News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Assessment

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212
Ron Eggers

For Release: May 06, 2003

The Bureau of Reclamation recently released for public review and comments the Draft Environmental Assessment for its Resource Management Plan for Henry Hagg Lake. The RMP will serve as a blueprint for the future use, management, and site development of federal lands and resources. Ron Eggers, Area Manager for the Lower Columbia Area Office is announcing a public meeting on the Draft Environmental Assessment.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. in the first floor conference room at the Washington County Facilities Management Building, 169 North First Avenue, in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The Draft EA documents main purpose is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed federal action  in this case, developing the RMP. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Reclamation has examined a range of alternatives to implement the RMP, including a no action alternative.

Background

Henry Hagg Lake was constructed in the 1970s to provide irrigation service for the Tualatin Valley, municipal and industrial water supply for eight communities, as well as flood control and recreation opportunities. The reservoir and surrounding lands are owned by Reclamation, and Scoggins Valley Park is operated and maintained by Washington County.

Stakeholders for Henry Hagg Lake include: private landowners in the area; the communities of Gaston and Forest Grove; Washington County; federal and state natural resource agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Irrigation Districts such as the Tualatin Irrigation District; and people who use the area for recreational and other purposes; as well as others.

Reclamation began the process of preparing the RMP for Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park in 2002. The RMP will be a 10-year blueprint for the future use, management, and development of the reservoir.

The meeting will be conducted in facilities meeting accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those requiring special accommodations to participate may contact Connie Wensman at (208) 378-5317 at least one week in advance. TDD # (800) 735-2900.

For More Information

Digital, CD ROM, or paper copies of the Draft EA can be ordered directly from Reclamation at the contact listed below, or accessed via Reclamations website. The document is also available for review at the main public libraries in Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Portland, as well as at the park administrative facility in the park, Washington County - Facility Management Office in Hillsboro, and Reclamations Lower Columbia Area Office in Portland.

Copies of the Newsbrief and Draft EA can be obtained by contacting: Carolyn Burpee Stone, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise ID 83706-1234. Or by phone at (208) 378-5395, and fax (208) 378-5305. E-mail responses will be taken at: pllewellyn@pn.usbr.gov.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.