Q. Are there going to be geographic erosion studies on Terrace Mountain?
A. There are currently no plans to perform erosion studies at Raystown in conjunction with the Master Plan revision. If the area is leased out, any developer would be required conduct erosion and sedimentation studies in accordance with state law.
Q. What is the point in restricting access and development on the Eastern side of the lake (Terrace Mountain side)?
A. According to the 1994 Master Plan, a primary objective of the plan was to provide “a natural background for recreationists on the lake by limiting development and maintaining the pristine condition of the southeast slope of the project.” Other factors mentioned include a lack of infrastructure, lack of public support for development in this area, and the emphasis of the plan on existing recreation “nodes.” Recreation nodes are a design concept in which recreation facilities are grouped together in clusters in specific areas to maximize efficiency of access and infrastructure construction.
Q. One developer has come up with a concept to develop a recreation area on Hawn’s Bridge Peninsula. If the area is designated for high density recreation, is it accurate to say that the master plan will determine what will happen on that peninsula?
A. The revised Master Plan will determine whether or not Hawn’s Peninsula is reclassified for high density recreation, and if so, what kind of recreational development would be envisioned for the area. The type of development, if any, will be determined by the public’s recreational needs, site capabilities, good stewardship practices, and Corps guidance. The Master Plan itself will not approve any specific development.
Q. What will the Corps do to protect the plant species Shale-barren evening primrose and Kate’s Mountain Clover from being invaded and destroyed if Hawn’s Peninsula designation is changed?
A. Biological inventories were performed in spring, summer, and fall at Raystown Lake in 2018. One of the primary goals of the inventories was identification of the boundaries of shale barrens at the lake. If areas meet the criteria for “Environmentally Sensitive” land use classification, they may be so designated. The criteria includes areas where specific ecological, scientific, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. Typically, limited or no development is allowed on these lands. Environmentally Sensitive Areas may be smaller areas designated within another land use classification. Measures may be taken or required to protect these areas or limit access to them.
Q. Is safety going to be a factor when looking at the development of Hawn’s Peninsula?
A. Yes. Public safety is a primary factor in decision-making for the Master Plan as well as in operation of the lake’s facilities.
Q. Is there not an area on up from Hawn’s Peninsula that would be better suited?
A. The Master Plan team will be looking at the entire lake shore in conjunction with drafting the revision. Site suitability is a major factor in deciding where new recreation facilities might go if they are needed.
Q. Are there other places on the east side of the lake that have been considered/earmarked for a resort (other than Hawn’s Peninsula)?
A. In the 1994 Master Plan, there are no other areas designated as Future Recreation or undeveloped High Density Recreation on the east side of the lake. See above question as well.
Q. Will resort development provide a percent of their profit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?
A. Rents are either collected on gross revenue or using fair market value of the land, not by a percentage of profit. Rents would only be collected on the portion of the gross revenue generated on Corps land and would not be collected on any revenue generated by a resort on the adjacent private land. By law, 25% of the funds collected are apportioned to the U.S. Treasury and 75% of the funds are apportioned to the counties where the concessions are located. None of the rent collected is retained by or provided to the Corps.
Q. Money is returned to the county (concession leases). Who gets this money? What is it used for?
A. These funds (see Q9) are disbursed, along with other state and federal funds, to the county government through the state. 33 USC 701c-3 states the funds are for use “as the State legislature may prescribe for the benefit of public schools and public roads of the county, or counties, in which such property is situated, or for defraying any of the expenses of county government in such county or counties.” Specific questions about their expenditure should be directed to the respective county officials.
Q. I was involved in the Upper Corners Resort discussion. It died mostly because we couldn’t obtain a liquor license. Can we get a liquor license for Hawn’s development?
A. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers defers to local governments and norms regarding alcohol sales policy. Liquor licenses in Pennsylvania are determined by township governments. While the Corps would not object to issuance of a liquor license to a resort located on public land at Raystown, only Union and/or Juniata township governments and state/local liquor laws can determine whether a license might be issued.