TIOGA, Pa. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, has released the draft 2025 Master Plan (MP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake Projects that will serve as the guiding documents for consistent, responsible decision-making at the projects for the next 15 to 25 years.
These revisions are part of a larger, USACE-wide effort to bring all master plans up to date across the country.
The 2025 Master Plan summarizes existing conditions, serves as an inventory and analysis of land resources, considers implications of alternative development actions, and recommends land use changes to support a preferred development plan. This includes land use classifications that govern the way land is managed and used to provide good stewardship and outdoor recreation to meet the needs created by the lake itself.
The new guidance set forth for each respective project includes three major requirements including (1) the preparation of contemporary Resource Objectives, (2) Classification of project lands using the newly approved classification standards, and (3) the preparation of a Resource Plan describing in broad terms how the land in each of the land classifications will be managed into the foreseeable future. The study teams followed this guidance to prepare a Master Plan that will improve environmental quality and foster a management philosophy conducive to existing and projected staff
levels at the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake Projects. Factors considered in each of the plans were identified through discussions with project representatives, USACE, and the public. These Master Plans will ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources associated with Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake.
It is important to note that the 2025 Master Plan does not appropriate money to enhancements discussed in the plans, but effectively portray where projects could be authorized if funding or a strategic partnership were to become available for implementation.
USACE requests comments regarding the draft 2025 Master Plans and their associated environmental assessments (EAs) within thirty (30) days of the Notice of Availability dated April 28, 2025. USACE will consider all comments received within the 30-day comment period in the preparation of the Final Master Plans and EAs. The Draft Master Plans and EAs can be found on the USACE Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake website at: https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/missions/dams-recreation/master-plan-revisions/tioga-hammond-and-cowanesque-master-plan/. Additionally, a copy of the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake draft Master Plan and EA will be available at the Mansfield Free Public Library (Mansfield, PA) and the Elkland Area Community Library (Elkland, PA).
Individuals wishing to provide comments or request additional information may contact Ms. Laura Searles at Laura.K.Searles@usace.army.mil or using the “Questions and Comments” submission field on the site above. Additionally, questions and/or comments can be submitted at the USACE websites above or mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, Subject: 2025 Master Plans, 2 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21201.
The draft Master Plan can be found online: https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/missions/dams-recreation/master-plan-revisions/tioga-hammond-and-cowanesque-master-plan/
About Tioga-Hammond Lake
The Tioga-Hammond Lakes project is unique in that it consists of two separate dams, one on the Tioga River and the other along Crooked Creek. The lakes formed by both dams are joined by a gated connecting channel. The project was operationally complete in 1978.
About Cowanesque Lake
Cowanesque Lake is located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania and lies on the Cowanesque River near Lawrenceville, PA. Construction of Cowanesque Dam was completed in 1980. The dam embankment is rolled rock and earthfill, 3100 feet in length and 151 feet above the lake bottom. Project purposes include flood risk management, water supply, low flow augmentation, and recreation. The Cowanesque Lake has 1,085 surface acres of water.
Additional Information
Baltimore District delivers vital engineering solutions in collaboration with its partners to serve and strengthen the Nation, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risks. Headquartered near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore District provides design, engineering, construction, environmental, and real estate expertise to various important projects and customers. This support spans five states, the District of Columbia, overseas, and the Susquehanna, Potomac, and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. These civil and military missions and diverse engineering services support communities and warfighters while addressing the ever-growing list of emerging national security requirements and ultimately protecting the Nation.
Release no. 25-014