News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Environmental Documents for Siskiyou Resource Conservation District’s Proposed Lower French Creek Off-Channel Habitat Development Project

Media Contact: Louis Moore, 916-978-5100, wmoore@usbr.gov

For Release: November 23, 2016

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact that will allow for the construction of an off-channel pond with coarse woody debris structures and associated vegetation in the floodplain of lower French Creek, a key tributary in the Scott River watershed in Siskiyou County, Calif. The project will improve habitat for juvenile coho salmon.

The key limiting factor to coho salmon recovery has been identified as the juvenile life stage. These restoration activities in the Scott River watershed will improve smolt production and condition. By creating a complex high quality habitat, the completed project is expected to restore the natural channel form and function. This improved habitat will increase the carrying capacity and condition of juvenile coho salmon in the Scott River watershed. This will also contribute to a healthy coho population along the Klamath River in Southern Oregon and the Northern California Coast population.

The EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=26886. If you encounter problems accessing the documents, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the EA and or FONSI, please contact Laura Williams at 541-880-2581 or ljwilliams@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.