General Information
The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, is revising the Master Plan (MP) and Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for Proctor Lake. The MP 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 Proctor Lake. The SMP specifies rules and policy governing activities undertaken by private individuals on Federal land such as personal floating facilities (including boat docks) or vegetation modification permits (mowing, paths, etc.).
Public Meeting for Public and Agency Input
The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hosting a public meeting to provide information and receive public input to begin the process of revising the MP and SMP for Proctor Lake. No changes to the MP or SMP have been proposed at this time, and the public meeting will initiate a 30-day comment period to review the existing MP and SMP (previously Lakeshore Management Plan) and provide comments. The public meeting will be held at 4:00 pm on March 19, 2024 at the Comanche County Courthouse - Comanche County Courtroom, 101 W. Central Ave., Comanche, Texas 76442, with an Open House until 6:00 pm. Draft MP and SMP documents will be available at the bottom of the page as well as the existing 1971 MP and 1976 Lakeshore Management Plan (now SMP) prior to the public meeting on March 19, 2024.
About Proctor Lake
Proctor Lake is located along the Leon River in Comanche County, Texas, around 3 miles west of Proctor, Texas. Proctor Lake is a multi-purpose project used for flood control, water supply, fish and wildlife, and recreation. In addition to these primary missions, USACE has an inherent mission of environmental stewardship of project lands and works closely with stakeholders to provide regionally important outdoor recreation opportunities. Water releases are utilized by Texas Water Development Board and neighboring communities for agriculture, municipal, and industrial uses. Construction on the dam was started in 1961 and was completed in 1963. At the normal pool elevation of 1,162.0 feet NGVD, the lake surface covers 4,615 acres. Proctor Lake is home to the following parks and recreation areas: Sowell Creek Park, Copperas Creek Park, and Promontory Park.
What is a Master Plan?
The MP 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.
What is a Shoreline Management Plan?
The SMP specifies rules and policy governing activities undertaken by private individuals on Federal land. Activities could include private boat docks (personal floating facilities, PFF); vegetation modification (mowing, underbrushing, pedestrian (foot) paths, fire defensible space, etc.); and provides Shoreline Allocations and management guidelines to help manage the shoreline and permitted activities.
Why Revise the Proctor Lake Master Plan and Shoreline Management Plan?
The last Master Plan for Proctor Lake was published in 1971 and the current Lakeshore Management Plan (now Shoreline Management Plan) was published in 1976. Since then, many changes have taken place including major utilities and highway construction, growing population around the lake, and evolving recreational uses. The Plans, the land classifications and allocations, and guidance 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 MP include revised land and water surface classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs, and special topics such as invasive species management and protection of sensitive wildlife habitat. The SMP should be consistent with the MP, and the revision should ensure MP classifications and SMP allocations are compatible and managed holistically. Public participation is critical to the successful revision of the MP and SMP.
Public Input and Comments
Comments may be submitted in person at the meeting, delivered to the project office, online by filling out the Comment Form below 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 March 19, 2024 through April 19, 2024. Comments and questions pertaining to the MP and SMP revision can be addressed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: Lake Manager, Proctor Lake Office
2180 FM 2861
Comanche, Texas 76442
Email: CESWF-PROCTOR@usace.army.mil
March 2024
January 2023