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CORPS ESTABLISHES ‘COMMERCIAL ZONES’ AT MARINAS LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 26 – In the interest of public safety and the security of visitor property, the Little Rock District of the Army Corps of Engineers has established ‘commercial zones’ around marinas that will restrict recreational activities within 50 feet of all marina docks.
Lakes that fall under the new policy include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Dardanelle and Millwood. Examples of prohibited activities within these zones are boating, fishing, swimming and diving. Commercial zones are being marked with signs and buoys.
Fishing beneath boat storage docks has created the most difficulties because hooks and lures sometimes damage boats or docks. People like to fish under marina docks because they act as structure that attract fish. One alternative for anglers is to work with local Corps offices to create fish attractors out of discarded Christmas trees or certain other materials. Many fishing clubs have long been involved with the Corps and state fish and game agencies in creating these.
Boaters sometimes obstruct operations around marinas by boating or fishing too close. Swimming or diving around marinas is always unsafe. Keeping recreational activities away from the docks will also help cut down on thefts and improve safety by reducing boat traffic.
Public access to recreation is still guaranteed at Little Rock District lakes. There are more than 256,000 acres, and the commercial zones constitute only about 1 percent of the total lake area.
It is not unusual for the Corps to restrict recreational activities in certain areas if a need exists. For instance, recreational activities are commonly restricted at locks, dams, spillways, powerhouses, swimming areas, and water intakes to help ensure safety and protection of lives and property. The commercial zones have the same intention.
Restrictions at marinas are not new. No fishing zones have been in place since 1986, and commercial zones have been in place since 2007. The new policy formalizes the commercial zones and establishes the means for Corps park rangers and other law enforcement officers to enforce the policy.
The 50-foot buffer will be used whenever possible to provide consistency from marina to marina. However, with a written request to the Corps that demonstrates a special need, a marina operator might be allowed to place some additional restriction on recreational activities that obstruct ingress and egress to marina docks. Posted signs will indicate an extension of the commercial zone.
Note: I know some of you already know about this new policy. Don't be surprised if you see signs (like the red and white one above) up at local marinas. These are official Corps signs. The Corps will be enforcing this policy. We really haven't had a problem with these activities taking place around our marina, so I don't foresee this being a big issue for us at Pontiac. However, we'd appreciate it if everyone would help us out and follow the rules. :)
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BASS just learned that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting a public workshop regarding their new fishing around marinas policy in Harrison, Ark., on Thursday night, January 22. The meeting will be at the Quality Inn Conference Room, 1210 US Highway 62/65 North.
Recently, we posted an article that covered some of the history of this issue (Click here to read the story). Basically, we had an agreement in place, an agreement by the anglers, marina owners, state enforcement and fisheries agencies and the US Army Corps of Engineers, that allowed anglers to fish around marina facilities, provided they didn't fish within 50 feet of gas docks, marina stores or restaurants.
In one of the most irresponsible moves ever by the Corps, they changed this policy about 9 months ago without even bothering to tell us. Now we can't fish within 50 feet of any marina structure. Marinas are effectively off limits to law abiding anglers. This is the worst example in many years where the US Army Corps of Engineers completely disregarded public input and implemented a policy that benefits one special interest group — the marina owners — over the American public that owns the water.
The Corps is facilitating the privatization of public waters!
As an angler, if this doesn't make your blood boil, you may want to check your pulse. If it does, and you live within driving distance of this meeting, you have an opportunity to let you voice be heard. If enough anglers show up for the workshop, it very well could be the catalyst for a favorable outcome for anglers.
I hope to see you there.
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