Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region

American Falls Resource Management Plan National Environmental Policy Act - Scoping Information

Proposal for American Falls Resource Management Plan, in Bannock, Bingham and Power counties, Idaho

The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing an environmental assessment on proposed changes to the existing resource management plan for American Falls Dam and Reservoir. The revised RMP will establish guidelines for the conservation, protection, development, use, enhancement, and management of planning area lands and associated resources. The goal is to maximize overall public and resource benefits for the American public. This RMP will supersede the previous American Falls RMP, which was approved in 1995. Reclamation is seeking public input on the proposed management actions. An information package that summarizes the RMP proposal will be sent to those potentially interested and/or affected parties.

The RMP contains guidance for management of Reclamation lands associated with American Falls Reservoir, including the lands downstream. It captures management direction and policy guidelines for the conservation, enhancement, use, and development of Reclamation lands and associated natural and cultural resources. It is intended to provide a 10-year framework for resource management. During this period, it may be necessary to review, re-evaluate, revise, and amend the RMP, in cooperation with involved agencies, Tribes, and the public, to reflect changing conditions and management objectives.

Actions undertaken or funded by federal agencies must be analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant federal and state laws and regulations to determine potential environmental consequences. Scoping is one step of the NEPA process in which agencies seek input from those who may have an interest in or be directly affected by a proposed project. You can help us to identify important issues and concerns regarding this proposed project by providing your written comments during this scoping period, which will run through January 30, 2026. Substantive comments on management actions in the proposed action are especially helpful.

What is the proposed action?

The proposed action is presented in Appendix 1 of the Scoping Information Document as a table comparing the 1995 RMP management to the proposed RMP management in the draft EA. This table will help identify the similarities and differences between management actions. Many of the proposed actions are the same as or presented slightly different but with same overall meaning as the existing management actions in the 1995 RMP. However, pay particular attention to actions that have been removed and actions that have been proposed. If you would like to review the draft RMP in its entirety, it can be viewed in the documents section.

When and how would this project occur?

Once the environmental review has been completed for the draft RMP, any changes from scoping would be incorporated into the draft and it would then be finalized. The RMP is expected to be finalized and operational at the beginning of 2027.

Are other alternatives being considered?

Reclamation will develop an environmental assessment that will include consideration of the proposed-action alternative and a no-action alternative. Additional alternatives could be developed in response to issues identified throughout the NEPA process.

How to provide comments

Written comments can be submitted electronically by emailing them to sra-nepa-comments@usbr.gov. They can also be mailed or hand-delivered to:

Mr. Richard Jackson
Natural Resource Specialist
Snake River Area Office
Bureau of Reclamation
230 Collins Road
Boise, Idaho 83702

Public involvement is encouraged throughout the NEPA process; however, your comments can best be used if they are provided before January 30, 2026.