ASHLAND, Ore. - The Bureau of Reclamation has completed a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Camper's Cove Resort Lands Encroachment to resolve unauthorized use of federal land adjoining the resort located at Hyatt Lake about 14 miles east of Ashland, Ore.

Action is needed to comply with federal regulations prohibiting any unauthorized or exclusive recreational or residential use of Reclamation land as defined under 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 429.

The Draft EA outlines three alternatives:

No Action Alternative - This alternative assumes that no federal action would be taken and Reclamation lands would not be sold into private ownership.

Removal Alternative - All facilities encroaching upon federal lands would be removed and the area would be restored to a more natural state.

Preferred Disposal Alternative - Sale of the encroached-upon Reclamation lands and an additional 100-foot fire break for wildfire safety. The potential land sale would encompass 3.53 acres around the 2-acre Camper's Cove Resort. Once sold, the area would become private property.

Copies of the Draft EA are available by contacting Mr. Chuck Carnohan at 509-575-5848, ext 370, or it can be viewed online at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/oregon/camperscove/index.html

Written comments may be submitted to Mr. Chuck Carnohan, Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, Washington, 98901-2058. Comments will be accepted until February 7, 2013.