News Release Archive

Transition in Visitor Services at Lake Berryessa Will Extend Through the 2009 Season

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 03/16/2009 14:47

For Release: March 16, 2009

The transition in visitor services at Lake Berryessa will continue through the 2009 recreation season as the Bureau of Reclamation continues to implement the Visitor Services Plan Record of Decision (VSP ROD).  The VSP ROD requires renovation of seven concession areas to provide a broader, more diverse range of short-term recreation opportunities for enjoyment by the general public.  Implementation of the VSP ROD coincides with expiration of 50-year concession contracts and award of new long-term contracts to develop, operate, and maintain expanded visitor facilities.

Award of new long-term contracts remains in progress.  In March 2009, Reclamation determined that the original contract solicitation did not fully conform to legal requirements governing reimbursement for capital improvements.  On that basis, the negotiations for new contracts have been cancelled.  Reclamation expects to initiate a revised solicitation within the next 120 days and award new long-term contracts prior to the 2010 recreation season. 

In the interim, visitor services at all Government-operated recreation areas will be fully operational, including a free two-lane boat-launch ramp at Capell Cove; hand-launch ramps at Eticuera and Oak Shores; areas for picnicking, fishing, and swimming at Smittle Creek and Oak Shores Day-Use Areas; and a visitor center and water education center at Reclamation's Headquarters.  Reclamation further anticipates expanded recreational opportunities at Oak Shores Day-Use Area and Camp Berryessa (the former Boy Scout Camp) to include RV and tent camping.  In addition to Government-operated facilities, Reclamation will continue to pursue opportunities for uninterrupted operations at Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Park, and Markley Cove concession areas.

Also in the interim, Reclamation will continue cleanup and removal activities at Rancho Monticello, Berryessa Marina, Putah Creek, and Spanish Flat concession areas so that development and operation of new recreation facilities can begin as soon as possible in 2010.  Services at those concession areas will remain closed in 2009 to ensure cleanup is completed prior to contract award. 

Operated by Reclamation's Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa is visited by 1.5 million people annually.  For information on the VSP, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/berryessa/index.html.  For information on recreation at Lake Berryessa, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/field_offices/lake_berryessa/index.html.

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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.