While private exclusive use of public land is not permitted, property owners adjacent to public lands do have all the same rights and privileges as any other citizen. Therefore, the information contained in these guidelines is designed to acquaint the adjoining landowner, and other interested persons with the types of property involved in the management of Granger Lake.
Government Owned (Public) Land
Flowage easement land is privately owned land on which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has acquired certain perpetual rights. Namely the right to flood it in connection with the operation of the reservoir; the right to prohibit construction or maintenance of any structure for human habitation; the right to approve all other structures constructed on flowage easement land, except fencing. The flowage easements at Granger Lake are generally located between the Government boundary line and the contour established at 533' above mean sea level. A complete description of the flowage easement can be found in the deed to the property to which it is attached.
As an Owner of Flowage Easement Land, You May:
- Mow, clear, plant vegetation, or otherwise use as desired if not in conflict with the terms of rights acquired by the government.
- Sell or lease the land to others, subject to all restrictions contained in the flowage easement instrument.
- Construct a fence to or along the Government boundary line.
As an Owner of Flowage Easement Land, You May Not:
- Construct or maintain any structure for human habitation, permanent or temporary, on the flowage easement land.
- Place or construct any other structure or appurtenances to existing structures on the flowage easement land without prior written approval of the District Engineer. "Other structures" are construed to mean any kind of structure including but not limited to buildings, ramps, ditches, channels, dams, dikes, wells, earthen tanks, roads, utility lines and tramways.
With approval, almost any type of structure that does not reduce flood storage capacity or is not designed or intended to be used for human habitation may be constructed on the flowage easement land. With respect to construction of water wells, sewer lines, or septic systems, each case will be examined to ensure that pollution of the lake or interference with the operation of the reservoir will not occur. All proposed sewer line and septic system construction must be approved by the appropriate health departments and all septic systems must be located a minimum of 75 feet in horizontal distance from the contour line of 533 feet above mean sea level.