News Release Archive

Resource Management Plan for Reclamation's Minidoka Parcels Available

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Vicki Kellerman, vkellerman@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: February 04, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation completed a Resource Management Plan (RMP), for the Minidoka North Side lands which encompass about 17,700 acres of Reclamation lands on 119 parcels, including Lake Walcott State Park, located north of Burley, Idaho. The purpose of the RMP is to manage natural and cultural resources, facilities, recreation, and access on Reclamation’s lands for the next 15 years.

The RMP emphasizes natural and cultural resource enhancement while maintaining current recreational opportunities on Minidoka North Side land parcels. Some facility improvements are also proposed in the RMP.

Agricultural and grazing leases, location of sand and gravel extraction sites, and the location of drainwater wetlands are also addressed in the plan. Improved management of camping areas, off-road vehicle use, and elimination of trespass onto Reclamation lands are also outlined. Meanwhile, areas with higher wildlife habitat values would generally remain unchanged.

Reclamation completed an Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact in November 2004. In accordance with NEPA, Reclamation has examined a range of alternatives, including a No Action Alternative. The selected alternative has an emphasis on restoration protection and enhancement of resource values.

Public involvement included three public meetings, seven ad hoc work group meetings and six news briefs mailed to over 200 users groups, residents, and agencies. Eleven formal comments were received on the project. All comments received, as well as Reclamation’s responses, appear in the final EA.

A digital version of the FONSI, Final EA, RMP, and final Newsbrief can be accessed on Reclamation’s website at www.usbr.gov/pn (follow the links to the Minidoka North Side RMP). The final Newsbrief presents the finding of the EA, describes the Preferred Alternative, and summarizes the final RMP. The EA and RMP are also available at public libraries in Burley and Boise, Idaho. Hard copies or CD’s can be requested by writing: Vicki Kellerman, Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 North Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise ID 83706-1234; or by calling (208) 378 - 5326 and e-mail at vkellerman@pn.usbr.gov

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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.