USACE Vicksburg District Issues Temporary Restriction on Recreational Boating at Sardis Lake
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has issued a temporary restriction for recreational boating on the Lower Lake below Sardis Dam due to routine maintenance and inspection of several key flood control structures that will take place until August 31.
Boating on the Lower Lake is temporarily limited to fishing only, and low-speed operation highly recommended. Operators should consider the ability of their boat to operate in shallow water prior to accessing the Lower Lake.
No watersports will be allowed due to the current low water conditions in the Lower Lake and boaters are advised to operate with caution. Especially during low water conditions, underwater obstructions can damage boats or injure persons participating in watersports like waterskiing, tubing or wakeboarding. Obstructions that would not pose a hazard at normal water levels can do so under low water conditions, especially if operating at higher speeds.
Sardis Dam is undergoing routine inspection of some of its key flood control structures which requires the water level in the Lower Lake to be dropped to below normal levels. The inspections take place every five years and are vital to ensure the continued safe operation of the dam. The water levels will remain lower until inspections and repairs can be completed.
The restriction applies only to the 400-acre Lower Lake below Sardis Dam and does not affect boating operation on the upper lake above Sardis Dam.
For additional information, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662-563-4531.
The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The Vicksburg District is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.
FISH STRUCTURE PLACEMENT REGULATION
All persons placing structure(s) in Sardis, Arkabutla, Grenada, and Enid lakes must abide by the terms outlined in the following regulations according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Title 36.
The placement of untreated, wooden structures in the lake basin for the purpose of fish habitat is authorized. Artificial wooden "grabbling structures" are also authorized. Natural structures may not be altered and used to "hand fish" from. Other structures made of plastic, PVC, metal, and other non-biodegradable materials are NOT allowed. Any person(s) installing a structure not in compliance with this regulation may be subject to a citation under Title 36.
The placement of trees are allowed along with an appropriately sized anchoring device which may be made of concrete, brick, or stone. Any anchor(s) other than these approved materials will be in violation and subject to fines and penalties.
Structures may not be placed within 300 feet of any designated swimming area or beach. These structures should not be placed in any areas where they may become boating hazards such as directly below or adjacent to any boat ramp.
Cultural Resource Protection- Visitors are reminded that the removal of historical and archaeological features (material from old house sites, arrowheads, human remains, etc.) is PROHIBITED.
If caught, looters face arrest, fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for disturbing these areas.
Life Jackets are Mandatory at MS Lakes
The following life jacket rules are being enforced at all four of the Vicksburg District-North Mississippi lakes at Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada.
All persons must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times:
- while swimming outside of designated swimming areas.
- while skiing or being pulled by a vessel, regardless of vessel length.
- on powered vessels 16 to 26 feet in length whenever under power by the main propulsion unit.
- on powered vessels less than 16 feet in length or on non-powered vessels regardless of length.
For more information, contact the Sardis Lake Field Office at 662.563.4531
or the MS Project Management Office at 662.578.3873
Rules for Sardis Lake Archery Area
The following rules are in effect at the Sardis Lake Archery Area. All hunters must have a permit prior to engaging in any hunting activity within the archery area. Permits must be picked up in person at the Sardis Lake Field Office. A hunter survey is included on the back of the permit form. It must be filled out and returned to the Sardis Lake Field Office or placed in a drop box at one of two check-in stations at the conclusion of each season.
The archery area is located near on either side of Sardis Dam and offers over 1,000 acres for archery only hunting. Hunters may use long bows, recurves, and compound bows. Seasons, bag limits, and other regulations are set by the MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. For more information please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sardis Lake Field Office (662) 563-4531.