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Solano Project--Lake Berryessa; Napa, California

 [Federal Register: November 7, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 216)]
[Notices]
[Page 66763-66764]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07no00-97]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Solano Project--Lake Berryessa; Napa, California

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is initiating
a formal Visitor Services Planning effort for the Lake Berryessa
Recreation Area. Reclamation intends to prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS) for implementing the provisions of the plan. The
purpose of the Visitor Services Plan is to determine the type and level
of commercial facilities and services that are necessary and
appropriate for future long term operations. The current concession
contracts expire in 2009 and the Visitor Services Plan will be used as
a basis for future concession prospectuses.

DATES: Formal public scoping meetings are scheduled for May 2001.
Notice of the specific dates and locations of the meetings will appear
at future date.

ADDRESSES: Mail comments on the existing facilities, possible issues
and alternatives and requests to participate in public scoping meetings
to Mr. Bruce Wadlington at the address below. You may also submit
requests and comments by sending electronic mail (e-mail) to:
bwadlington@mp.usbr.gov.

[[Page 66764]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Wadlington, Mid-Pacific
Regional Concessions Manager, Central California Area Office, Bureau of
Reclamation, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630; telephone: Folsom
(916) 989-7175, Berryessa (707) 966-2111 ext. 108 (TDD (916) 989-7285).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Lake Berryessa was created as part of the Solano Project with the
completion of Monticello Dam in 1957. In 1958, Reclamation and the
County of Napa entered into an agreement for the County to assume
management responsibilities for the lake. A Public Use Plan (PUP) was
developed by the National Park Service in 1959 to guide Reclamation and
the County in development of the recreational facilities at the lake.
In 1975, Reclamation resumed direct management of Lake Berryessa as a
result of Title VI of the Reclamation Development Act of October 27,
1974 (Public Law 93-493), which authorizes Reclamation to provide for
the protection, use, and enjoyment of the aesthetic and recreational
values at Lake Berryessa. In 1987 a new planning process began to
develop an updated management document for the lake. A Reservoir Area
Management Plan (RAMP) was developed to provide guidance for
Reclamation in management issues which were not mentioned in the PUP
and to assist Reclamation in administering the lake and concession
areas. Reclamation completed a final EIS for the RAMP in 1993.
    Presently there are seven (7) concessionaires authorized by
Reclamation to provide commercial support services to visitors to Lake
Berryessa. These concession contracts have been in effect since the
late 1950's. All the contracts will expire by 2009. Reclamation also
administers two day-use areas and a public launching facility, as well
as numerous roadside turnouts and trails. The eastside of the lake has
been designated a State Wildlife Area and is managed cooperatively by
Reclamation and the California Department of Fish and Game.

Visitor Services Plan

    The Visitor Services Plan will identify and develop the
requirements, terms, and conditions for new competitive concession
contracts that will be developed by the Federal Government. Some of the
issues to be addressed in the plan include day-use needs, long-term and
short-term recreational vehicle and trailer sites, campground
development, marina development, consolidation or expansion of
operations, new services development and construction, retention or
removal of existing facilities, food and beverage service needs,
overnight lodging facilities, and support for marine based activities,
i.e., fishing (individual and tournament), swimming, water skiing, etc.

Public Involvement and Planning Schedule

    The time frame for completion of this plan is 18 to 24 months.
Formal Public Scoping meetings are scheduled to be held in May 2001.
The draft EIS is expected to be completed by November 2001. The final
EIS is scheduled to be released in March 2002.
    Anyone interested in more information concerning the plan, or who
has an interest in the future development of Lake Berryessa as related
to this planning effort or has suggestions as to significant
environmental issues, should contact Mr. Bruce Wadlington as provided
above. A web site has been established to provide additional
information regarding plan progress and public comment at: http://
www.mp.usbr.gov/berryessa.

    Dated: October 20, 2000.
Frank Michny,
Regional Environmental Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-28454 Filed 11-06-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-M

 
 

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