The Bureau of Reclamation announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan (VSP). Reclamation has completed the required National Environmental Policy Act compliance. A final decision will be documented in a Record of Decision (ROD) that will be released at least 30 days after publication of the Notice of Availability for the FEIS in the Federal Register. The ROD will state the action that will be implemented and discuss the factors leading to the decision. Four action alternatives are analyzed in the FEIS. Reclamation's Preferred Alternative remains Alternative B which would increase short-term public use opportunities on and around the lake.

Extensive public comment was received in the development of the FEIS. The Draft EIS was released for two public review and comment periods, from October 31, 2003, to April 22, 2004, and again from February 16 to April 4, 2005. Presentations on the VSP were given in 2003, 2004, and 2005 to Tribal, county, and city officials; congressional representatives and staff; the media; and community groups. Public open houses were held in March 2001, November 2003, and January and March 2004. Two public hearings were held on January 21, 2004.

The public is invited to attend any of the information meetings being held to learn more about the FEIS, four of which will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2005, at the following Lake Berryessa locations:

Putah Creek Resort - 9-10 a.m., Putah Creek Restaurant and Bar, 7600 Knoxville Road, Napa

Rancho Monticello Resort - 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Café at Rancho Monticello Resort, 6590 Knoxville Road, Napa

Steele Park Resort - 1:30-2:30 p.m., Harbor Cove Restaurant, 1605 Steele Canyon Road, Napa

Markley Cove Resort - 3:30-4:30 p.m., Markley Cove Store, 7521 Highway 128, Napa

Additional public meetings will be scheduled in the cities of Napa, Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo, and Winters. More information regarding these meetings will be announced shortly.

These meetings will be held before all elements of a final Record of Decision are determined.

The Final EIS may be viewed at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/berryessa. Please contact Pete Lucero at 707-966-2111 x106 or e-mail plucero@mp.usbr.gov for questions on the FEIS. To request a paper copy or CD, contact Janet Sierzputowski at 916-978-5112 or e-mail jsierzputowski@mp.usbr.gov.