BISMARCK, N.D. - As recreation season approaches, landowners adjacent to the Missouri River, including Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe, are reminded that obtaining a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required for any activity in or affecting the Missouri River system.
Types of activities that require permits include, but are not limited to: boat docks, intake systems, bank stabilization, dredging and maintenance to any existing structure or permitted activity.
Activities that result in minimal individual and cumulative adverse effects on the aquatic environment may be authorized by nationwide permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters.
While many activities may qualify for nationwide permits, regional conditions for North Dakota require the Corps to be notified of a proposed project prior to commencement. A complete list of North Dakota Regional Conditions for the Nationwide Permits can be found on the Internet at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Portals/23/docs/regulatory/ND/gen/ApprovedNDRegConds2012.pdf.
Public lands, surrounding Lake Oahe and Lake Sakakawea have additional requirements such as licenses, leases, or shoreline permits for any use or activity of those lands. Please contact the Oahe or Garrison Project offices to find out those allowable activities or use by adjacent cabin or land owners.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit authority is found in the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
The point-of-contact for activities on the Missouri River and for general information regarding the Corps Regulatory Program is the North Dakota Regulatory Office at (701) 255-0015. For activities proposed on Lake Sakakawea contact the Garrison Project Office at (701) 654-7411. For activities proposed on the portion of Lake Oahe located in North Dakota, contact the Oahe Project Office at (701) 255-0015.