EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
Appendix B
Recreation Development at
Ecosystem Restoration Projects
1. Purpose. This appendix provides additional guidance on the planning and development of
outdoor recreation facilities at single purpose ecosystem restoration projects. It provides a
limited checklist of recreation facilities which may be cost shared at new Corps ecosystem
restoration projects, a discussion of locally preferred plans, and presents reporting guidelines for
presentation of recreation development.
2. Background. Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended, authorizes the Chief
of Engineers to construct, operate, and maintain recreation facilities at water resources projects
under the control of the Department of the Army (16 U.S.C. 460d). Long established policy
precludes cost sharing development of new recreation facilities at completed projects. Current
budget constraints and the intense competition for Federal funds dictate austerity in the planning
and design of recreation facilities at proposed Civil Works projects.
3. Principles for Recreation Development. At many ecosystem restoration projects, the land
base provided by the ecosystem restoration project may afford a low cost opportunity for
recreation facilities. Recreation facilities to be cost shared at new ecosystem restoration
projects must comply with three major criteria: (a) philosophy and inclusion on the checklist in
this appendix, (b) economic justification; and, (c) the ten percent limit rule.
a. Philosophy. The Federal interest, for the purpose of Federal investment, is determined
from the nature of the benefits derived from a facility or activity. Recreation at ecosystem
restoration projects should not only be compatible, but also enhance the visitation experience by
taking advantage of the natural values. The social, cultural, scientific, and educational values
should be considered within the framework and scope of the ecosystem restoration project
purpose. For example, while educational values, through such things as nature study and
interpretive signs, can be an integral part of ecosystem restoration projects, this does not mean
it is appropriate to build recreation/visitor facilities that overwhelm the natural values. The
recreational experience should build upon the ecosystem restoration objective and take
advantage of the restored resources rather than detract from them.
(1) Formulation. Recreation development will not influence the formulation of ecosystem
restoration projects (ER 1105-2-100). Ecosystem projects and recreation features proposed for
construction at existing Corps projects should be consistent with the approved Master Plan (ER
1130-2-550, Recreation Operations and Maintenance Policies).
(2) Vendibility and Stand-alone Principle. If recreation benefits are vendible (type usually
provided by private enterprise), then the facility should be provided by others. If a recreation
feature could be built at the same location without the ecosystem restoration project and not
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