General Information
The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, is revising the Master Plan for Bardwell Lake. The Master Plan is intended to serve as a comprehensive land and recreational management plan with a life span of 25 years. It guides the stewardship of natural and cultural resources and the provision of outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities to ensure sustainability of federal land associated with Bardwell Lake.
About Bardwell Lake
Bardwell Lake is located at river mile 5.0 on Waxahachie Creek about 5 miles south of Ennis, Texas. The lake is located entirely in Ellis County. Bardwell is a multi-purpose flood control and water conservation lake with a total storage capacity of 140,000 acre feet. In addition to these primary missions, USACE has an inherent mission of environmental stewardship of project lands and works closely with neighboring cities to provide regionally important outdoor recreation opportunities. Construction on the dam was started in 1963 and was completed in 1965. Bardwell Lake is home to the following parks and recreation areas: Mott Park, High View Park, Waxahachie Creek Park, Love Park, Little Mustang Creek Park, Big Mustang Creek Park, Buffalo Creek Wetland Area and Meadowview Nature Area.
What is a Master Plan?
The Master Plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural, and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resources project. Revision of the Master Plan will not address in detail the technical operational aspects of the reservoir related to the water supply or flood risk management missions of the project.
Why Revise the Bardwell Lake Master Plan?
The current Master Plan for Belton Lake was prepared in 1970. The Plan and the land classifications are in need of revision to address changes in regional land use, population, outdoor recreation trends and USACE management policy. Key topics to be addressed in the revised Master Plan include revised land classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs and special topics such as invasive species management and threatened and endangered species habitat. Public participation is critical to the successful revision of the Master Plan.
Comments may be submitted in person at the meeting, delivered to the project office, online by filling out the Comment Form below and clicking the link provided on the comment form, by mailing the comments to the address below, or via email at the email address provided. Only written comments will be accepted. The comment period begins April 11, 2024 and ends May 11, 2024. Comments and questions pertaining to the Master Plan revision can be addressed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: Lake Manager
Bardwell Lake Office
4000 Observation Dr
Ennis, Texas 75119
Email: ceswf-od-br@usace.army.mil
Initial Public Meeting Notice and other information:
February 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE AND OPEN HOUSE
April 2024
Public Notice