The recent dismissal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Little Rock District commander could signal a significant shift for property owners around Table Rock Lake, who are looking to new leadership for improved relations with the federal agency. On January 15, USACE announced the relief of Col. Patrick Caukin from his command. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Adam Telle, stated that the move addresses "entrenched bureaucracies that have unnecessarily frustrated American citizens," emphasizing a new administrative stance against commanders who "fail to follow orders and overcome entrenched bureaucracy." Lt. Col. Jesse Carter has temporarily assumed command while the district awaits permanent leadership.
The Little Rock District oversees numerous lakes, including Bull Shoals and Norfork, across Arkansas and parts of southern Missouri, focusing on flood control, hydropower, and navigation. While the official announcement didn't detail specific reasons for Caukin's removal, it follows escalating tensions between Corps officials, lawmakers, and property owners regarding enforcement actions at Table Rock Lake. Concerns have frequently centered on directives requiring the removal of docks and structures previously permitted under older regulations.
Missouri's 7th District Representative Eric Burlison has been a vocal critic of USACE practices, introducing legislation to protect property owners from what he describes as costly mandates. Burlison highlighted the Corps' intensified efforts to survey property lines, often revealing discrepancies with homeowners' understanding based on county maps. He previously noted instances where homeowners were told to remove items ranging from septic tanks and sheds to portions of decks or landscaping found to be on federal property.
Speaking recently, Rep. Burlison welcomed the change in command, describing the Little Rock office as historically "the most difficult government agency to deal with." He expressed relief that the administration validated these concerns, hoping the office will now serve as an example of proper operation. Burlison anticipates "a massive change in the posture and attitude of employees of the Army Corps of Engineers" for lake residents.
As Lt. Col. Carter leads temporarily, the USACE is initiating the process to appoint a new permanent commander. The Corps maintains its responsibility to verify federal property lines around reservoirs, acknowledging that such checks can uncover encroachments like those Burlison described. They advise landowners and prospective buyers to obtain private surveys to prevent accidental trespassing on federal land.
Copyright ©
North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition (NAPAC) / The Harrison Post