Under the proposed action described in both the original Environmental Assessment and the Supplemental EA, Reclamation would restore riparian, marsh, and open water habitats and water flows within the Hunters Hole area to improve habitat conditions for wildlife while providing for international security needs along the United States/Mexico border.

Reclamation is proposing to issue a license to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) for the proposed restoration of the Hunters Hole site. The license would grant the YCNHA access to Reclamation withdrawn lands for restoration activities and long-term management and maintenance of the site. Under the original proposed action, Reclamation would have restored 95 acres of wetland, aquatic, riparian and upland habitat within the Hunters Hole area. However, due to changing site conditions that restrict Reclamation's ability to sustain large open water and aquatic habitat areas at the project site, a new 35-acre alternative is being proposed. The new alternative would still meet the project's goal of restoring and enhancing riparian, open water, and marsh habitat in a manner that will sustain wildlife values while providing for border security needs.

The Supplemental EA describes the anticipated environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action. Based upon analysis completed for the Supplemental EA, Reclamation has determined that issuance of a license for these activities to the YCNHA will not result in significant impacts. The Final Supplemental EA and FONSI are available on line at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/yuma/environmental_docs/environ_docs.html.

Any questions regarding this action should be addressed to Mr. Julian DeSantiago, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma, AZ 85364. They can also be submitted by e-mail at jdesantiago@usbr.gov.