EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
CHAPTER 3 - PROJECT MASTER PLANS AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
3-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance for the preparation of master plans and
operational management plans for USACE Civil Works projects.
3-2. Background.
a. The master plan (MP) is an essential element in fostering an efficient and cost-effective
project for natural resources, recreational, and cultural management programs. The MP provides
direction for project development and use and as such is a vital tool for the responsible
stewardship of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations; and, the MP
promotes the protection, conservation and enhancement of natural, cultural, and man-made
resources.
b. The MP is the basic document guiding Corps of Engineers responsibilities pursuant to
Federal laws (See Appendix B) to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage, and develop the
project lands, waters, and associated resources. The MP is a continuing and dynamic document,
unlike the feasibility study and the general design memorandum which also plan for the
development of resources. The MP is a planning document anticipating what could and should
happen and is flexible based upon changing conditions. Design functions are handled in the
feature design memorandums and in contract plans and specifications. The MP deals in concepts,
not in details of design or administration. Detailed management and administration functions are
handled in the operational management plan (OMP), which translates the concepts of the MP into
operational terms.
c. Master plans are required for civil works projects and other fee-owned lands for which
the Corps of Engineers has administrative responsibility for management of natural and manmade
resources. Lands may be exempted from this requirement where there is no demonstrated need or
opportunity to manage them. Master plans may be prepared for projects not managed by the
Corps of Engineers, such as local protection projects, at the discretion of the MSC Commander.
d. Master Plan Goals. The primary goals of the MP are to prescribe an overall land and
water management plan, resource objectives, and associated design and management concepts,
which:
(1) Provide the best possible combination of responses to regional needs, resource
capabilities and suitabilities, and expressed public interests and desires consistent with authorized
project purposes;
(2) Contribute towards providing a high degree of recreation diversity within the region;
(3) Emphasize the particular qualities, characteristics, and potentials of the project;
(4) Exhibit consistency and compatibility with national objectives and other state and
regional goals and programs.
e. Operational Management Plan. Following approval of the MP, preparation of the
OMP for natural resources and park management will be initiated by the operations element.
3-1
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