What is a Master Plan?
Master Plans are strategic land-use documents that describe how all project lands, waters, forests and other resources will be conserved, enhanced, developed, managed and used in the public interest throughout the life of the project to benefit present and future generations. The document also contains historical information on the dam and information on the climate, geology, vegetative and wildlife resources, cultural resources, demographics, recreation facilities and needs, land allocation, special considerations, public and agency coordination, etc. A Master Plan provides a framework for consistent, responsible decision-making for an estimated 15-25 years. Master Plans are living documents; they are dynamic and flexible based on changing conditions. Master Plans do not address the specifics of regional water quality, shoreline management or water level management, nor do they include changes to operation and maintenance of project operation facilities, flood risk management, navigation, or water supply functions.
Why is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers updating the Master Plan for F.J. Sayers Dam?
The dam, located on Bald Eagle Creek in Centre County, Pennsylvania, is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, for flood risk management. Baltimore District periodically updates project Master Plans at all dam projects, as funds are available. This update is part of an Army Corps-wide effort to update aging Master Plans. This project’s current Master Plan is from 1974 (click to view). As part of this process, outdated terminology for land and water use (classifications) will be reviewed and updated to meet current standards. The Master Plan update for F.J. Sayers does not consider any specific future development opportunities for leased areas, such as at Bald Eagle State Park, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This revision, in coordination with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will serve as an updated guide for the management of the dam based on new public input, environmental studies, etc. In addition to flood risk management, the Army Corps has an inherent mission of environmental stewardship on project lands and works closely with the DCNR, Borough of Howard, the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission, and Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide regionally important outdoor recreation opportunities.
How can I be involved?
We want and need public input throughout this process to ensure a balance between operational, environmental and recreational outcomes. A Master Plan is the community's chance to shape the future of the dam by providing feedback on current or future use. You can submit questions or comments for the Master Plan revision within the form below. Questions or documents can also be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, Subject: Foster Joseph Sayers, 2 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201.