American Falls Resource Management Plan| Bureau of Reclamation

American Falls Resource Management Plan (RMP)

Background

The Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region, Upper Snake Field Office in Heyburn, Idaho plans to prepare a new Resource Management Plan to replace the current management direction outlined in the existing RMP which was approved in April of 1995. Work on the new RMP began in the Fall of 2024, with an approved RMP/Record of Decision by June of 2026. The 1995 RMP can be found in the Public Meeting Materials section.

Purpose

Reclamation is responsible for providing proper stewardship of project lands and resources under its jurisdiction. Moreover, Reclamation’s considerations are limited by the extent of Reclamation’s authorities, contractual obligations, and capability. Within those constraints, Reclamation’s resource management goals are to manage, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, natural, cultural, and recreational resources; to preserve the aesthetic quality and natural environment; to promote the safe and healthful use of the reservoir lands and waters; and to strengthen the local economy through expanding the services and season of use. To facilitate these management objectives, we prepare and provide updates to our RMP’s for Reclamation lands and resources. The RMP for each facility, developed with full consideration of public input, including interested future managing partners, will incorporate into one long document, long-term management objectives, for the particular lands and resources.

American Falls Dam and Reservoir is in Bannock, Bingham, and Power counties in the state of Idaho. American Falls Dam was initially constructed in the 1920’s, was rebuilt in the 1970’s, and is owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. American Falls Reservoir comprises a significant component of the unified Upper Snake Reservoir System. As such, the reservoir’s storage space has been fully developed and obligated for certain uses under State and Federal Law. Accordingly, reservoir operations are a function of these authorized purposes and are not a consideration of the RMP.

The lands and resources considered in this RMP are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office in coordination with Bingham County and the city of American Falls. At full pool, the reservoir inundates approximately 87 square miles (56,000-acres) and provides nearly 100 miles of shoreline. Public use of these resources includes boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, picnicking, jet boats, water skiing, camping, among others, on a seasonal basis.

Project Status and Public Involvement

The Bureau of Reclamation is revising the RMP to guide the long-term stewardship of project lands and resources under Reclamation’s jurisdiction. This plan will reflect a balanced approach to resource management, shaped by public input and grounded in sustainable practices.

RMP Goals

The RMP will establish a framework to:

Manage, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, as well as natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Preserve the aesthetic quality and integrity of the natural environment.
Promote safe and healthy use of reservoir lands and waters for all visitors.
Support local economic vitality by expanding recreational services and extending the season of use.

Commitment to Public Involvement

Reclamation is committed to a transparent and inclusive planning process. We actively encourage participation from:

Tribal governments
Local, state, and federal agencies
Non-governmental organizations
Community members and stakeholders

We welcome contributions of data, relevant studies, and local knowledge to help inform the development of a robust and effective RMP.

Public Engagement Timeline

Initial Public Meeting: Held on Sept. 30, 2024
First Public Input Period: Aug. 28 - Oct. 12, 2024
Second Public Input Period: Jan. 29 - Feb 26, 2025
Working Group Workshops: Conducted in Nov. 2024, March 2025, and Aug. 2025

During these phases, Reclamation invited community representatives to join working groups and share expertise on key resource issues. These workshops were held both in-person and virtually to ensure broad accessibility. The second public meeting scheduled for Feb. 13, 2025, was canceled due to adverse weather conditions and severe storm warnings. However, the public had the opportunity to submit comments via email, comment form, and postal mail.

Next Steps: NEPA Process

Reclamation will prepare an Environmental Assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the actions proposed in the draft American Falls RMP. This EA supports the decision-making process by analyzing the proposed actions and alternatives and assesses their environmental effects.

The NEPA process requires evaluation of federal actions that may affect the human environment. This EA will help Reclamation determine whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact or proceed with an Environmental Impact Statement.

The initial step of this process is public scoping. This includes a 30-day period, where the interested public, state and federal agencies, Tribes and non-governmental organizations will have the opportunity to comment on the RMP.

Opportunities for public comment will be announced and promoted to ensure all interested parties can participate meaningfully in shaping the future of these public lands.

The Bureau of Reclamation hosts a virtual public meeting website for this project. Here, the participants can do the following:

Move from station to station to read project information and meeting materials.
Provide comments on the potential issues and opportunities.
Learn about complying with the NEPA
Learn at what stage Reclamation is in the RMP process.
Read frequently asked questions and answers.

Once environmental compliance is completed, Reclamation will move forward into implementing the RMP in its final form to guide the long-term stewardship of project lands and resources under Reclamation’s jurisdiction.

12/2025	Draft American Falls Revised Resource Management Plan 2025 PDF 18.7 MB
04/1995	American Falls Resource Management Plan April 1995 PDF 13 MB

09/2024	Public Meeting Presentation
09/2024	Public Meeting Handout
09/2024	Public Meeting Flyer

Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region