News Release Archive

Reclamation acquiring water for East Bear Creek Unit

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

For Release: August 25, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation proposes to acquire up to 3,331 acre-feet of water for the East Bear Creek Unit of the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. Reclamation has prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment which details Reclamation’s proposed action to enter into an agreement with Merced Irrigation District for the temporary water acquisition through Oct. 31, 2017.

The purpose of the water acquisition is to enhance and maintain wetland habitats for the benefit of migratory waterfowl and wetland-dependent wildlife in the San Joaquin Valley. Water purchased under the agreement will be used to meet Reclamation’s requirement to provide level 4 water supplies as required by the Central Valley Project Improvement Act for habitat management. Habitat management includes timing and duration of fall and late winter flooding, summer water for food production, and permanent wetland habitat maintenance.

The EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=28881 . If you encounter problems accessing the document, please call 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

For questions on the project or to request a copy of the EA and FONSI, please contact Russell Grimes at 916-978-5051 or email rwgrimes@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.