January 10, 2001
John Redding
(208) 378-5021
Carolyn Stone
(208) 378-5395

Reclamation Seeks Public Comment for
Ririe Reservoir Resource Management Plan

The Bureau of Reclamation will hold a public meeting in Idaho Falls on January 30, to gather citizen comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for its Resource Management Plan for Ririe Reservoir, and the Tex Creek and Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Areas.

The meeting will be held at the Shilo Inn, 780 Lindsay Blvd., from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The public will have an opportunity to learn how the RMP will serve as a blueprint for the future use, management, and site development of Reclamation lands and resources for the next 10 years. The Draft EA's main purpose is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed Federal action – in this case, implementing the RMP.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Reclamation has examined a range of alternatives to implement the RMP, including a no action alternative which basically maintains the status quo. Preliminary alternatives were presented to the public at a public meeting and workshop held in February, 2000. Public input received at that meeting helped shape the preferred alternative as presented in the Draft EA.

The meeting will begin with an informative presentation summarizing the contents of the document. After the presentation, the RMP Team will be available at three workstations where the public can view maps, get clarification, and provide comments on the contents of the Draft EA. Reclamation will have comment forms available to provide people the opportunity to submit written comments. Written comments will be accepted through February 15.

The meeting will be conducted in facilities that meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those who may require special accommodations to attend, participate in, or understand the meeting, are asked to contact Connie Wensman, PN Region Accessibility Coordinator at (208) 378-5317 at least 10 days before the scheduled meeting. TDD # 1-800-377-3529.

Copies of the Draft EA can be obtained from Reclamation at the contact listed at the end of this announcement, or accessed via Reclamation's website at www.pn.usbr.gov. The document is also available for review at public libraries in Ririe, Rigby, and Idaho Falls, as well as at Reclamation's Boise and Burley offices.

Reclamation recently prepared and distributed its fifth Newsbrief, which presents more information on the status of the RMP process, key issues being addressed, the public involvement process, and the Draft EA alternatives. A copy of the Newsbrief can be viewed on Reclamation's website, obtained at the public meeting, or by contacting Carolyn Burpee Stone, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise ID 83706-1234, phone (208) 378-5395, fax (208) 378-5305, e-mail: CSTONE@pn.usbr.gov.

Questions about the RMP are welcome, and press briefings can be arranged as requested.