To All Interested Parties: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Nashville District, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is completing a NEPA evaluation for a proposed action to lease the Roaring River Recreation Area to Jackson County, TN. The recreation area is located east of Nashville on the Cordell Hull Lake Reservoir in Jackson County Tennessee, near the town of Gainesboro.
The Roaring River Recreation Area was established as a fee area in 1994 and has
experienced changes in use and operation since that time. This area was originally developed with a marina, campground, day use area and launching facilities. The area did not get enough use to make it a viable concessionaire, so many of the original facilities closed, leaving behind the day use area amenities.
The adjacent closed campground area is now licensed to TWRA and serves as a handicap accessible hunting area.
The proposed lease area includes two boat ramps, a lighted walking trail, swim beach, picnic table, playground and multiple picnic sites. Jackson County has also requested additional government lands that are connected to, but not part of the original Roaring River Park Area. The lands requested extend west of Roaring River Day Use Area and proceed to encompass Doe Creek. This brings the requested area in total to approximately 150 acres of land and approximately 7 acres of water. This proposal does not include the area that was historically used for camping.
USACE is considering this proposed lease to provide maximized improvements, lessen user conflicts, improve safety, and provide additional recreational activities for the public. If a lease is granted, improvements may include additional picnic areas and pavilions, boat ramps and a fishing area upgrade, installation of a splash pad, basketball and tennis court addition, and a
greenway connecting Roaring River Park to the town of Gainesboro.
Alternatives currently under consideration include:
1. Advertise for lease.
2. Advertise for lease with restrictions to minimize impact.
3. Forego advertising for lease and continue USACE management.
This letter serves to initiate the public involvement requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Section 106, implemented by regulations at 36CFR800, requires USACE to consider the effects of its undertakings on historic properties. Architectural and archeological investigations are planned, and the results will be coordinated with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Officer, Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, and other Consulting Parties as necessary.
By way of this letter, we are soliciting public and agency comments concerning
environmental and cultural issues that should be addressed in the NEPA process.
Comments may be sent by email to corpslrnplanningpubliccom@usace.army.mil, no later than thirty calendar days from the date of this letter. If you are unable to access an email account, you may send written comments to the address listed on the letterhead ATTN:CELRN-PMP (Brad Potts). For additional information regarding the proposed project, please contact Mr. Potts at (931)-310-2596. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Valerie McCormack
Chief, Project Planning Branch