of those lands managed by other agencies have been placed under a Sharecrop agricultural program. The plan contains provisions for agriculture as a corollary use to obtain food for wildlife, to prevent encroachment of undesirable vegetation and provide succession control.

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7.03 Land Allocations and Land Use Classifications

1. Land Allocation. All lands will be allocated in accordance with the authorized purposes for which they were or are to be acquired. Land will be allocated into one of the following categories:
   1. Operations. Lands acquired in accordance with the authorizing documents for operation of the project, i.e. flood control, hydropower, navigation, water supply, etc.
   2. Recreation. Separable lands acquired in accordance with authorizing documents for public recreation. (None exist at Rivers Project)
   3. Fish and Wildlife. Separable land acquired in accordance with authorizing documents for fish and wildlife management.
   4. Mitigation. Land acquired or designated in accordance with authorizing documents to offset losses associated with development of the project.
2. Land Use Classification. Allocated project lands are further classified to provide for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other Federal laws. The classification process refines the land allocations to fully utilize project lands and must consider public desires, legislative authority, regional and project specific resource requirements and suitability. Land allocation takes precedent over any of the following classification categories. Agricultural or grazing use of project land is not a land classification but may be an interim or corollary use to meet management objectives. Land shall be classified into one of the following categories:
   1. Project Operations. In many cases the majority of lands (rim lands, etc.) on Corps projects will be allocated to project operations. This classification category includes those lands required for the structure, operations center, office, maintenance compound and other areas that are used solely for the project operations.
   2. Recreation. This will land developed for intensive recreational activities by the visiting public, including developed recreation areas and areas for concession, resort, and quasi-public development.
   3. Mitigation. This will only include land acquired or designated specifically for mitigation. Land classified in this category should be evaluated for consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior or the state.
   4. Environment Sensitive Areas. Areas where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. The identification of these areas on the map must be supported by narrative explaining the rationale for the classification. These areas, normally within one of the other classification categories, must be considered by management to insure the sensitive areas are not adversely impacted. Normally, limited or no development of public use is contemplated for land in this classification. No agricultural or grazing uses are permitted on this land.
   5. Multiple Resource Management. Lands managed for one or more of, but not limited to, these activities to the extent that they are compatible with the primary location(s). The activities should be fully explained in the narrative portion of the master plan.
      1.  
      2. Recreation – Low Density. Low density recreation activities such as fishing, hiking, primitive camping, wildlife observation, hunting, or similar low-density recreational activities.
      3. Wildlife Management General. Fish and wildlife management activities. Lands in this sub-category shall be evaluated for consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior or the state.
      4. Vegetative Management. Management activities for the protection and development of forest and vegetative cover.
      5. Inactive and/or Future Recreation Areas. Recreation areas planned for the future or that have been temporarily closed. These lands will be classified as multiple resource management in the interim.
   6. Easement lands. All lands for which the Corps holds an easement interest but not fee title. Planned use and management of easement lands will be in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of the easement estate acquired for the project.
   7. Industrial Leases

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7.04 Management Area Descriptions, Zoning and Plans by Pool, Compartments and Units

1. POOL 27 Compartment 1

   POOL 26 Compartment 2

   POOL 26 Compartment 3

   POOL 26 Compartment 4

   POOL 26 Compartment 5

   POOL 26 Compartment 6

   POOL 26 Compartment 7

   POOL 25 Compartment 8

   POOL 25 Compartment 9

   POOL 24 Compartment 10

   POOL 24 Compartment 11

   KASKASKIA RIVER NAVIGATION POOL Compartment 12

   OPEN MISSISSIPPI RIVER (From St. Louis, MO to Cairo IL.)

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7.05 Rivers Project Flowage Easements

1. Throughout the Rivers Project Area, flowage easements have been acquired for improvement of the river for navigational purposes. These easements provide the right to overflow, permanently or intermittently, to excavate and remove material, and to cut, remove and dispose of all timber and other natural or artificial obstructions which shall at any time and in any manner interfere with the use of said land for navigation purposes. There are no government owned facilities on these easement areas.

   All easements are inspected every 5 years for compliance with easement conditions and any minor operation and maintenance requirements are evaluated and/or implemented at that time.

   The following table summarizes the location and acreage of flowage easements within the Rivers Project Service Area

   Flowage Easements Within the Rivers Project Service Area.

   Flowage Easement Area– Descriptive Name	River Mile(s)	Management Compartment and Unit	County and State	Mapping Code	Map No.	Acres
   POOL 27
   C, N & V Levee District Pump Station		Compartment 1 Unit 1	Madison, IL	27-E-1
   American Bottoms		Compartment 1 Unit 1	Madison, IL	27-E-2
   Dam 27		Compartment 1 Unit 2	Madison, IL	27-E-3
   POOL 26
   West Alton		Compartment 3 Unit 1 Missouri Bottoms	St. Charles, MO	26-E-2
   Smeltzer Lake – Brickhouse Slough		Compartment 3 Unit 1 Missouri Bottoms		26-E-3
   U.E. Power Plant		Compartment 3 Unit 1 Missouri Bottoms		26-E-4
   South Portage Des Sioux		Compartment 3 Unit 1 Missouri Bottoms		26-E-5
   Great River Road		Compartment 3 Unit 2 Piasa		26-E-1
   North Portage Des Sioux		Compartment 3 Unit 3 Portage		26-E-6
   Confluence – Marina Row		Compartment 4 Unit 2 Golden Eagle		26-E-7
   Dardenne Area		Compartment 4 Unit 2 Golden Eagle		26-E-8
   Apple Island – Golden Eagle Ferry		Compartment 4 Unit 2 Golden Eagle		26-E-9
   Jersey County		Compartment 6 Unit 5 The Glades		26-E-10
   Hardin		Compartment 7 Unit 1 Mortland Island Complex		26-E-11
   Godar		Compartment 7 Unit 2 Godar-Diamond-Hurricane Complex		26-E-12
   Green County		Compartment 7 Unit 2 Godar-Diamond-Hurricane Complex		26-E-13
   POOL 25
   Westport Island Area		Compartment 8 Unit 3 Upper Pool 25		25-E-4
   Gilead		Compartment 9 Unit 3 Upper Pool 25	Calhoun, IL	25-E-1
   Hamburg		Compartment 9 Unit 3 Upper Pool 25		25-E-2
   Dog Island		Compartment 9 Unit 3 Upper Pool 25		25-E-3
   POOL 24
   Clarksville South		Compartment 11 Unit 1 Lower Pool 24		24-E-1
   Clarksville North		Compartment 11 Unit 1 Lower Pool 24		24-E-2
   Calumet Creek		Compartment 11 Unit 1 Lower Pool 24		24-E-3
   Buffalo Creek		Compartment 11 Unit 1 Lower Pool 24		24-E-4
   Louisiana		Compartment 11 Unit 1 Lower Pool 24		24-E-4
   Salt River – Ted Shanks Area		Compartment 11 Unit 2 Upper Pool 24		24-E-6
   Dupont Reservation		Compartment 11 Unit 2 Upper Pool 24		24-E-7
   KASKASKIA NAVIGATION PROJECT
   Operational Easement Area		Compartment 12 Operational Easement Lands		K-E-1
   Kaskaskia Navigation Project Flowage Easement Area		Compartment 12 Operational Easement Lands		K-E-2

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7.06 Land Use Classification Summary

1. Pools 24-27 and Kaskaskia Navigation Project

   Project Operations Areas	12
   Recreation Areas	11
   Wildlife Management Areas	23
   Vegetative Management Areas	25
   Low Density Recreation Areas	37
   Environmentally Sensitive Areas	05
   Cabin/industrial Lease Areas	26
   Mitigation Areas	02
   *(Flowage Easement Areas)	(25)
   Total Management Areas	141

   *Excluded from Total Management Area Number

   Pool 24
   Land Use Classification Summary

   Project Operations Area	01
   Recreation Areas	02
   Wildlife Management Areas	02
   Vegetative Management Areas	03
   Low Density Recreation Areas	06
   Cabin/Industrial Lease Areas	07
   *(Flowage Easement Areas)	(07)
   Total Management Areas	25

   *Excluded from Total Management Area Number

   Pool 25
   Land Use Classification Summary

   Project Operations Areas	02
   Recreation Areas	01
   Wildlife Management Areas	07
   Vegetative Management Areas	01
   Low Density Recreation Areas	09
   Cabin Lease Areas	05
   *(Flowage Easement Areas)	(04)
   Total Management Areas	25

   *Excluded from Total Management Area Number

   Pool 26
   Land Use Classification Summary

   Project Operations Areas	03
   Recreation Areas	06
   Wildlife Management Areas	14
   Vegetative Management Areas	11
   Low Density Recreation Areas	21
   Environmentally Sensitive Areas	04
   Mitigation Areas	02
   Cabin/Industrial Lease Areas	14
   *(Flowage Easement Areas)	(13)
   Total Management Areas	75

   *Excluded from Total Management Area Number

   Pool 27
   Land Use Classification Summary

   Project Operations Areas	03
   Recreation Areas	00
   Vegetative Management Areas	07
   Wildlife Management Areas	00
   Low Density Recreation Areas	01
   Environmentally Sensitive Areas	01
   Cabins/Industrial Leases	03
   *(Flowage Easements Areas)	(02)
   Total Management Areas	12

   Kaskaskia Navigation Project
   Land Use Classification Summary

   Project Operations Areas	02
   Vegetative Management Areas	03
   *Operation Easement Areas	(1)
   *Flowage Easement Areas	(1)
   Total Management Areas	05

   *Excluded from Total Management Area Number.

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7.07 Plan Implementation – Strategies and Potential Funding Authorities

1. Introduction. The means of accomplishing a development program is equally important as the plan itself. Current national priorities limit development and renovation options more than they were in the past. There is considerably more emphasis, therefore, on the provision of recreation opportunities solely by local interests. A need exists for the proposals contained in this master plan, and-it is expected to become greater in the future. It should also be recognized that changing priorities could drastically affect the manner and schedule for implementing this master plan. Hopefully this master plan will have continuing utility despite any changing priorities that may affect its implementation.
2. Implementation Alternatives

   There are several implementation methods or authorities currently available for development at the Rivers Project. They are:

   1. Operations and Maintenance (O&M) General Funds

      The use of regular O&M General Funds is restricted to existing Corps managed facilities and areas that require labor and/or materials for routine operation or are in need of maintenance, repair, renovation, reconstruction, replacement or consolidation.

   2. Development Solely by State or Local Interests Under an Outgrant

      As in the past, state and local governmental entities with all or part of a project in their jurisdiction may obtain use, under a lease or license, of an area for approved recreational development. In such cases, all development costs are the sole responsibility of the local sponsor and operation, maintenance, and major replacements costs must be borne by them also.

   3. Use of Special Recreation User Fee (SRUF) Revenues

      Special recreation user fee revenues which are rebated to the District are available annually to accomplish a fairly wide range of actions. Essentially, these funds may be used to decrease project operation and maintenance costs and/or to increase user fee revenues, but only in existing recreation areas. Means of achieving these goals may generally include renovation, consolidation, separation of day-use and overnight areas, addition of facilities or features thereof, and payment of operation and maintenance costs including those for fee collection and other improvements on a case by case basis. According to October 1984 guidance on the use of SRUF funds, they may also be applied to the provision of barrier-free access for people with physical disabilities. Under this implementation method, operation, maintenance, and major replacement responsibilities would remain with the Corps or, with changed local conditions, could conceivably be assumed by an outgrantee.

   4. Development by Concessionaire

      Another project development and funding method that could be used involves the implementation of some of the plans proposed in this Master Plan by a concessionaire. Only activities for which there is a viable commercial market are generally eligible. For developments undertaken in this manner, operation, maintenance, and major replacements are also provided by the concessionaire.

   5. Challenge Cost-Share and Contributors

      The challenge cost-sharing and contributions program provides opportunities for non-Federal public agencies and private organizations and individuals to contribute to and participate in the operation and management of recreation facilities and natural resources at Corps water resource development projects. Facilities constructed can not add to federal operations and maintenance costs.

   6. Volunteer Program 
      1. The Corps may accept the services of volunteers and provide for their incidental expenses to carry out any activity of the Corps except policy making or law/regulatory enforcement as authorized under PL 98-63. A volunteer is not an employee of the Corps except for the purposes of Chapter 171 of Title 28 of the USC, relating to tort claims, and Chapter 81 of Title 5 of the USC, relating to compensation for work injuries. Voluntary service is official government business, having some value to the Corps, conducted by volunteers under the direction of a paid Corps staff member.

      Volunteers provide diverse and significant contributions to many of the Rivers Project Environmental Stewardship, Recreation and Interpretive Service programs annually worth thousands of
      dollars.

   7. Recreation Cost Sharing (Construction General [CG] Funds)

      The use of CG funds for recreational development could only be possible as a part of a much larger navigation or flood control project. Funds available would be limited to a maximum of 10% of total project cost and would be contingent upon a cost-sharing agreement with a non-federal public entity (city, county or state) to provide 50% of the costs of recreational development and 100% of the operational and maintenance cost.

      This Master Plan does not contain any cost sharing proposals, but may in the future serve as a basis for initiating such actions. Any program proposals will be based on a letter of intent provided by the non-federal sponsor and shall include estimated cost of the proposed development; cost to be borne by cost sharing sponsor; method of repayment the cost sharing sponsor will use to match federal funds; and understanding of cost sharing sponsor regarding assumption of operation and maintenance.

      There are two exceptions to this policy. These exceptions permit the construction, operation and maintenance of new facilities without cost sharing.

      One exception is the authority for upgrading sanitary facilities in existing Corps managed recreation areas to meet urgent sanitation needs in accordance with provisions of applicable state and Federal laws. The second exception involves the use of Special Recreation User Fee (SRUF) funds. These funds are authorized for expenditure on additional facility improvements, renovation and/or consolidation of recreation areas as long as it lowers recreation area operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and/or increases user fee revenues.

   8. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

      Section 1103 of the 1986 WRDA authorized this multi-element program to restore and balance the resources of the UMRS. A key component of the long-term program includes development and funding for Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement projects.

      St. Louis, Rock Island and St. Paul Districts receive a total of $12-15 million in CG funds annually to design and construct habitat projects on UMRS public lands through sponsorship and cost sharing with the appropriate states and/or the USFWS. The agency partners sponsoring the various habitat enhancement projects are also responsible for O&M once they are completed.

   9. Continuing Authorities Program (CAP)

      The Corps undertakes studies of water and related resources problems and opportunities as directed or authorized by Congress. These Congressional authorizations are contained in public laws, and in resolutions of either the House Public Works and Transportation Committee or the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Study authorizations can be unique, study -specific authorities, or they can be standing program authorities, usually called continuing authorities, under which specific studies and projects may be done. These studies are done at the discretion of the Secretary of the Army of the Chief of Engineers and focus on whether a federal project responding to the problems and opportunities of concern should be recommended.

      Some of the Continuing Authorities relevant to the Rivers Project environmental Stewardship mission and potentially desirable to use include:

      1.  
      2. Section 206 WRDA 1996 -Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration. This CAP authorizes small aquatic eco-system restoration projects up to $5 million in federal cost per project if it is in the public interest and cost effective. The project must be cost-shared (35%) with a non-federal sponsor, who is responsible for 100% of O&M as well.
      3. Section 205, WRDA 1996, Environmental Dredging. The CAP authorizes an annual $s available for environmental dredging as part of the O&M for federal navigation projects. Corps districts must apply for and be selected to receive the limited dollars available for this program.
      4. Section 1135, WRDA 1986 - project Modifications for Improvement of the Environment. This CAP is intended for modifying structures and/or operations of existing Corps constructed projects for environmental enhancement purposes, consistent with project purposes. Federal cost per project is limited to $5 million and a non-federal sponsor must cost-chare (25%) design and construction and take 100% responsibility for O&M.
      5. Section 204, WRDA 1992 - Ecosystem Restoration Projects in Connection with Dredging. Work under this CAP provides for protection, restoration and creation of aquatic and wetland habitats in connection with construction and maintenance dredging of an authorized project. The federal study limit is $5,000 and there is no established federal project cost limit. This CAP must be cost shared (25%) with a non-federal sponsor.

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7.08 Facility Infrastructure Development Opportunities and Constraints

1. General Discussion

   This section deals with design criteria applied in the site planning proposals.

   The Corps recognizes from experience that site characteristics have to be considered in an area in its ability to support proposed development. Site characteristics are the beginning point for making physical development decisions. Further design phases will require topographic surveys and localized borings to understand fully the site characteristics and provide the information needed for good design and sound construction.

   Recreational sites are adjacent to the main channel, backwater sloughs, and lakes within the river flood plain. New recreation sites have not been added to the project. Development is limited to enhancement of existing areas and their facilities. All existing development and proposed improvements are subject to severe overbank flooding.

   Fish and wildlife enhancement sites include several existing management areas an some new locations. Site selection was based on physical characteristics and potential for habitat enhancement through vegetation manipulation, dredging, rock placement, and water level control utilizing low-profile levees and sliding or stop-log control structures. Fish and wildlife enhancement areas include backwater sloughs and lakes, islands, and river chutes. Topographic survey and water depth soundings will be required for detailed planning and design.

2. Selected Design Criteria
   1. Water Systems

      Potable water supply at only the most developed Federal and state managed sites is provided usually from drilled wells.

   2. Sanitary Facilities

      Waterborne sanitary facilities are not proposed in this plan. All proposed restrooms will be vault structures.

   3. Waste Disposal

      Solid waste disposal will be collected at regular intervals as necessary and disposed of at an off-project approved landfill site. Vault restrooms will be pumped and waste material disposal will be at an authorized waste treatment plant.

   4. Roads

      Existing and proposed project roads are 20 feet wide with no shoulders. New asphalt roads will include and 8" granular base and a 1 ½" bituminous top course. Existing gravel roads will be resurfaced with asphalt (1 ½" bituminous top course). Gravel resurfacing of existing roads will be six inches in thickness.

   5. Parking Areas

      Gravel parking areas will be resurfaced with a 1 ½" bituminous top course.

   6. Boat Launching Ramps

      Concrete ramps will be surfaced with 6" reinforced concrete over an aggregate base. Launching lanes will be 12 feet wide and striped for efficient use. Parking will be provided at a rate of 15-20 spaces per lane.

   7. Docks, Piers, and Mooring Facilities

      Courtesy docks are provided at the most popular, highly developed areas.

   8. Picnic Areas

      Picnicking facilities will include combination wood and concrete tables, fire grills, and trash containers. One fire grill will be provided per two picnic tables, and one trash container for each four tables.

   9. Trails

      Trails will be dirt surfaced three feet in width.

   10. Facilities for the Physically Challenged

       Design of recreation facilities will consider the needs of the disabled and the general public. Careful design can provide pleasures and enjoyments of the out-of-doors for all people.

       Stairs and/or excessive slopes will be easily negotiated on all trails.

       Picnic tables (approximately 10 percent) will accommodate wheelchair patients or poorly coordinated visitors.

       Restrooms will be designed to accommodate the disabled.

       Parking spaces (approximately 5 percent) will be provided to accommodate wheelchair unloading and unobstructed movement to persons in wheelchairs.

   11. Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Structures

       Fish and wildlife enhancement structures will include low-profile levees, waterway ditching, sliding gates, and stop-log gates.

3. Recreational Boating Use of the Navigation Channel and Locks and Dams

   A number of small-boat access points have been built and are maintained at frequent intervals along the rivers. Visitors use the access points and the Mississippi River at their own risk. Navigation aids are placed in the river to assist boater. The river is frequently patrolled by Federal and state authorities. Civil law enforcement authorities have jurisdiction for rescue and recovery operations.

   Several small-boat navigation aids are available to individual boaters and these can be separated into two general categories: rules and regulations, and visual aids.

   1. Rules and Regulations

      All boat operators should familiarize themselves with the following:

      The rules for passing vessels, fog signals, and lights. This information is available in a publication entitled "Pilot Rules for the Rivers Whose Waters Flow into the Gulf of Mexico." Copies of this publication may be obtained from the Office of the Commander, Second Coast Guard District.

      "Regulations to Govern the Use, Administration , and Navigation of the Ohio River, Mississippi River above Cairo, Illinois, and Their Tributaries." This document may be secured from Lockmasters and from the District Engineer.

      Boating regulations may be secured from the Office of the Commander, Second Coast Guard District, the IDNR, or the Missouri State Water Patrol.

      "Locking Through" pamphlets provide the details and step-by-step requirements for passing through a lock. These pamphlets are available from Rivers Project offices and Locks and Dams.

   2. Visual Aids

      Markers are aids to navigation and consist of post lights, lighted buoys, buoys, and markers established along the river channels and banks.

      Buoys of different sizes, shapes, and colors are provided as aids. Red nun buoys, conical in shape, are located on the left edge of the navigation channel proceeding downstream. Black can buoys, cylindrical in shape, are located on the right edge of the navigation channel proceeding downstream. Striped buoys indicate junctions or obstructions; the top band is red or black, indicating the preferred channel to the right or left, respectively. All buoys should be given berth of at least 50 feet. Special-purpose buoys can be studied from a publication that will be listed later.

      Charts are also published for the convenience and guidance of small-goat operators and can be secured from the District Engineer. Details shown on these charts are:

   3. Channels

      The navigation channel of the river is established at a minimum width of 30 feet, with additional width in the bends. In the channel, a depth of nine feet is maintained. Outside the channel, stable depths are not maintained and may be expected to change from time to time. Boat operators are advised to use caution when operating outside the limits of the regularly designated channel. The small-boat navigation charts indicate locations where depths normally exceed six feet. Areas, where depths less than six feet may be encountered, are shown in red.

      1. Hazards

         The charts indicate only the known underwater hazards. Boat operators should be continually on the alert for hazards of this type because it is impossible to chart hazards such as water-logged timber and similar objects.

      2. Locks and Dams

         The locks and dams shown on the charts are navigational structures. They are not intended, and do not serve any function as flood-control structures.

         Small-boat owners are privileged to receive lockage services free of charge. Precedence at locks as established by law is:

      	First priority – Government-owned vessels
      	Second priority – Commercial craft
      	Third priority – Pleasure craft

      1. The Lockmaster has absolute authority over all functions at locks and dams. The public will follow his instructions in all matters while within his jurisdiction.
      2. Safety

         A definite hazard to small boats exists immediately upstream and downstream of each dam. On the upstream side of the dam, a strong undertow exist. On the down stream side of the dam, turbulent water exist. Large danger signs are painted on each of the structures to warn boat operators about the anger areas.

      3. Fishing

         For fishing purposes, vessels are not permitted mooring to any part of the lock and dam structure. Mooring is permitted only while locking through or while awaiting lockage.

4. U.S. Coast Guard Jurisdiction

   The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction over aids to navigation, safety on the river, and the inspection of craft.

   The Coast Guard offers inspection service free of charge to small-boat owners. Boat owners should acquaint themselves with the Coast Guard personnel in this District and familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of that organization.

   Any menace to navigation or marine casualty should be reported immediately to the Office of the Commander.

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   Continue to Section VIII - Special Program and Planning Considerations