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 will begin in the Fall of 2024, with an approved RMP/Record of Decision by June of 2026. The 1995 RMP can be found on Reclamation’s website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/rmp/americanfalls/rmp-americanfalls1995.pdf.
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
The revised RMP will provide for management direction and stewardship of project lands and resources under Reclamation jurisdiction. Reclamation’s goals for developing the RMP are to:
- Manage, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
- Preserve the aesthetic quality and natural environment.
- Promote the safe and healthful use of the reservoir lands and waters.
- Strengthen the local economy through expanding the services and season of use.
The RMP will be developed with full consideration of public input and will incorporate into one document long-term management objectives for lands and resources.
Reclamation's AMF RMP core group held its first public meeting on Sept. 30, 2024. The first opportunity to submit input began on August 28, 2024, and ended on October 12, 2024.
Public Envolvement/Information
The Bureau of Reclamation’s RMP Guidebook encourages a robust public involvement process where Tribes, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public can participate in the development of the RMP. Specifically, Reclamation is soliciting input regarding issues, opportunities, and constraints that can be addressed in the draft RMP. Reclamation also welcomes input on best available data, relevant information and references, or other data sources that will allow for the preparation of a robust draft RMP. Reclamation will provide multiple public input periods and public open houses for interested parties to participate and provide feedback on the draft RMP process.
The Bureau of Reclamation hosts a virtual public meeting website for this project at: https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/american-falls-rmp
Here, 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.
- Read frequently askes questions and answers.
Reclamation will select representatives from the community that can provide insights into their area of expertise related to resources or issues in the project area. Working group participants must be able to commit to attending up to five in-person workshops starting in November 2024 with meetings planned every 3-4 weeks until April 2025. The first working group meeting will be held on November 13, 2024.
Reclamation invites any interested party with relevant expertise related to resources and issues occurring in the project area to submit a request to join the working group through the following methods:
- Via email at bor-sha-afrmp@usbr.gov
- By postal mail addressed to:
Jami Andersen
Project Manager, Bureau of Reclamation
Upper Snake Field Office, 470 Roger Ave., Heyburn, ID 83336
- Online – Join the Working Group: https://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/american-falls-rmp-working-group (In your request to join, please include your name, area of expertise, and whether you will be able to attend the workshops)
Public Meeting Materials
| 10/17/2024 | American Falls Resource Management Plan April 1995 |
| 09/30/2024 | Public Meeting Presentation |
| 09/30/2024 | Public Meeting Handout |
| 09/30/2024 | Public Meeting Flyer |
Contact
Project Manager
Snake River Area Office
208-678-0461 x22
jandersen@usbr.gov
