The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on a long-overdue update to the Beltzville Lake Master Plan, a document that has not been revised since 1971 and guides how the popular park is used, protected and managed.

The Corps hosted an informational open house at the Towamensing Township Volunteer Fire Company to introduce the draft plan and launch a 30-day public comment period that runs through Feb. 6.

The plan addresses land use, recreation and habitat management at Beltzville Lake.

Kristen Bell of the Army Corps of Engineers said one major change involves modernizing outdated language in the plan. “The terminology needs to be updated,” Bell said. “The 1971 plan classified all areas as ‘recreational.’ We will be using the terms ‘high density’ (parking lots, beach, boat launch) and ‘low density’ (trails, etc.).”

According to the master plan synopsis, management goals include “protecting natural and cultural resources, providing access to public land and water recreation, protecting the public and ensuring reservoir and dam operations.”

While the property is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, portions of Beltzville State Park are leased to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, with other areas managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Steve Rochette, chief of public affairs for the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District, emphasized the importance of public participation.

“The Philadelphia district owns and operates the dam, and we encourage comments from the public,” Rochette said, adding that previous feedback covered a wide range of topics rather than one dominant issue.

Some attendees raised concerns about how specific uses are addressed in the new plan.

Scott Voth of the Beltzville Flying Machine Society, which has operated at the park for 40 years, questioned why the area used for flying model airplanes was not redesignated.

The 1971 plan had labeled the area for campgrounds, which were never developed. Several residents also voiced concerns about campgrounds, though officials clarified that campgrounds are not part of the current plan.

Friends of Beltzville member Inge Foster said, “I’d like to know what changes are happening and make sure they don’t open areas to campsites.”

Roy Christman, whose family once owned a 465-acre farm that now makes up part of the park and is commemorated by the Christman Trail, shared several recommendations.

He urged “minimizing conflict by making sure rules are published and enforced,” citing leash requirements for dogs, prohibiting swimming at Wild Creek Falls, and banning large power boats or gas-powered watercraft on the relatively small lake.

Christman also called for better coordination among the Army Corps of Engineers, DCNR, the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission.

Army Corps Project Manager Tennille Hammond agreed, stating, “More interagency coordination is needed.”

Park Manager Cody Miller said the goal is to align policy with reality at the park. “We need to bring the plan to what is currently happening at the park,” Miller said.

The draft master plan is available for review online, and public comments can be submitted by email through Feb. 6. The Army Corps of Engineers expects the updated plan to be approved in April.