Current status of Conchas Shoreline Management:

As of March 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received a high volume of requests by local landowners in Big Mesa, Hooverville, and Conchas Lake, N.M., for both shoreline use permits (SUPs) and Section 408 and Section 404 permits (Clean Water Act; CWA). Multiple factors, including low water levels at Conchas Lake, have increased demand for shoreline access at the project which has created issues for both the public and USACE.  

The shoreline falls within the federal flowage easement; therefore permits are required. Anything extending into the water is also subject to regulation.

In response to the inquiries related to shoreline management, USACE-Albuquerque District has determined that:

• Shoreline Management Plans are meant exclusively for federally owned fee lands and are therefore not applicable at Conchas Lake.
• USACE will not be issuing any SUPs and no new construction or docks (floating or otherwise), staircases, buoys or any other features will be authorized.
• Sections 404 and 408 permits will not be granted now (or at any time in the future) within the flowage easement at Conchas Lake.

For any questions, please contact the Conchas Lake Operations Project Manager at: (575)-868-2221.