Before preparing an Environmental Assessment on a proposal to construct a fish barrier in lower Redrock Canyon in the Sierra Vista Ranger District in Santa Cruz county, Arizona, the Bureau of Reclamation and the USDA Forest Service are seeking public input on the issues and concerns that should be addressed in that document.

The proposed barrier would facilitate the Arizona Game and Fish Department's plans to mechanically and/or chemically treat the watershed to remove nonnative fishes and bullfrogs and restore native aquatic species, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

During the initial scoping phase, the public is invited to submit comments to assist in the identification of key issues and alternatives related to the proposal that should be addressed in the Environmental Assessment. An EA will be prepared by Reclamation and the Forest Service to evaluate potential issues, consider alternatives, and analyze effects of the proposed action and other action alternatives.

The full Notice of Public Scoping Notice can be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at (623) 773-6251, by e-mailing rkonst@lc.usbr.gov , or by downloading it from the Phoenix Area Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/

Comments should be mailed to Mr. John McGlothlen at the Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix Area Office, PXAO-1500, 6150 West Thunderbird Rd., Glendale AZ 85306-4001or faxed to (623) 773-6481, no later than February 16, 2007. Questions may be directed to Mr. John McGlothlen of the Environmental Resource Management Division, at (623) 773-6256.