News Release Archive

Reclamation Finalizes Contra Loma Reservoir and Recreation Area Resource Management Plan

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, ECurtis@usbr.gov, 916-978-5100

For Release: May 12, 2015

FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has signed a Record of Decision for the Contra Loma Reservoir and Recreation Area Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. Reclamation’s decision is to implement Alternative 3, Expanded Recreation and Facilities (the Preferred Alternative), as described in the Final EIS. Under this alternative, management actions may expand existing recreational uses and facilities and install new facilities that expand recreational opportunities, including construction of a fishermen’s shelter, a playground structure, a disc golf course, new multi-use sports fields, and expansion of the swim lagoon and the trail system.

The Contra Loma Reservoir and Recreation Area is located in Contra Costa County, California, and consists of a 741-acre recreation area, an 80-acre reservoir and 661 acres of surrounding land, including the Contra Loma Regional Park and the Antioch Community Park. The East Bay Regional Park District currently manages the Contra Loma Regional Park, and the city of Antioch manages the Antioch Community Park. The Contra Costa Water District operates and maintains the reservoir under separate contract with Reclamation.

The RMP addresses resource management alternatives for the plan area as appropriate for water quality, recreation, natural resources and cultural resources. The RMP provides for the enhancement and expansion of current recreational uses and public access while continuing to protect water quality, natural resources and cultural resources consistent with Reclamation’s core mission of delivering water and generating power.

The decision will allow Reclamation to execute new management agreements with local managing partners. The RMP provides guidance on allowed uses and desired future conditions at Contra Loma and establishes the framework for the new management agreements.

The ROD and Final RMP/EIS were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available online at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=6396. If you encounter problems accessing the documents online, please call 916-978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information, please contact Jason Kirby, Bureau of Reclamation, South-Central California Area Office, at 559-487-5409 (TTY 800-735-2929).

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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.