Mid-Pacific Region News Releases

Draft Water Banking Criteria Released for Banking Central Valley Project Water Outside of a Contractor’s Contract Service Area

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has released Draft Water Banking Criteria for banking Central Valley Project water outside of a contractor’s contract service area. Reclamation developed these criteria to implement water banking as authorized by the Central Valley Project Improvement Act and as allowed by certain federal contracts.

Reclamation recognizes groundwater banking as an important water management tool in optimizing the use of CVP water while addressing groundwater overdraft in certain areas.

These criteria will apply to contractors under contract with Reclamation for water service or repayment, water rights settlement, exchange, or other applicable contracts requesting to bank CVP water outside of their contract service area. These criteria set forth the standards under which Reclamation may approve banking and recovering of CVP water outside of the contractor’s contract service area boundary, while protecting the integrity of the CVP.

Written comments on the criteria must be received by the close of business on June 21, 2013. Send comments to Sheri Looper, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-400, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be faxed to 916-978-5290 or emailed to slooper@usbr.gov. The documents are available online at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/waterbanking. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100, or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents for the Kern-Tulare Water District/West Kern Water District Groundwater Banking Project

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation today released final environmental documents for a proposed action to allow the Kern-Tulare Water District to bank a maximum of 40,000 acre-feet of Central Valley Project water and non-CVP water in the West Kern Water District Groundwater Bank.

The proposed action includes the return of half the water to Kern-Tulare Water District with the other half left in West Kern Water District as compensation for banking services. The agreement between the two water districts would be in effect for 25 years.
The Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_base.cfm?location=sccao. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, please contact Charles Siek at 559-487-5138, TTY 800-735-2929. Copies of the final documents may also be viewed at Reclamation's Fresno South-Central California Area Office, 1243 N Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Documents on Five-Year Warren Act Contracts for Conveyance of Groundwater in the Tehama-Colusa and Corning Canals

SHASTA LAKE, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the approval of five-year Warren Act contracts for conveyance of non-Central Valley Project groundwater in the Tehama-Colusa and Corning canals in Northern California, when excess capacity is available. The 30-day public comment period for the Draft EA and FONSI ended on May 13; no comments were received.

The contracts will be with seven or more of the 17 water districts served by the Sacramento Canals Unit of the CVP for a five-year period beginning with Water Contract Year 2013. A combined total of up to 44,000 acre-feet could be transported in each year. Groundwater would be pumped from existing wells and conveyed through existing facilities.

The Final Environmental Assessment and Findings of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=13151. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA and FONSI, please contact Paul Zedonis at 530-276-2047 (TTY530-275-8991) or pzedonis@usbr.gov.

Reclamation and Royal Elk Park Management, Inc. Finalize Interim Concession Contract for Management of the Putah Canyon Recreation Area at Lake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. – On May 24, the Bureau of Reclamation signed an interim concession contract with Royal Elk Park Management, Inc. for management of the Putah Canyon Recreation Area at Lake Berryessa, Napa, Calif. The term of the interim contract is May 24, 2013, through December 31, 2015, plus one, one-year option period.

“Royal Elk Park Management has demonstrated experience and a commitment to visitor satisfaction, and we look forward to working with them as they begin providing much-needed visitor services at Putah Canyon this summer,” stated David Murillo, Regional Director for Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region.

Headquartered in Hollister, Calif., Royal Elk manages campgrounds and boat launches at several California locations, including the Pinnacles National Park in San Benito County and the Plumas National Forest’s Bucks Lake, Antelope Lake and Feather River Canyon in Plumas County. For additional information, please visit their website at http://royalelkparkmanagement.com/.

Since June 2010, Pleasure Cove Marina has been managed under a long-term concession contract, offering RV and tent camping, cabin rentals and day use, a general store, and a full-service marina featuring boat launching, fueling service, boat slip rentals, and houseboat, ski boat and jet-ski rentals. For information or reservations at Pleasure Cove Marina, please call 707-966-9600 or visit http://goberryessa.com/.

Under a new interim concession contract signed with Reclamation on Monday, May 20, Pleasure Cove Marina, LLC is also managing two recreation areas:

Spanish Flat Recreation Area providing day use and RV and tent camping. All services are available for the Memorial Day weekend. Please call 707-966-9192 to make reservations. Please note that no RV hook-ups, potable water, flush restrooms or showers are currently available, and visitors/campers are advised to bring bottled water.

Steele Canyon Recreation Area providing day use, RV and tent camping, and boat launching. All services are available for the Memorial Day weekend. Please call 707-966-9179 to make reservations. Please note that no RV hook-ups, potable water, flush restrooms or showers are currently available, and visitors/campers are advised to bring bottled water.

Reclamation-managed facilities at Lake Berryessa include a visitor center, water education center, a boat launch ramp at Capell Cove, a hand-launch ramp at Eticuera Day Use Area and the popular Oak Shores and Smittle Creek day use areas for picnicking, fishing, swimming and hiking.

Operated by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office as part of the Solano Project, Lake Berryessa was visited by more than 500,000 people during 2012. For additional information, please contact Park Manager Jeff Laird at 707-966-2111 or jlaird@usbr.gov or visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

Drew Lessard Appointed Area Manager for Reclamation’s Central California Area Office

FOLSOM, Calif. – David Murillo, Regional Director for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region, announces the selection of Drew Lessard as Area Manager for the Central California Area Office, located at Folsom Dam, 23 miles east of Sacramento. As the Area Manager, Lessard is responsible for the operation of Folsom, Nimbus, New Melones and Monticello dams.

“Drew has worked at CCAO since 2000 as a Civil Engineer, as the Deputy Area Manager and most recently as the Acting Area Manager. With his experience, management skills and expertise working with customers and stakeholders, he is the ideal choice for this critical position,” stated Murillo.

As Area Manager, Lessard is responsible for Reclamation programs and facilities in the central part of California. CCAO encompasses twelve counties and includes the Central Valley Project’s American River Division (Folsom Dam, powerplant and reservoir; Nimbus Dam and powerplant and Lake Natoma), the Auburn-Folsom South Unit (the Auburn Dam site and the Folsom-South Canal), the Eastside Division (New Melones Dam, powerplant and reservoir on the Stanislaus River) and the Solano Project (Monticello Dam, Lake Berryessa and the Putah South Canal).

CCAO’s jurisdiction extends from the coast to the crest of the Sierra Nevada and from the American River Basin to the Stanislaus River Basin. CCAO manages recreation at Lake Berryessa and New Melones and has a long-term managing partnership agreement with the California Department of Parks and Recreation for recreation management at Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma and the Auburn Recreation Area.

A federal employee for 19 years, Lessard began his career as an Environmental Engineer for the U.S. Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., implementing the Installation Restoration Program. He then worked for the U.S. Forest Service on the Lincoln National Forest in Alamogordo, N.M., as a Civil Engineer responsible for the maintenance and engineering of Forest Service facilities.

Lessard is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer. He resides in Folsom, Calif., with his wife Julie and children, Evan and Brennen.

Reclamation Announces Negotiations With the City of Tracy for Long-Term Central Valley Project Water Supply Contract

FRESNO, Calif. -- The Bureau of Reclamation is reinitiating negotiations with the city of Tracy to negotiate terms and conditions for long-term renewal of its water supply contract for water from the Central Valley Project.

The city of Tracy has an existing water supply contract that provides for the delivery of water from the Delta-Mendota Canal, a feature of the Central Valley Project. Contract renewal is undertaken pursuant to the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. Negotiations with the city have been ongoing since 2004. The last session took place in April 2010. The parties are reinitiating negotiations in an effort to finalize a long-term renewal contract consistent with CVPIA. The negotiation session will be held:

Wednesday, May 29, 2013
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bureau of Reclamation
Tracy Field Office
16650 Kelso Road
Byron, Calif.
Map

The public is welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to comment. Participation instructions will be provided at the beginning of the session, along with pertinent documents. For additional information regarding the meeting or to obtain a copy of the proposed contract, please contact Eileen Jones, Repayment Specialist, at 209-836-6271 (TTY 209-836-6282), fax 209-836-6264, or e-mail enjones@usbr.gov.

Reclamation to Open Delta Cross Channel Gates for Memorial Day Weekend

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation announced today it will open the Delta Cross Channel Gates during the Memorial Day weekend beginning 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24. Boat traffic will be allowed through the gates from 11 a.m. on Friday through the Memorial Day weekend until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28.

The DCC is a controlled diversion channel on the Sacramento River about 30 miles south of Sacramento that diverts water from the river into a branch of the Mokelumne River.

Boaters are urged to continue to check the status of the gates to avoid problems in moving through them.
Gate operations may take approximately 30 minutes to complete, so boats may not be permitted to pass through the gates until approximately 30 minutes after the scheduled opening time. Boat passage may be
cut off approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time.

Information on gate operations can be accessed on Reclamation’s Central Valley Operations website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/vungvari/dcc_chng.txt or by calling 916-979-2194 or 916-979-2196. For additional information, please call the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 (TDD 916-978-5608).

Reclamation to Hold Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins Study WebEx Meeting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will hold a WebEx meeting to promote public input on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins Study Plans. The public is invited to participate in the WebEx meeting which will be held:

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 10-11 a.m.
Go to: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/SSJBasinStudy/index.html
and follow the instructions for connecting to the WebEx meeting.

This is the first of a series of meetings planned for the studies. This meeting will introduce the studies and describe opportunities for additional public involvement in their development. The purpose of the studies is to identify strategies to meet current and future water demands, as well as to adapt to potential climate change impacts in the basins. The studies were initiated as part of the Department of the Interior WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program.

Building on previous and ongoing work in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins, the studies are projected to be completed in October 2014. The Study team will utilize the information and experience available in the basins from interested individuals and organizations as input for the development of the studies.

The studies are being cost-shared by Reclamation with the California Department of Water Resources, California Partnership for San Joaquin Valley, Stockton East Water District, Madera County Resource Management Agency, El Dorado County Water Agency, Friant Water Authority, and Mountain Counties Water Resources Association.

For additional information, please contact Sharon McHale, Project Manager, at 916-978-5086 or smchale@usbr.gov, or Arlan Nickel, Program Manager, at 916-978-5061 or anickel@usbr.gov.

Reclamation and Pleasure Cove Marina, LLC Sign Interim Concession Contract for Management of Spanish Flat and Steele Canyon Recreation Areas at Lake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. – Today the Bureau of Reclamation signed an interim concession contract with Pleasure Cove Marina, LLC for management of the Spanish Flat Recreation Area and the Steele Canyon Recreation Area at Lake Berryessa, Napa, Calif. The term of the interim contract is May 20 through December 31, 2013, plus two, one-year option periods.

David Murillo, Regional Director for Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region, stated, “In addition to the day use, marina and camping services that Pleasure Cove already provides at Lake Berryessa under their long-term contract, we are pleased they will now provide the public with additional recreational opportunities at Spanish Flat and Steele Canyon.”

Since June 2010, Pleasure Cove Marina has been managed under a long-term concession contract, offering RV and tent camping, cabin rentals and day use, a general store and a full-service marina featuring boat launching, fueling services, boat slip rentals and houseboat, ski boat and jet-ski rentals. For information or reservations at Pleasure Cove Marina, please call 707-966-9600 or visit http://goberryessa.com/.

Under the new interim contract, Pleasure Cove Marina, LLC will manage:

Spanish Flat Recreation Area providing day use and RV and tent camping All services will be available for the Memorial Day weekend. Beginning Tuesday, May 21, please call 707-966-9192 to make reservations. Please note that no RV hook-ups, potable water or flush restrooms are currently available, and visitors/campers are advised to bring bottled water.

Steele Canyon Recreation Area providing RV and tent camping, day use and boat launching. All services will be available for the Memorial Day weekend. Effective Tuesday, May 21, please call 707-966-9179 to make reservations. Please note that no RV hook-ups, potable water or flush restrooms are currently available, and visitors/campers are advised to bring bottled water.

Also providing concession services at Lake Berryessa under an interim contract is Markley Cove Resort, offering vacation cabin rentals, day use and a general store, and whose marina operations include boat launching, boat and jet-ski rentals, boat slip rentals and fueling service. For reservations or information, please contact Markley Cove at 707-966-2134 or visit http://www.markleycoveresort.com/index.html.

Operated by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office as part of the Solano Project, Lake Berryessa was visited by more than 500,000 people during 2012. For additional information on Lake Berryessa, please contact Park Manager Jeff Laird at 707-966-2111 or jlaird@usbr.gov or visit the lake’s website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

Reclamation Releases Final Environmental Document for the Arroyo Canal Fish Screen and Sack Dam Fish Passage Project

DOS PALOS, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the Henry Miller Reclamation District No. 2131 have released the Final Environmental Assessment/Initial Study for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program’s Arroyo Canal Fish Screen and Sack Dam Fish Passage Project. A Finding of No Significant Impact is anticipated to be signed in July.

The project includes the installation of a fish screen on the Arroyo Canal to prevent entrainment of juvenile Chinook salmon in the canal and modifications to Sack Dam to allow for fish passage around the structure.

Required under a 2006 Stipulation of Settlement, the project is in Fresno and Madera counties, about seven miles southeast of Dos Palos, Calif. Sack Dam is on the San Joaquin River in the western region of the San Joaquin Valley, just north of the Arroyo Canal. The HMRD owns the facilities and operates them for the San Luis Canal Company.

The EA/IS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act and is available at www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=9797. HMRD is the lead agency under CEQA, and Reclamation is the lead agency under NEPA. If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For more information about the project, contact Michelle Banonis, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-170, Sacramento, CA, 95825, 916-978-5457, or mbanonis@usbr.gov. For additional information or to request a copy of the Final EA/IS, please contact Margaret Gidding at 916-978-5461 (TTY 800-735-2922) or mgidding@usbr.gov.

For more information about the SJRRP, please visit www.restoresjr.net.

Reclamation and the City of Folsom Release Environmental Document for the Lake Natoma Waterfront and Trail Access Enhancement Project

FOLSOM, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Folsom have released the Final Environmental Assessment/Initial Study for the Lake Natoma Waterfront and Trail Access Enhancement Project.

Reclamation is the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act, and the City is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act. Reclamation and the City are coordinating with the California Department of Parks and Recreation on the project. State Parks is Reclamation’s managing partner for the project area.

Reclamation proposes to authorize the City access to project lands to enhance the existing trails and environmental conditions along the shoreline of Lake Natoma within the 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.

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

For additional information or to request a CD of the Final EA/IS, please contact Matthew See, Reclamation, at 916-989-7198 (TTY 916-989-7285) or msee@usbr.gov.

Reclamation Announces Update to the 2013 CVP Water Allocation for Friant Division Water Service Contractors

FRESNO, Calif. – After reviewing the manual snow survey data from the California Department of Water Resources that was provided the week of May 6, the Bureau of Reclamation has determined that due to persistent dry conditions an additional adjustment to the Friant Division allocation is necessary.

In consultation with the Friant Division Contractors, the Friant Division Class 1 water supply allocation is being decreased from 50 percent to 45 percent. Class 2 water remains at 0 percent. (The first 800,000 acre-feet of water supply is considered Class 1 and the next 1.4 million acre-feet is considered Class 2.). The latest information on upstream operations, canal demand schedules, and the San Joaquin River Restoration Program flow release schedule have also been incorporated into this allocation update.

Currently, precipitation in the Upper San Joaquin River watershed at Huntington Lake is about 20.4 inches, which is about 51 percent of average for this time of year. Additionally, accumulated natural river flow to date for Water Year 2013 for the Upper San Joaquin Basin is about 600,000 acre-feet, which is about 67 percent of the historical average for this date, and about 33 percent of the total water year average of 1.8 million acre-feet.

Water supply updates will be made as appropriate and will be posted on http://www.usbr.gov/mp/pa/water. For additional information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 (TTY 916-978-5608) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

New Melones Lake Activities for Summer 2013 Support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside Initiative

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces summer interpretive programs and activities at New Melones Lake, located in Calaveras County. All activities are at the Amphitheater at the Glory Hole Recreation Area, are free of charge, are suitable for all ages and do not require reservations. Please wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wheel of Wealth!
Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheater to spin the Wheel of Wealth! Will your team go home bankrupt or will you win the grand prize? Spin the wheel just right and solve word riddles to find out! Let the games begin at 7 p.m.

Flying Rainbows
Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m.
Join Park Ranger Jayme and learn about our colorful flying friends. Discover the butterfly lifecycle, their importance and how to encourage them to live in your own yard. Find out what is threatening these beautiful creatures and what you can do to help.

Skins, Scat and Skulls
Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.
Come see a great collection of skins, scat and skulls! Feel a bear’s fur, examine real skulls and identify tracks and scat. Match up the skin, scat and skull of the creatures and win a prize! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Dangerous Creatures
Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m.
Join Park Ranger Hilary and learn about some of the creepy creatures at New Melones Lake. Learn how to avoid being injured and what to do if you are. Develop a better understanding of these creatures and how important they are to our own survival. Fun activities begin at 7 p.m. and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Birds of New Melones Lake
Saturday, June 22, 7 p.m.
How important are birds to our existence? Discover their significance while we discuss how to identify species, flight patterns, habitats, calls and songs. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Outdoor Safety
Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.
What would you do if you got lost in the woods? Learn how to prepare before you go out and some hints to keep you safe in the outdoors. The presentation starts at 7 p.m.

New Melones JEOPARDY!
Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheater and participate in one of America’s favorite games – JEOPARDY! For our version, we will divide into teams to test your group’s knowledge on the history and wildlife that make New Melones unique. Prizes will be awarded!

Eat a Bug Club!
Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m.
Join us for an evening discussing creepy crawlies and their role in the ecosystem. Join the club by crunching down some crispy critters! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Water Safety
Saturday, July 13, 7 p.m.
What do you like to do around New Melones Lake? Swim, boat or fish? Join us to learn how you can be water safe. Play the Life Jacket Relay and Save the Ranger games. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer at New Melones Lake. Activities will begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Bats are Your Buddies!
Saturday, July 20, 7 p.m.
Bats can be dark and mysterious creatures that scare many people. But don’t be afraid! Join us to find out why bats are really your buddies! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Awesome Arachnids!
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m.
Spiders are awesome! Learn about these amazing creatures and just how important they are to our own existence! Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Eagles and Osprey
Saturday, August 3, 7 p.m.
Join Ranger Greg for an insightful look at the raptors that call New Melones their home. While recently off the endangered species list, the Bald Eagle is still fragile in our changing environment. The Osprey possesses talents no other raptor can match! Discover what makes them unique and why we should continue to protect them. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Dragon and Damselflies
Saturday, August 10, 7 p.m.
Did you know that dragonflies existed before the dinosaurs? Learn all about these tiny dragons and their evolution. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

Campground Feud!
Saturday, August 17, 7 p.m.
How well do you think you and your neighbor know New Melones Lake? “Survey says” this will be an exciting, fast-paced event on what the majority of people think about New Melones! Come to the Amphitheater to find out! Fabulous prizes will be awarded!

Whooo’s Up When You’re Asleep?
Saturday, August 24, 7 p.m.
Come to the Amphitheatre and find out who’s up when you’re not. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m., a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m., followed by a short hike in the great outdoors around the campground in search of some night-time creatures. Please wear sturdy shoes appropriate for hiking. A headlamp or flashlight is required.

Calaveras Community Band!
Saturday, August 31, 6 p.m.
Come celebrate the end of the summer with us! The Calaveras Community Band will be playing all your favorites until the sun goes down. Get up and dance, clap and sing or just sit back and enjoy the music. Bring the family and enjoy one last summer night! Music begins at 6 p.m.

Interpretive programs and events at New Melones Lake tie into President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative (http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/) which seeks to empower Americans to share in the responsibility to conserve restore and provide better access to our lands and waters and leave a healthy and vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come. Ranger-led activities also support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside) which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community.

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094, ext. 215, or email tneal@usbr.gov at least 14 days in advance.

The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office. Hours of operation are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other questions, please call 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.

Reclamation to Hold Lake Berryessa Community Forum Meeting on Wednesday, May 22

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will hold the next meeting of the Lake Berryessa Community Forum on Wednesday, May 22, at the Capell Valley Fire Station, located at the southern end of the lake. Forum meetings are designed to promote public input regarding future recreation opportunities and services at Lake Berryessa. The public is invited to attend the Forum meeting which will be held:

Wednesday, May 22
6-8 p.m.
Capell Valley Fire Station
1193 Capell Valley Road
Napa, CA 94558

At the April 24 meeting held at Elks Lodge #832 in Napa, Calif., Reclamation staff and members of the Community Forum’s Coordinating Team discussed the new names of the lake’s concession areas; plans for Camp Berryessa; impacts of sequestration; the trails management plan; the Environmental Assessment for interim services; the timeline, plan and budget for concession services from 2013 to 2017; and the current status of recreation services.

Discussion topics for the May 22 meeting will include the status of interim concession contracts, the process for moving forward with the request for proposals and long-term contracts, Reclamation’s activities for fire management for the 2013 season and the current status of recreation services.

Reclamation is working to implement the Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan Record of Decision and provide for recreation in the lake’s concession areas for the 2013 recreation season. Reclamation’s goal continues to be to provide safe and enjoyable recreation experiences for visitors to Lake Berryessa.

To be added to the Lake Berryessa email/mailing list or to request special assistance to attend the May 22 meeting, please contact Janet Sierzputowski, Public Affairs Office, at 916-978-5112 (TTY 916-978-5608) or jsierzputowski@usbr.gov.

Lake Berryessa is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office as part of the Solano Project. Additional information is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

Draft Environmental Documents Released for Warren Act Contracts for Storage and Conveyance of Non-CVP Water from Placer County Water Agency to Westlands Water District

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Draft Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the execution of a Warren Act contract for the storage and conveyance of non-Central Valley Project water to facilitate a water transfer from Placer County Water Agency to Westlands Water District.

Reclamation proposes to enter into a one-year Warren Act contract with WWD for the storage and conveyance through federal facilities of up to 20,000 acre-feet of the non-CVP water. The proposed action would help alleviate water supply shortages within WWD.

Written comments on the Draft EA and FONSI must be received by the close of business on May 27, 2013. Send comments to Sheri Looper, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-400, Sacramento, CA 95825. Comments may also be faxed to 916-978-5290 or emailed to slooper@usbr.gov. The documents are available online at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=13530. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100, or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Looper at 916-978-5556.