News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Comments on Plan to Acquire Land for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat

Media Contact: Patricia Cox, 602-216-3830, pacox@lc.usbr.gov
Sandy Eto, 6902-216-3857, seto@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: May 26, 2005

Reclamation is seeking comments on its draft Environmental Assessment on the proposed purchase of about 700 acres located within the Gila River floodplain in Graham County, Arizona. This action would partially fulfill requirements of the Endangered Species Act related to Reclamation's modifications to, and SRP's operation of, Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

The property is located about 3 miles southeast of Fort Thomas, just north of U. S. Highway 70. It contains riparian vegetation that is suitable habitat for the federally endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (willow flycatcher).

Under the proposed action, Reclamation would purchase the property, remove trash and debris, and fence the property to manage human use and exclude livestock. The Salt River Project (SRP) would then manage the property to benefit the willow flycatcher. Essentially, there would be no change in the property's current condition.

Reclamation expects the proposed purchase and plan of operation to have no significant environmental impact. However, Reclamation is interested in any public comments on the draft EA prior to making a final decision. The draft EA can be viewed on the Phoenix Area Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/ or a hard copy can be obtained by calling the Environmental Resource Management Division at 602-216-3864 or e-mail rkonst@lc.usbr.gov . Comments should be mailed to Chief, Environmental Resource Management Division, at the above address, Attention PXAO-1500, or faxogram (602) 216-4006, no later than July 1, 2005.

Questions may be directed to Ms. Sandra Eto of the Environmental Resource Management Division, at (602) 216-3857.

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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.