FOLSOM, CALIF. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Folsom (City) have released a Draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA/IS) for the Lake Natoma Waterfront and Trail Access Enhancement Project (Project). Reclamation is the lead agency for the EA under the National Environmental Policy Act. The City is the lead agency for the IS under the California Environmental Quality Act. Reclamation and the City are coordinating with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) on the project. State Parks is Reclamation’s managing partner for the project area.

The City proposes to enhance the existing trails and environmental conditions along the shoreline of Lake Natoma within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and adjacent to Historic Downtown Folsom. Improvements would include riparian enhancements and the installation of interpretive kiosks/signs and scenic overlooks. Another feature would be a walkway from the Lake Natoma Crossing Bridge to a scenic overlook below the bridge that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Draft EA/IS is available for a 30-day public review and comment period. Reclamation and the City have scheduled an Open House to provide the public with information on the Project, answer questions and receive public comment on the Draft EA/IS. The public is invited to visit with Reclamation and City staff members at the Open House any time between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.:

Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Any time between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street, Folsom, Calif.

The Draft EA/IS available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=9648. If you encounter problems accessing the document, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov. The document can also be viewed at Reclamation’s Central California Area Office (CCAO), 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, or at the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom.

Written comments must be received by close of business Thursday, June 14, 2012, and should be sent to either Jim Konopka, Folsom Parks and Recreation Department, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630, fax 916-351-5931, or email jkonopka@folsom.ca.us, or Matt See, Reclamation, CCAO, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630, fax 916-989-7109, or email msee@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a CD of the Draft EA/IS, please contact Mr. See at 916-989-7198, TTY 916-989-7285, or msee@usbr.gov or Mr. Konopka at 916-351-3516 or jkonopka@folsom.ca.us.