November 15, 2001
John Redding
(208) 378-5212
Carolyn Stone
(208) 378-5395

Final Resource Management Plan & Environmental Assessment for Ririe Reservoir and Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area Issued

The Bureau of Reclamation has completed a Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Assessment for Ririe Reservoir and the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area which will serve as a management guide over the next 10 years. The study area is located on Willow Creek about 15 miles northeast of Idaho Falls and 4 miles southeast of Ririe, Idaho.

The purpose of the Resource Management Plan is to manage natural and cultural resources, facilities, recreation, and access on Reclamation’s lands at Ririe Reservoir, Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area, Ririe Outlet Channel, and Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Area.

The Final Environmental Assessment also includes a Finding of No Significant Impact, indicating that implementing the Preferred Alternative would not result in significant impacts to the natural and human environment. The Preferred Alternative allows for a limited amount of expansion and development of recreation sites and facilities, and increased efforts in protecting and managing natural and cultural resources on Reclamation lands.

Some of the actions include upgrading all existing recreation areas to meet Federal accessibility requirements and promoting actions to protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitat.

Preparation of the Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment entailed a proactive public involvement and coordination effort, which incorporated substantial input and contribution from Tribes and stakeholders with an interest in the area, including State, Federal, and local agencies; interest groups and organizations; and the general public.

Copies of the Finding of No Significant Impact, Environmental Assessment, or Resource Management Plan can be obtained from Reclamation at the contact listed below, or accessed via Reclamation’s website at www.pn.usbr.gov. The Final Environmental Assessment is also available for review at public libraries in Ririe, Rigby, Idaho Falls, and Boise, as well as at Reclamation’s Boise and Burley offices.

For more information on the Ririe Resource Management Plan process, feel free to contact: Carolyn Burpee Stone, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise ID 83706 or phone: (208) 378-5395. Questions about the Resource Management Plan are welcome, and press briefings can be arranged as requested.