The Bureau of Reclamation has released for public review and comment an Environmental Assessment for the restoration of the Hunters Hole backwater area. Restoration of Hunters Hole would consist of creating riparian, marsh, and open water habitats, and restoring water flow within the Hunters Hole area in a manner that will sustain wildlife values while providing for border security needs. The proposed project is located in Yuma County along the Colorado River's Limitrophe Division, approximately 2 miles south of Gadsden, Arizona.

Reclamation is proposing to issue a License to the Yuma Crossing National Historic Area (YCNHA) for the proposed restoration of the Hunters Hole site. The license would grant the YCNHA access to Reclamation withdrawn lands for implementation of the restoration project and long-term management and maintenance of the site.

A copy of the draft Environmental Assessment is available for public review online at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/hunters-hole/draftea.pdf .

Written comments on this document will be accepted until March 23, 2009.

Comments should be mailed to Mr. Julian DeSantiago, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ 85364. They can also be submitted to Mr. DeSantiago by e-mail, at: jdesantiago@lc.usbr.gov.