Frequently Asked Questions |
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1. What is a Resource Management Plan (RMP)?
An RMP is essentially a blueprint intended to guide the future use, management, and site development of lands under Reclamation's jurisdiction. Reclamation has the responsibility to manage its lands to meet: (1) its legal and contractual obligations; (2) for the benefit of the public; and (3) to protect natural, cultural, and recreational resources of those lands. An RMP identifies goals and objectives for resource management, specifies desired land and resource patterns, and explains the policies and actions that will be implemented during the life of the plan to achieve those goals and objectives. They outline for Reclamation, Tribes, other managing agencies, and the public the resource policies and actions that will be implemented over the 15 year life of the plan. Preparation of RMPs is specifically authorized in Title 28 of Public Law 102-575.
2. Why is Reclamation preparing an RMP for the Teton River Canyon lands?
It is a Reclamation policy to develop RMPs for land, water and resources under Reclamation's jurisdiction. The Teton River Canyon lands are currently managed without the guidance of a Reclamation RMP. Therefore, we are preparing an RMP for Reclamation-administered lands in this area to provide for a comprehensive vision and to guide future uses, and land and resource management objectives over the 15 year life of the plan.
3. Will related studies and input be included in the RMP?
Pertinent information from several related studies will be used in developing the RMP, including but not limited to:
- Geomorphology and River Hydraulics Study, 2000.
- Lower Teton Project Wildlife Mitigation, 1980.
- Mule Deer Winter Range Study, 2003.
- IDFG Teton Canyon Fisheries Study, 2005.
- Hydrological Alteration in the Upper Teton Watershed and its Implication for Cutthroat Trout Restoration.
- Teton River Subbasin Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load, 2003.
- The Economic Value of Recreational Fishing and Boating to Visitors and Communities Along the Upper Snake River. Expected Summer 2005.
4. What is the current management status of the Teton River Canyon lands?
Reclamation manages 5,804 acres along 22 miles of the Teton River within the RMP study area. These lands are located adjacent to and upstream of the Teton Dam site in the Teton River Canyon and along the rim in Fremont, Teton, and Madison Counties in eastern Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also manages 3,496 acres in the Teton Canyon. Additionally, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has management responsibilities in the area. Reclamation will be coordinating with BLM and IDFG during the development of this plan.
Current management has also included administering agricultural leases on Reclamation lands on the canyon rim; permitting commercial guided fishing trips on the river in cooperation with BLM; participating in noxious weed control efforts with BLM, IDFG, and local weed cooperatives; and supporting a number of scientific studies within the canyon.
5. Are there any limitations or constraints to what the Teton River Canyon RMP can cover?
Yes. These include:
- Dam Reconstruction/Authorization—Rebuilding the dam or deauthorizing the project is not being considered as part of the RMP effort.
- Land withdrawals—Reclamation does not intend for the RMP to address selling Reclamation land needed for project purposes or withdrawing additional lands.
- Operations—Reclamation water operations are based on many contractual and other obligations, such as flood control. Because of these operational constraints, water operations are not part of the RMP.
- Jurisdictional limitations—There are many other entities with management responsibilities in the area. The management decisions in the RMP will be for Reclamation lands only. However, part of the RMP process will be to work very closely with other entities to coordinate management actions.
- Regulatory limitations—To meet the goals of the RMP, Reclamation needs to not only analyze the resource information, but must also incorporate Reclamation's mission and the Federal laws and policies. This includes environmental compliance laws, Federal responsibilities to Tribes, accessibility compliance laws and others.
6. What role will Indian tribes have in the development of the RMP?
Indian tribes have historically used the lands that are now under Reclamation's jurisdiction. The US government has a unique relationship with Indian tribes because of various treaties, statutes, and executive orders that have been implemented over the years. Because of this important relationship, Reclamation will discuss and consider tribal concerns during the development of the RMP. Reclamation has met with the Sho-Ban Tribes early on in the planning process and will continue to do so over the course of developing the plan.
7. Will the public have a voice in the development of the RMP?
Yes.
- Public involvement efforts, including involvement of local/state agencies and interest groups, are an integral part of the RMP planning process and are intended to:
- Inform and keep the public up to date on the development of the RMP;
- Identify public concerns and desires related to the Teton River Canyon Reclamation-administered lands;
- Receive input to possible solutions to resource issues and concerns, and further define management strategies; and
- Receive and respond to comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Teton River Canyon RMP.
- Public meetings, newsbriefs, a public participation site on Reclamation's Pacific Northwest website, feedback (response) forms, and briefings/discussions with interested groups will help people stay informed of the RMP process and provide a mechanism for their input. Meetings were held early on in the process to introduce the RMP planning effort to the following entities: BLM, Teton County Commissioners, Madison County Commissioners, Rexburg City Council, Henry’s Fork Watershed Council, Sho-Ban Tribes, and IDFG.
8. Is an environmental report being done as part of the RMP planning process?
Yes. An Environmental Assessment (EA), as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, will be prepared in parallel with the RMP. The EA is a decision-making document, and as such, will allow Reclamation to determine whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or if an Environmental Impact Statement will be necessary.
9. When will the RMP and the draft and final versions of the EA be completed?
A public review draft of the EA for the Teton River Canyon RMP is scheduled for completion in mid-January 2006. Comments will be taken on the Draft EA and responses provided in a Final EA due to be completed in July 2006. The RMP is scheduled for completion and implementation will begin in October 2006.
10. How can I stay involved in the RMP process?
To keep abreast of the RMP process and offer your input in a timely manner, please:
- Add your name to the mailing list to receive future newsbriefs;
- Complete and mail back response forms included in newsbriefs or posted on the public participation page in Reclamation's website at http://www.pn.usbr.gov/html.
- Participate in the public meetings (to be announced in newsbriefs, local media, and on Reclamation's website); and
- Contact us for more information or to provide additional input:
Vicki Kellerman, Reclamation RMP Team Leader
(208) 378-5326 phone
(208) 378-5305 fax
vkellerman@pn.usbr.gov |
