SECTION XII - OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

12.1 INTRODUCTION

The Operational Management Plan (OMP), under separate cover, details implementation of several program areas only conceptually addressed in the Master Plan: recreation, safety, shoreline management, forest management, fire protection and fish and wildlife management.

12.2 RECREATION

1. SCOPE




A detailed discussion of project recreation management is contained in the OMP. The guidelines and policies set forth in this section are the basis for preparation and implementation of the OMP relative to efficient resource management at the lake. The OMP will be updated after approval of the Master Plan.



2. OBJECTIVE




The goal of the lake's recreation management program is the efficient operation and maintenance of lake facilities to maximize public benefits and implement authorized project purposes. This is accomplished through the effective organization and utilization of manpower and materials.



3. PURPOSE




In the administration of the lake, management objectives contributing to lake efficiency and requiring the allocation of manpower and funding include:



1. The provision of a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities in a relatively natural setting.



2. Reduction in conflict of use through activity and area zoning. The administration of lake lands as designated in paragraph 8-01, and on the "Land Classification Map," PLATE 2.



3. The provision for visitor information regarding natural resources and ecologic areas along with any other unique features.



4. The development of policies that provide for maximum sustained public use without undue deterioration of lake resources.



5. The provision of additional recreational opportunities through the issuance of leases to private individuals, state governments and other political subdivisions, for concession and public park development. The maintenance of facilities and grounds to a high standard.



6. The provision of a safe and rewarding outdoor recreation experience to the visiting public.



7. The provision of populations of both game and non-game species so that all interest groups using lake facilities will have the opportunity of receiving benefits from wildlife. Section 14 discusses in greater detail the goals and objectives of the Fish and Wildlife Management Program.



4. STAFFING




The total staff for Operations and Maintenance assigned to Wappapello Lake is 23.6 full time equivalents (FTE), including office, secretarial and management. At present, the total permanent staff, including seasonals, is 26. An additional 8.9 FTE of student help is allocated per year. Corps personnel are primarily responsible for management, administration, and inspection of all areas and facilities, administration of contracts, minor repairs and preventative maintenance, operation and maintenance of public use areas and maintenance and service of the hydraulic structures. Other maintenance activities include replacement of sand at beaches, realignment of protective buoys, erosion repair, seeding, fertilizing, tree and shrubbery planting, maintenance of trails, painting, repair of facilities (benches, tables and signs), road maintenance and repair, maintenance of comfort stations, shower buildings, miscellaneous facilities, and preventative maintenance on all facilities.

12.3 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT

The subject of shoreline management is fully addressed in the OMP. The Shoreline Management Plan was prepared and implemented as a management tool to lessen the impact of private exclusive use along the public shoreline of Wappapello Lake. The plan was prepared under authority of Title 16 United States Code 460d; Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 327.30 Shoreline Management at Civil Works Projects as implemented by Engineer Regulation 1130-2-406, 31 October 1990. The objective of the plan is to provide policy and guidance for the protection of desirable environmental characteristics and restoration of shoreline where degradation has occurred through private exclusive use. Four basic considerations were used in formulating the Shoreline Management Plan: a) the demand for water oriented recreational facilities is increasing while the amount of shoreline is fixed. b) Manage and protect the shoreline, to establish and maintain acceptable fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic quality, natural environmental conditions and to promote the safe and healthful use of the lake and shoreline for recreational purposes by all of the public. c) Maximize the use of commercial marina concessionaires to reduce need for numerous individually owned docks. d) The ownership of land adjoining public projects does not convey special rights or privileges to use of the public land and waters (Plate 22).

12.4 FOREST MANAGEMENT

1. SCOPE




The policies and guidelines established in this section are the basis for the preparation and implementation of the Natural Resource Management Section of the OMP.



This plan provides the necessary information, standards and guidelines required for the implementation of a forest management program that is commensurate with other lake plans and programs.



2. PURPOSE




Management of the Wappapello Lake forest is for the purpose of protecting, conserving and otherwise improving forest land to be utilized as a recreation, wildlife, watershed, and scenic resource. Forest management techniques better insure the long range protection of the forest environment and support the practice of uneven aged management and diversification of species within the compartments, thus establishing a more stable biotic community and assuring readily available timber, through sustained yield programs. Timber harvests are accomplished for such purposes as timber stand improvement, disease and pest control, fire hazard reduction, removal prior to construction, habitat management, generation of revenue.



3. PLAN PREPARATION




The OPM contains specific information regarding the forest management program in the Natural Resource Management Section. It is prepared through a coordinated District effort. The plan divides the land area into workable compartments and provides a treatment prescription for each consistent with its land use allocation.



4. HISTORY




The forest of Wappapello Lake reflects a common history of the entire Ozark Region. Forest land of the southeast Missouri hills prior to the 1930's was subjected to repeated fires and indiscriminate logging. Also, laws of Wayne County provided open range until 1965. During the same period, acquisition of property for Wappapello Lake curtailed logging on public property. The forest has now recovered; although fire scars are still apparent in many timber stands. While cutting became restricted in the foothills, the hardwoods to the south and east fell to agricultural clearing, channelization, and draining. This resulted in vastly reduced acreage of bottomland hardwoods. A tremendous amount of shortleaf pine was cut during the harvests of the 1930's removing most of that species from the area. As a result most of the project timber is of the oak-hickory type.



A forest inventory was completed during the winter of 1971 by personnel of the U. S. Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. This inventory included aerial photograph examination and ground check plots of 20,171 acres.



5. OBJECTIVES




Forest management shall be administered to meet the following long-range objectives:



1. To incorporate a total ecosystem management philosophy.



2. To provide for optimum watershed and erosion protection.



3. To maintain and improve the native wildlife habitat and healthy indigenous trees for forest cover necessary to the recreational resources.



4. To keep the forest in a healthy, vigorous growing condition, free from large outbreaks of insects and diseases.



5. To maintain and improve a healthy indigenous forest cover necessary for the recreational resource.



6. To avoid deterioration of the timber resource.



7. To 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.



8. To generate revenues.




Many benefits are obtained from the forest at Wappapello. Among these products are high quality forested watersheds, erosion control, wildlife recreational opportunities, aesthetic beauty, and timber stands. The production of timber is not the ultimate objective at Wappapello, however, in meeting the forest management objectives, timber has been harvested. Sustained yield of all of the products that the forest at Wappapello produces (multiple-use management) is desirable, and management philosophy, guidelines, and technique are geared to achieve this goal when practicable.



Management guidelines for forest lands provide the general procedures for treatments necessary to increase the value of lands for present and future outdoor recreational use. All management must be objectively planned in order to obtain optimum public benefits that insure the conservation and improvement of all resources. These resources will be treated as an integrated whole with continuing concern for environmental quality. All treatments must be coordinated with other areas of reservoir management. Management requirements of public lands are unique as compared to other forest lands of the area, because of intensive recreation use and the quality level of watershed protection.



6. INTERAGENCY COOPERATION




Cooperation with state and federal agencies presently exists in several aspects of forest management. Extensive portions of project boundary adjoin land of state and federal agencies. Therefore, continued coordination/cooperation is imperative in such areas as fire control, forest insects and disease detection, encroachment, etc. Also an exchange of information is highly beneficial. Cooperating agencies include: U. S. Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge; Missouri Department of Conservation, Division of Forestry; University of Missouri; and Missouri Department of Natural Resources.



7. LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS



1. Use Allocations.




All lands in Government fee ownership are managed to upgrade their forest resources. The extent of management practices is largely dependent upon land-use allocations. Lands are continuously and simultaneously available for their primary land use classification as well as forest manipulation. Specific forest management techniques for these land use allocations are contained in the OMP. General Management considerations on the basis of land use allocation are described below: (See PLATE 2, "Land Classification Map" for the location of each category of land use described).



1. Recreation Areas Lands. The nature of these lands, when developed, requires intensive management practices to protect and maintain their high aesthetic values. Cultural practices such as pruning and cutting are done only for public safety, construction, to increase tree stand and turf health and vigor, and to improve aesthetics. Planting occurs where needed with top priority given to shade, screening and aesthetic values.



2. Recreation - Low Density Lands. Developed public use of these lands is more limited than for recreation area lands. Therefore, forest management practices take a more intensive scope. Harvesting is accomplished for construction, wildlife habitat improvement and general forest health. Planting is given priority in old fields where new populations of tree and shrub species create high wildlife and aesthetic value.



3. Wildlife Management Lands. The management of lands will be oriented toward the improvement of the habitat. Where canopy closure is restricting browse development selective harvest stimulates plant growth by increasing sunlight to the forest floor. All normal forestry and agricultural practices will be allowed on these lands, however, all of these practices should be aimed at maintaining habitat. These practices also generate revenue. The forest is managed to supply the habitat diversity required by forest and edge wildlife species. This involves a full range of silvicultural practices from planting to thinning and final harvest. The key to successful forest and wildlife management is to keep a healthy, vigorous, balanced forest. The balanced forest contains approximately fifteen percent to twenty percent regeneration. While normal forest management tends toward the balanced forest, special considerations may prevent the forest from reaching a totally balanced condition. Habitat requirements control the size, shape, and location of timber harvests. These requirements are important in providing adequate browse and nesting areas.



4. Vegetative Management Lands. Management activities for these lands include protection and development of forest and vegetative cover and wetland restoration. All lands in Government fee ownership are being managed to maintain their forest resources for recreation, wildlife, and scenic values.



5. Environmentally Sensitive-Ecologic Lands. Natural areas are selected to preserve existing unique specimens, unique ecosystems, and unique geological formations in their natural state. Forest management will be undertaken to salvage wind thrown or fire damaged trees, remove insect or disease infestations, and for the purposes of providing access or construction. Paths will be allowed between or within natural areas to provide public access to the extent feasible without damaging the resources. Any newly qualified sites discovered through the years will be recommended for designation through the Master Plan process.



6. Environmentally Sensitive-Cultural Lands. The trees and grasses will be managed to improve, preserve, and make available the features that have historical significance. Vegetation and trees may be removed to uncover structures, allow more light, remove dangerous trees, or to reconstruct parts of the features. No standard forest practices will be undertaken on the site or near enough to detract from its appearance. The historical and archaeological lands will be managed as described above. When public facilities are constructed on lands in this category, they will be managed as Intensive Use Lands.



2. Area Classification.



1. Inventory. A forest inventory was completed during the winter of 1971, by personnel of the U. S. Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest. With the exception of Wappapello Lake State Park, the entire lake was examined stereoscopically with aerial photography. Also, ground check plots were established for field examination of 20,171 acres. Information collected on the ground by statistical sampling (variable plot system) included the following:



3. Type-Size-Density of the existing timber stands.



4. Volume data by species.



5. Silvicultural needs and recommendations.



6. Amount of defect present.



7. Age and site potential information.



1. Forest Types. To complete the inventory, the forest was stratified by timber types, size classes, and density classes. The following types are recognized on public property:
1. Oak-Hickory




Stands where plurality of the stocking is upland oak and hickory in mixture. White oak, northern red oak, and a variety of hickories predominate in the Central Forest, although black oak is sometimes prominent. At this southern portion of the central forest; scarlet, southern red, and black oaks tend to replace northern red oak. There are many combinations of oaks, hickories and other hardwoods in association. On reservoir property they include: American elm, winged elm, red maple, black walnut, black locust, sweetgum, dogwood and blackgum.



2. Shortleaf Pine




Shortleaf pine is pure or predominant. Its chief hardwood associates are white oak, southern red oak, scarlet oak and black oak. In a subordinate position, hickories, post oak, blackjack oak, blackgum, and red maple. Best sites are rocky, dry, south, slopes and better drained spur ridges on northslopes.



3. Oak-Pine




Shortleaf pine comprises 25-50% of the total stocking, with oaks in the mixtures. The oaks in the type include: white, scarlet, blackjack, black, post and southern red. The association also includes hickories, blackgum, and sweetgum. This type is characteristic of the southern part of the Central Forest. The hardwood component tends to replace the pine in succession. Found on dry low ridges, flats and south slopes.



4. Bottomland Hardwoods




This group is actually a combination of forest types for simplicity, because of the interspersion of species that occurs on the reservoir lands. The recognized types included in this category are river birch sycamore, silver maple American elm, cottonwood, red maple, black willow, slippery elm, white and green ash, sweetgum, and hackberry. The characteristic sites for all are the moist soils along the edges of creeks and rivers in strips and small stands. Cottonwood and willow readily establish themselves along newly made sandbars, front-land ridges, and well-drained flats. Following cottonwood, invaders of the next successional state are sycamore, hackberry, river birch, American elm, silver maple, red maple, and boxelder.



A 'Transition Bottomland Type' has been created along the lake shore by the fluctuating water levels. At the lower elevation, (360 - 365 feet NVGD) shallow coves occupied by the short-lived, intolerant willows and cottonwoods, gradually experience soil buildup and occupation by successive species. These areas being subject to frequent inundation are mostly void of understory vegetation. While the bottomland' species are relatively invaluable commercially they are extremely beneficial for stream bank stabilization and creation of edge effect beneficial to wildlife.



5. Eastern Redcedar - Hardwood




Eastern redcedar and several hardwoods including red and white oaks, hickories and black walnut predominate. Associated species include shortleaf pine, hackberry, ashes, winged elm, black locust, dogwood and blackgum. This type which is found on moderately moist hillsides with limestone outcrops, is considered to be temporary and probably succeeded by some types of the oak-hickory group. Cedar occupies 25-50% of the stocking.

Specific treatments for each stand within a component will be addressed in a prescription. It is essential to realize that treatment and its extent will depend on each particular zone and its intended use. Other governing factors include: accessibility, influence zones, economics, weather, development timetable, etc. However, the following priorities generally apply:

1. Establishment of suitable forest cover on recreation areas. There is a need for vegetative cover to serve as shade, screening, buffers, erosion control, and wildlife cover. Stands will be thinned as needed to maintain vigor. As stands age, more durable and desirable species will be introduced as replacements.



2. Select those open areas which should be reforested and replant them with desirable species.



3. Protect steep banks from erosion.



4. Develop and maintain a high population of desirable wildlife.



5. Protect heavy-use areas from overuse.



6. Re-establish suitable vegetative cover on areas denuded by overuse and high water.

All treatment of vegetative cover on public land must be guided by the objectives established for recreation and habitat maintenance. Revenue is also generated through specific timber management practices. An understanding of the requirements of a plant community and the limitations set upon it by the soil, water, insects, disease, and people are essential to any successful change or manipulation. All treatments are to be naturally feasible and not forced through continued maintenance. Specific forest management techniques and practices are outlined in further detail in the OMP. The project is scheduled to be re-inventoried over the next 5 years.

12.5 FIRE PROTECTION

1. SCOPE




The objectives and guidelines established in this section are the basis for the preparation and implementation of that portion of the OMP dealing with fire protection.



2. PURPOSE




The purpose of this plan is to serve as guide for the Operations Manager and his staff in the prevention and suppression of forest and grassland fires at Wappapello Lake. An additional goal of this plan is the reduction in the number of man-caused fires. The plan will also discuss safe application of prescribed burning.



3. AUTHORITY




This plan is prepared in accordance with the requirements of ER 1130-2-540.



4. OBJECTIVES




Wappapello Lake has 35,949 acres of land at normal recreational pool (359.74 feet NGVD). This forest area contains a variety of vegetation, from dense oak-hickory forest to old fields to cedar thickets. Many residential subdivisions are present or are being built adjacent to the U. S. Government boundary line. This presents a two-fold problem. First, in the event of a fire on government property in the vicinity of these developments, the fire crews must be aware that high-value property may become endangered and fire-fighting efforts may have to be quickly shifted to protect this property. The second part of this problem is expressed in an escalation of the risk factor in these areas. The risk of a wildfire outbreak is greatly increased due to normal activities of the property owners such as land clearing and debris burning. Quick and decisive response to fires in these areas is necessary. Wildfire control is important throughout the reservoir lands. The function of the forest at Wappapello is to provide watershed protection. Secondary functions are timber, wildlife and recreation. All of above can be severely damaged by wildfire. Therefore, wildfire control is an expeditious and coordinated effort.



The following guidelines and objectives are established for the Wappapello Lake fire protection plan. Details regarding implementation of these objectives are contained in the OMP.



1. Fire Prevention. The reduction of the number of man-caused fires is the primary goal of management personnel. Fire problem areas have been determined and are continually reevaluated. Prevention programs are established to create public awareness of the destruction caused by fires.



2. Presuppression. Presuppression planning establishes an efficient fire control organization utilizing project operations personnel. This fire-fighting force operates in close coordination with similar units provided by the State of Missouri, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire departments.



3. Fire Suppression. When fires occur, established procedures for control are implemented. These procedures are outlined in detail in the OMP. The Operations Manager will update the fire protection portion of the Plan annually and incorporate improved techniques learned from actual fire-fighting experiences.



4. Prescribed Burning. Prescribed burning is a valuable management tool when used properly. It is a viable technique for wildlife habitat maintenance, preparing sites for seeding and planting, controlling disease, and reducing hazardous fuels. Prescribed burning entails extensive planning and preparation prior to execution. Details are described in the OMP.



5. INTERAGENCY COOPERATION




Cooperation with state and federal agencies is presently utilized in all aspects of fire protection. Cooperating agencies include: U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Wappapello Volunteer Fire Department.

12.6 FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

1. SCOPE




The objectives and guidelines established in this section will be the basis for the preparation and implementation of the portion of the OPM dealing with fish and wildlife management practices.



2. AUTHORITY




Public Law 85-624, referred to as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, states the general policy that fish and wildlife conservation shall receive equal consideration with other project purposes, and be coordinated with other features of water resource development programs. In compliance with Public Law 85-624, ER 1130-2-540 and EP 1130-2-540, a Corps Fish and Wildlife Management Program will be developed at Wappapello Lake.



3. POLICY




As stated in ER 1130-2-540 and EP 1130-2-540, land and water areas which are suitable for fish and wildlife management and not managed through licenses and cooperative agreements with wildlife agencies will be managed by the Corps by implementing the Fish and Wildlife Management Plan. The program objective is to provide the maximum number of fish and wildlife species desired for the use and enjoyment of the public, consistent with objectives of the lake and habitat carrying capacity. One purpose of the OMP is to outline the on-going fish and wildlife habitat development and maintenance program for Wappapello Lake. The scope of the plan is to biologically evaluate fish and wildlife habitat on specific areas and prescribe practices for maintaining habitat on these areas; to evaluate the success of the plan as it relates to wildlife production; and to maintain cooperation between the Corps of Engineers and other Federal and State agencies in the development of water resource programs. Non-consumptive uses of wildlife, such as sightseeing and photography, receive equal consideration with consumptive uses, such as hunting. Vegetative and water level manipulation and planting of grain crops are the principal methods of fish and wildlife habitat maintenance, and are consistent with other joint uses and basic physical limitations at Wappapello Lake. Lake operation procedures are continually being reevaluated and updated as required to support this program. Coordination is maintained with the Missouri Department of Conservation to establish criteria and programs for favorable water levels for fish and wildlife habitat.



4. HISTORY




Wappapello Lake land reflects a common history of the entire Ozark Region. Forest land of the southeast Missouri hills prior to the 1930's was subjected to repeated fires and indiscriminate logging. Also, laws of Wayne County provided open range until 1965. During the same period, acquisition of property for the Wappapello Project curtailed logging on reservoir property. Most of this land has now recovered; although fire scars are still apparent in many timber stands. While cutting became restricted in the foothills, the hardwoods to the south and east fell into agricultural clearing, channelization, and draining. This resulted in vastly reduced acreage of bottomland habitat.



Following acquisition of lake lands for construction and economic conditions in the 1930's and 1940's the number of small farms decreased substantially in the St. Francis River Valley. This left numerous small fields idle that are still undergoing successional change. Most of these marginal production fields are not utilized for agriculture because of clearing costs and poor productivity.



5. OBJECTIVES




The OPM is intended to provide limited technical details of project planning and to establish a general set of guidelines. The objectives of this plan are to meet the multiple use needs of the species under management closely and concisely, and to maintain public land for productive wildlife habitat. The management guides for wildlife will provide the general procedures of treatments necessary to increase the value of lands for present and future outdoor recreational use. All management must be objectively planned in order to obtain optimum public benefits. These resources will be treated as an integrated whole with continuing concern for environmental quality. All treatments must be coordinated with other areas of lake management. Management requirements of reservoir lands are unique as compared to other lands of the area, because of intensive recreation use and the quality of watershed protection.



6. INTERAGENCY COOPERATION




Cooperation with state and federal agencies presently exists in several aspects of wildlife management. Extensive portions of project boundary adjoin land of state and federal agencies. Therefore, continued coordination/cooperation is imperative in such areas as fire control, insect and disease detection, encroachment, water quality, wildlife restoration efforts and land use treatments. Also, an exchange of information is highly beneficial. Cooperating agencies include: U.S. Forest Service (Mark Twain National Forest); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Job Corps); Missouri Department of Conservation (Duck Creek Management Area, Division of Forestry); University of Missouri (University Forest, Gaylord Memorial Laboratory); Missouri Department of Natural Resources (Wappapello State Park); and the Missouri National Guard.



Wappapello Lake personnel work closely with Missouri Department of Conservation personnel. The state is responsible for the enforcement of its fish and wildlife statutes on Wappapello Lake. Close coordination eliminates duplication of effort in such areas as habitat maintenance and protection.



7. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT




Habitat Condition. Some patches of former agricultural and pasture fields border by tree-lines fencerows are found on public lands at Wappapello Lake. Most of the project, however, consists of oak-hickory forest. The abandoned fields and pastures are being invaded primarily with multiflora rose, hawthorn, coral-berry, persimmon, elm, oak, blackberry, sassafras, etc. The predominant vegetative cover in these fields is, however, an assortment of weeds and grasses. An integral part of developing a wildlife habitat management program will be the recognition of native plants and their important contribution to the wildlife production quality of the habitat. Habitat management techniques will improve or maintain these native plant species and provide adaptive domestic plants that will enhance the feeding, nesting, and cover habitat of the project.



The lack of proper and prescribed silvicultural treatments to forests on Wappapello Lake Project have allowed for little regeneration of preferred wildlife species such as red and white oak. Stands are composed of tree species that regenerated from harvesting operations in the early 1900s and tend to be of the same general age. Forest prescriptions, based on data obtained from inventories will be developed and implemented to regenerate these stands and improve forest habitats. Adversity of species, age classes, and types will be managed. Specific requirements are outlines in the project OMP.



Most waterfowl species of the Mississippi Flyway, are found at Wappapello Lake. However, populations fluctuate because of lack of food sources and suitable habitat. The lake is mainly used for resting during migration. There are presently two waterfowl refuges on the lake.



8. General Management of Terrestrial Species. Extensive wildlife management programs will be applied to a variety of habitats for native game species such as: Bobwhite quail, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, gray and fox squirrel, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Although general habitat management techniques will be applied to specific species, these same techniques benefit many other game and nongame species not directly mentioned by this plan. When there is a choice of sites to be developed the one that provides most of the environmental requirement of the target species should be given first priority. Whenever sites do not offer these requirements, it may be necessary to provide clearings, or make water available in order to maintain an area for the wildlife involved. Effective, direct maintenance cannot be successful unless the natural factors of the target species is understood and considered.




Successful wildlife management is based on sound habitat management. The variety and numbers of each species are determined directly and often with sensitivity by a specific type of habitat, habitat interspersion, or successional stages of vegetation. If these basic necessities are lacking or not properly balanced, the carrying capacity, and the species composition is adversely affected. Conversely, once existing cover is inadvertently destroyed, efforts to create similar quality habitat can be very expensive, and often unsuccessful. Therefore, the needs of wildlife must be considered before draining wetlands, clearing brushlands, cutting or planting timber or engaging in other activities that result in broad habitat changes.



1. Essential Elements. Wildlife habitat consists of four essential elements: food, water, cover and space; although the quality and quantity may vary with each species. For instance, some species may require water continuously or daily while others only periodically, or seasonally. Others may not rely on free water, but may be able to sustain themselves on water derived from green plants. Viable habitat increases wildlife productivity. However, crowding beyond the carrying capacity may be detrimental to various species. Of the four elements, the one that is least abundant will limit the number of animals that can inhabit any given area of land. Any habitat work that increases the supply or improves the distribution of such elements will tend to increase the carrying capacity of the area up to a level at which the crowding factor limits further expansion of animal numbers. Conversely, any cultural or natural development that decreases the supply or restricts the distribution of food, water, cover, or space will tend to reduce the carrying capacity.



9. FISHERIES MANAGEMENT



1. Lake Fertility. Wappapello Lake is considered to be extremely productive, perhaps to the point of being too productive. Extensive beds of aquatic vegetation have appeared periodically in Wappapello Lake although have not been present since the early 90's. Brittle naiad, and Eurasion water milfoil were a principal contributor to the weed beds. However, there is no evidence to suggest that weed growth caused problems in the fish population balance or fish growth.



2. Water Fluctuation. The water level at Wappapello fluctuates primarily between 354.74 feet NGVD and 359.74 feet NGVD. However, this level frequently rises to approximately 370 feet NGVD or greater with excessive spring or winter rains. These fluctuations (both up and down) during spring spawing may have effects on the success of the spawns. Past flood events have shown minimal impact except on shad populations.



3. Fish Population. The fish population in Wappapello Lake has developed from the native fauna in the St. Francis River and its tributaries, and introduced species. Pflieger (1971) reported 109 species in the St. Francis drainage in Missouri. The principal reason for this rich diversity is that the St. Francis basin includes portions of both the Ozark upland and Southeastern lowland physiographic regions, each with their own characteristic fish fauna. Relatively few of the native species that are riverine or small stream species have proliferated in the Wappapello Lake environment, and only one, the walleye has been re-introduced to the river above the lake.




Principal sport fishes in Wappapello Lake are the white and black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, and freshwater drum. Important forage species are gizzard shad, brook silversides, mosquitofish, and a variety of less abundant sunfish and minnows. One fish, the longnose darter, is on the national list of rare and endangered species. Construction of impoundments in its natural range has been attributed as the reason for the species disappearance from the White River system. Only two specimens have been collected recently, both from St. Francis River. Several species from the St. Francis River system are on a tentative listing of Missouri's rare and endangered species.



Growth and development of the fish population, fish reproductive success and sport fish harvest in Wappapello Lake have been studied since 1946. Management activities have generally been limited to enforcement of regulations with two notable exceptions. An experimental crappie regulation was enforced from 1978 through 1981. This program limited the daily harvest of crappie in an effort to increase average population size. The experiment produced mixed results; however, it formed the basis for future crappie regulations on large reservoirs. The black bass population is also being monitored. This study showed a large population of bass 12 inches or less. They were over-competing for food that resulted in slow growth rates. Anglers have been encouraged, through news releases and signs at the boat ramps, to keep their daily limit of bass under 12 inches.



10. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS




The OMP is a coordinated District effort and divides the area into workable compartments. The Plan provides a prescription for each area based upon its use as described in the Master Plan.

12.7 SAFETY

1. PURPOSE




This section outlines objectives and measures to maintain health and safety in all phases of lake operations. This includes construction, maintenance, recreation area development and utilization, visitor protection, and office operations. Objectives and guidelines established in this section will be the basis for the preparation and implementation of the portion of the OMP dealing with the safety program.



2. AUTHORITY




EM 385-1-1, "Safety and Health Requirements Manual" and Engineers Regulations in the 385 series establish the safety program requirements for all Corps of Engineers activities and operations. Pertinent provisions of EM 385-1-1 and other applicable regulations are applied to all activities.



3. OBJECTIVES




Development of the safety program is based on the following objectives:



1. Implement and enforce the provisions EM 385-1-1 with regard to safety of Corps employees, contract personnel and the visiting public.



2. Maintain recreation area safety by inspection and adequate maintenance of facilities operated by both Corps and concessionaires.



3. Establish programs for training lake personnel in all aspects of safety.



4. Assign responsibilities for administration of a viable safety program.



4. ACTIVITIES




Measures that are employed to maintain health and safety include, but are not limited to the following:



1. The Operations Manager has appointed a member of the project staff as the project safety officer. The project safety officer will develop plans and programs to carry out the provisions of EM 385-1-1 and the Engineer Regulations in the 385 series.



2. Safety education meetings are for Government personnel by immediate supervisors as required by EM 385-1-1.



3. Resource management training courses and requirements are established and comply with Section 1 and 2 of EM 385-1-1. Hazard abatement are developed and followed by government personnel on the different types of activities performed.



4. Project personnel promote, develop, and maintain public interest in recreational safety through the establishment of water safety councils. Personnel also participate in and take advantage of programs offered by organizations such as the National Water Safety Congress, National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadrons, the American Red Cross, and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrations. Guidance and assistance is obtained from the District safety office.



5. Safety equipment and materials such as first aid kits, search, rescue and recovery equipment, portable signs and barricades, communications equipment, vehicles, motor launches, and fire fighting equipment are maintained.



6. Restricted areas, swimming areas, danger zones, and hazardous areas are properly marked with the appropriate buoys, markers, signs, or barricades which conform to the current Uniform State Waterway Marking System and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Commission D6.1, 1978). Such devices are placed and maintained to insure the public is adequately safeguarded against hazards. Tailwater areas and areas immediately above spillways and dams are properly marked with signs, buoys, booms, or other markers. Signs, buoys, and markers have been installed in connection with the outlet control structures. Project roads and boat launching ramps are adequately signed, marked, or barricaded for proper use and protection of the visiting public.



7. All facilities and equipment comply with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.



8. Commercial telephones for emergency use are provided in public use areas where feasible.



9. Adequate security lights are provided at all boat launching ramps when the lights are available at a reasonable cost. In areas where electrical service is not readily available, reflective type signs/markers and solar powered lights have been installed and maintained to identify ramp locations.



10. Information bulletin boards are provided in the majority of public use areas. They contain location charts, emergency numbers, Title 36 rules and regulations, safety tips and other information of interest to the visitor.



11. Search, rescue and recovery activities are directed and normally conducted by the state and local authorities and are undertaken by Corps personnel only in cases of emergency where situations dictate their necessity. Coordination with local authorities is essential. The safety of Corps personnel is a major consideration at all times during search and recovery operations. Corps personnel will have proper equipment and training for these activities. An updated search and rescue plan is being developed with the Sheriff departments of Wayne and Butler counties.




Details of specific management techniques for implementation of the safety program are contained in the OMP.