News Release Archive

Reclamation to Hold Public Meetings for Review of Alternative Parks Plans for Horsetooth, Pinewood, Carter, Flatiron Reservoirs

Media Contact: Sterling Rech, (406) 247-7669, srech@usbr.gov

For Release: November 04, 2016

LOVELAND, Colo. -- The Bureau of Reclamation will hold public meetings to discuss alternative plans for the Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Horsetooth, Pinewood, Carter, and Flatiron Reservoirs.

Through online questionnaires, public meetings and emails, the public has provided important input on relevant issues, opportunities and needs at the four Reservoir Parks in Larimer County. Along with a regional analysis of use trends and site constraints and opportunities, this information was used to identify potential alternatives for future use and development at these facilities. The public is now invited to provide input on the range of alternatives as well as specific elements in terms of facility enhancements and other management recommendations.

Public open houses will be held from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm at the following locations:

  • Wednesday, November 16, 2016, Chilson Center, Large Meeting Room, 700 E. 4th Street, Loveland, Colo., 80537
  • Thursday, November 17, 2016, Larimer County Courthouse, Hearing Room, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, Colo., 80524

The development of alternatives is the second phase of a planning process to develop an RMP and EA for the four reservoirs, which are owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and managed by Larimer County. Comments are being sought on the adequacy of the preliminary alternatives based on comments received from the visioning/scoping input, and any future issues that need addressed. The public will be asked to provide input on improvement concepts for various recreational sites at the Reservoir Parks. You can review materials and provide comments on the Reservoir Parks at both events.

Written comments will be accepted at the public meetings or can be provided online at www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao/nepa/reservoir_parks_mp_comment.html or by e-mail or regular mail. E-mail should be addressed to the attention of Mr. Patrick McCusker at pmccusker@usbr.gov. Regular mail or Fax should be sent to the following address:

Patrick McCusker, Natural Resource Specialist
Bureau of Reclamation
11056 W. County Road 18 E
Loveland, CO 80537
Fax: 970-663-3212

Public comments will be accepted through the 30-day comment period, until December 17, 2016.

More about the plans:

Larimer County and the Bureau of Reclamation are conducting a public process for the development of the RMP and EA. This process is required by Federal Law. Public input into the plan is an important component of the process. For more information, and to sign up for project updates, please visit www.onegreatcountytoplay.com.

More about the RMP/EA

Reclamation owns and operates nearly 7,000 acres of land and water across four reservoirs: Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, and Pinewood Reservoir. Under the terms of an agreement with Reclamation, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages recreational activities and maintains the recreation facilities at these four reservoirs. These four reservoirs are part of the Colorado-Big Thompson water project; water stored in these reservoirs is distributed by Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District for municipal, agricultural, and other uses.

The purpose of the RMP/EA is to balance natural resource protection with recreational opportunities, provide a diversity of recreational experiences, ensure financial stability, and account for future growth and demand. The integrated RMP/EA would replace the 2007 documents and establish a 10-year plan detailing the management framework for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the four regional reservoirs and surrounding lands.

To learn more about the federal RMP and NEPA process, please visit Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao. The information provided at the Public Scoping Meetings will also be available at this site.

Media inquiries or general questions about Reclamation and the RMP/EA should be directed to Sterling Rech at (406) 246-7669 or srech@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.

Relevant Link:

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page