News Release Archive

Independent Review Panel Schedules Additional Public Meeting to Discuss CVPIA Refuge Water Supply Program

Media Contact: ,

For Release: March 25, 2009

non-interactive ageny logos for Reclamation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, California and Nevada region

Media Contacts:

Reclamation Pete Lucero 916-978-5100 plucero@mp.usbr.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cesar Blanco 916-978-6190 cesar_blanco@fws.gov

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce an additional public meeting for the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Refuge Water Supply Program (Program) Independent Review Panel (Panel).  The meeting will allow the Panel an opportunity to discuss the Program with agency staff, wildlife refuge managers, and the public.  The meeting will be held on:

Monday, April 13, 2009
 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Offices of PBS&J Consulting
1200 2nd Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95814

During public meetings held on February 5 and 6 and March 2, 2009, the Panel heard presentations and comments from Reclamation, the Service, refuge managers, and stakeholders.  The Panel has requested additional time to ask questions and engage interested parties.

The Panel has posed the following questions, which will be the subject of the April 13 meeting. The Panel requests public input prior to the meeting:

  1. What are the best options to achieve full implementation of the goals of CVPIA, including the timely delivery of Level 4 water supplies and achieving the wetland ecosystem goals for Central Valley refuges? 
  2. What are the opportunities and constraints faced by the water acquisition program in acquiring incremental Level 4 water supplies for Central Valley refuges?

Panel is composed of subject-matter experts who evaluate the agencies' efforts in acquisition and conveyance of CVPIA-mandated water to State, National, and private wildlife refuges.  Independent review and external recommendations are being sought in order to improve Program effectiveness and efficiency.  Upon completion of the review, the panel will generate a report with the findings by June 30, 2009.

Comments should be sent by Tuesday, April 7, 2009, to the Panel's facilitator, Mr. Mark Horne, at MRHorne@pbsj.com or PBS&J, 1200 2nd Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814.  Additional information about the independent review process and a copy of the meeting agenda can be found at http://www.cvpiaindependentreview.com. 

For additional information on the CVPIA Refuge Water Supply Program Independent Review, please contact Ms. Shana Kaplan, Bureau of Reclamation, at 916-978-5190 or skaplan@mp.usbr.gov or Mr. Cesar Blanco, Service, at 916-978-6190 or cesar_blanco@fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov

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