The Corps shoreline allocations and classifications define the use of the lake shoreline. They are defined in Corps Shoreline Management regulation ER 1130-2-406 (paragraph 5 d and e) dated 31 Oct 90 and are extracted below for easy reference. The different classifications are indicated on Corps Shoreline maps as:

• Blue for Limited Development area
• Red for Public Recreation area
• White for Protected Shoreline area
• Green for Aesthetic area
• Yellow for Prohibited Access area.

The Corps Shoreline map for the southeast part of Lake Texoma near the dam indicates all of the shoreline classification types and includes a map legend.
See Map

Corps Shoreline Management regulation

The Shoreline Management Plan will consist of a map showing the shoreline allocated to the uses listed in paragraph 5.e., related rules and regulations, a discussion of what areas are open or closed to specific activities and facilities, how to apply for permits and other information pertinent to the Corps management of the shoreline.

The plan will be prepared in sufficient detail to ensure that it is clear to the public what uses are and are not allowed on the “shoreline of the project and why. A process will be developed and presented in the Shoreline Management Plan that prescribes a procedure for review of activities requested but not specifically addressed by the Shoreline Management Plan.

e. Shoreline Allocation. The entire shoreline will be allocated within the classifications below and delineated on a map. Any action, within the context of this regulation, which gives a special privilege to an individual or group of individuals on land or water at a Corps project, that precludes use of those lands and waters by the general public, is considered to be private shoreline use.Shoreline allocations cover that land and/or water extending from the edge of the water and waterward with the exception of allocations for the purpose of vegetation modification which extends landward to the project boundary. These allocations should compliment, but certainly not contradict, the land classifications in the project master plan. A map of sufficient size and scale to clearly display the shoreline allocations will be conspicuously displayed or readily available for viewing in the project administration office and will serve as the authoritative reference. Reduced or smaller scale maps may be developed for public dissemination but the information contained on these must be identical to that contained on the display map in the project administration office. No changes will be made to these maps except through the formal update process. District commanders may add specific constraints and identify areas having unique characteristics during the plan preparation, review, or updating process in addition to the allocation classifications described below.

(1) Limited Development Areas. Limited Development Areas are those areas in which private facilities and/or activities may be allowed consistent with paragraph 8 and Appendix A. Modification of vegetation by individuals may be allowed only following the issuance of a permit in accordance with Appendix A. Potential low and high water conditions and underwater topography should be carefully evaluated before shoreline is allocated as Limited Development Area.

(2) Public Recreation Areas. Public Recreation Areas are those areas designated for commercial concessionaire facilities, Federal, state or other similar public use. No private shoreline use facilities and/or activities will be permitted within or near designated or developed public recreation areas. The term “near” depends on the terrain, road system, and other local conditions, so actual distances must be established on a case by case basis in each project Shoreline Management Plan. No modification of land forms or vegetation by private individuals or groups of individuals is permitted in public recreation areas.

(3) Protected Shoreline Areas. Protected Shoreline Areas are those areas designated to maintain or restore aesthetic, fish and wildlife, cultural, or other environmental values. Shoreline may also be so designated to prevent development in areas that are subject to excessive siltation, erosion, rapid dewateringr or exposure to high wind, wave, or current action and/or in areas in which development would interfere with navigation. No Shoreline Use Permits for floating or fixed recreation facilities will be allowed in protected areas. Some modification of vegetation by private individuals, such as clearing a narrow meandering path to the water, or limited mowing, may be allowed only following the issuance of a permit if the resource manager determines that the activity will not adversely impact the environment or physical characteristics for which the area was designated as protected. In making this determination the affect on water quality will also be considered.

(4) Prohibited Access Areas. Prohibited Access areas are those in which public access is not allowed or is restricted for health, safety or security reasons. These could include hazardous areas near dams, spillways, hydro-electric power stations, work areas, water intake structures, etc. No shoreline use permits will be issued in Prohibited Access Areas.