News Release Archive

Draft Environmental Documents Available for Riparian Hardwoods Restoration and Enhancement near Lake Tahoe, California

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, 01/10/2007 23:19

For Release: January 10, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) have completed a Draft Environmental Assessment/Initial Study (EA/IS) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on Riparian Hardwoods Restoration and Enhancement at Burton Creek State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, Ed Z'berg-Sugar Pine Point State Park, Ward Creek Unit, and Washoe Meadows State Park near Lake Tahoe, California. The Draft EA/IS will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period.

DPR and Reclamation propose to restore and enhance approximately 200 acres of riverbank (riparian) forests by removing encroaching conifers and remove approximately 0.5 mile of unnecessary roads, skid trails, and way trails that are sediment sources in the riparian corridors within 844 identified acres in California State Parks in the Lake Tahoe basin. This would reduce erosion, improve in-stream and riparian habitat, improve wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and reduce hazardous fuels. These features also contribute to the reduction of Lake Tahoe's famed clarity.

Written comments should be submitted no later than February 3, 2007, to Tamara Sasaki, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sierra District Resources Office, P.O. Box 16, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Copies of the Draft EA/IS and FONSI may be reviewed at several locations during normal business hours. Please contact Ms. Sasaki for a list of these locations.

The Draft EA/IS and FONSI are also available on Reclamation's National Environmental Policy Act website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=2532 , and at the California State Parks Internet Website at www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=981

If you encounter problems accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.

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